Dog Breed · France
Basset Hound
Short legs, long ears, and a world-class nose for scent trailing.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Basset Hound is a short-legged French scent hound bred to trail hares at a walking pace, recognised worldwide by its long ears, droopy eyes and deep, baying voice. Beneath the comical looks sits a heavy-boned, powerful dog with one of the keenest noses in the canine world, second only to the Bloodhound.
Basset Hound: At a Glance
| Origin | France |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (20–29 kg) |
| Weight | 20-29 kg (44-64 lb) |
| Lifespan | 10–14 years |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard and weather-resistant coat that lies close to the body, usually in tricolour (black, tan and white) or lemon and white. Despite the short hair it sheds steadily year-round, so a weekly rub with a hound mitt or bristle brush keeps loose hair down. The long ears and deep facial folds need regular cleaning and drying to prevent infection, and the breed has a noticeably 'houndy' odour that occasional bathing manages. |
| Temperament | Easygoing, stubborn, friendly |
| Good with | A wonderfully patient, easy-going family dog that tolerates children and rubs along well with other dogs and pets, reflecting its pack-hound heritage. It suits relaxed households and even flats, provided it gets a daily walk, but its stubborn streak and nose-led independence make training slow, so first-time owners need patience and good humour. Off-lead recall is unreliable once a scent takes hold, and the deep bay can carry far. |
History & Origins
The Basset Hound was developed in France, where 'bas' means low, by friars and hunters who wanted a slow, short-legged scent hound that could be followed on foot rather than horseback while tracking hare and rabbit. They descend from older French hounds, with the St Hubert (Bloodhound) line contributing to their tracking ability, and were refined in both France and Britain during the 19th century. British breeders, including those associated with Lord Galway and Sir Everett Millais, helped standardise the modern type after the breed appeared at English shows in the 1870s. The breed later gained huge popular affection through advertising and cartoons, cementing its image as the soulful, long-eared hound.
Basset Hound Fun Facts
- Its ears are not just for show: the long flaps sweep ground scent upward toward the nose, while the loose facial folds trap and hold odour particles as the dog trails.
- The Basset's nose is among the most powerful of any breed, carrying roughly 220 million scent receptors and ranking just behind the Bloodhound for tracking ability.
- Despite standing only about 33-38 cm tall, a Basset is surprisingly heavy and dense, often weighing as much as dogs that stand far taller.
- Because they are so heavy-bodied and short-legged, many Bassets are poor swimmers and can struggle to keep their long frame afloat, so water needs supervision.
Basset Hound Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Ear infections
Ear infections can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Obesity
Excess weight strains joints and organs and shortens lifespan.
Care: Measure meals, limit treats, and maintain daily exercise appropriate for the breed.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Disc material presses on the spinal cord, causing back pain or paralysis in long-backed breeds.
Care: Prevent jumping from heights, maintain healthy weight, and treat back pain as an emergency if legs fail.
Every dog deserves a chance
Whatever breed steals your heart, millions of dogs around the world have no home at all. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds humane care for street and community dogs — vaccination, neutering and emergency treatment.
