Personality
Bassets are good-natured, sociable, and unhurried in everything they do. They get on well with children, other dogs, and most people, with the caveat that their attention is selective - they may acknowledge your existence and then continue following their nose regardless.
The stubbornness is real and notable. A Basset who's found an interesting scent is not easily redirected. Recall in open areas is unreliable without consistent training from an early age, and even then it's breed-dependent. Most experienced Basset owners are philosophical about this.
They're not high-energy and are reasonably content with moderate exercise. They do, however, vocalise - the Basset bay is a significant and neighbours-involving sound, and a bored or frustrated Basset will use it.
Exercise
An hour to ninety minutes of moderate exercise daily. Bassets don't need to run; they need to walk, sniff, explore, and follow scent trails. A Basset on a nature walk with time to investigate is more satisfied than one on a brisk pavement walk of equal duration.
The long, heavy body on short legs means Bassets should avoid repeated jumping and stairs where possible, particularly in puppyhood - their structure places considerable stress on joints and the spine.
Weight and Feeding
23–35 kg for adults. Bassets are food-motivated and prone to obesity. Overweight Bassets develop back and joint problems at an accelerated rate - the combination of the long spine, heavy body, and short legs already creates biomechanical strain, and extra weight compounds this significantly.
Measure portions. Resist the persuasion of the eyes. The ears and expression make them look perpetually aggrieved by inadequate feeding, but the weight management is important enough to hold the line.
Health
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a significant risk in Bassets. The chondrodystrophic (short-legged, long-bodied) conformation produces a characteristic spine that's more prone to disc herniation. Signs include back pain, reluctance to go up stairs, weakness in the hindlimbs, and in severe cases, paralysis. Avoiding jumping, using ramps for furniture and car access, and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce risk. Track IVDD →
Ear infections are almost inevitable without consistent prevention. The long, pendulous ears trap moisture and restrict air circulation, creating ideal conditions for yeast and bacterial growth. Ear infections in Bassets are among the most frequently treated conditions in the breed. Track Ear Infections →
Prevention: check and clean ears weekly with a veterinary ear cleaner. Dry thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Lift the ear flap and air it out when you can. A Basset whose ears are cleaned weekly will have far fewer infections than one cleaned only when symptoms appear.
Glaucoma and eye conditions including ectropion (drooping lower eyelids) occur in the breed. Ectropion is common and usually managed conservatively, but severe cases causing chronic eye irritation may need correction.
Hip and elbow dysplasia occur, compounded by the breed's unusual proportions. Track Hip Dysplasia → Track Elbow Dysplasia →
Thrombopathia (a platelet function disorder affecting clotting) is breed-associated. Relevant for any surgical procedure - alert your vet to this possibility.
Bloat (GDV): the deep chest creates some risk. Know the signs. Track Bloat (GDV) →
Skin fold dermatitis around the facial and neck folds in some individuals.
Grooming
The short, dense coat is relatively low-maintenance - weekly brushing removes dead hair. Ears are the primary grooming commitment: clean weekly, dry thoroughly, and do it consistently. A month of neglected ear cleaning in a Basset is a month of infection development.
Check and clean the facial and neck skin folds if your dog has them. Trim nails regularly - Bassets who walk on soft surfaces may not wear them down naturally.
Common Conditions to Watch
- Ear health: weekly checks and cleaning are non-negotiable
- Back pain or hindlimb weakness: IVDD signs - restrict exercise and call vet
- Weight: monthly check; obesity worsens every condition in this breed
- Eye condition: ectropion, discharge, squinting
- Bloat signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do Basset Hounds really need their ears cleaned? Every week, without exception. This is not a nice-to-have for this breed. The combination of long, floppy ears, warm canals, and the breed's tendency toward allergies means infections develop quickly. Weekly cleaning and drying takes five minutes. The alternative is frequent veterinary treatment and a dog in consistent discomfort.
Are Basset Hounds easy to train? They're trainable but selectively attentive. Positive reinforcement with high-value treats works well. Harsh training or repeated commands produce stubbornness and avoidance. Short sessions, high motivation, and realistic expectations about recall and reliability in distracting environments.
Can a Basset Hound live in a flat? Yes, if their exercise needs are met. They're not high-energy indoors and are content to sleep for long periods. The main flat-living consideration is the vocalisation - Bassets bay, and this carries through walls.
Do Bassets shed a lot? Moderate year-round shedding. The short hairs can be surprisingly pervasive. Weekly brushing significantly reduces what ends up on furniture and clothing.