France
Hound Group
Medium
12–15 in
40–65 lbs
10–12 years
Meet the Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, soulful eyes, and calm, affectionate personality. They are loyal, patient, and love being part of the family. With their powerful nose and easygoing attitude, they make wonderful companions for homes of all sizes.
Where It All Began
The Basset Hound originated in France in the 1500s, developed for hunting small game such as rabbits. Bred for their incredible scenting ability and endurance, they remain one of the world's best tracking hounds today.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
This breed is content with modest daily exercise and enjoys plenty of relaxed time at home.
- ✓ 20–30 minutes of exercise daily
- ✓ Comfortable with apartment living
- ✓ Enjoys relaxed lounging time
✂ Grooming Needs
Grooming is easy — an occasional brush and bath is usually all that is needed.
- ✓ Brushing once a week
- ✓ Bathe only as needed
- ✓ Routine nail trims
❤ Keeping Healthy
Like all breeds, the Basset Hound benefits from routine vet checkups and preventive care; the conditions below are the ones responsible breeders and owners watch most closely.
- • Hip Dysplasia
- • Ear Infections
- • Allergies
$ Cost of Ownership
Estimated costs vary by breeder, location and individual dog; use these as a general planning guide.
Purchase Price: $800 – $2,500
Monthly Cost: $65 – $100
First Year Cost: $1,880 – $4,400
Lifetime Cost: $8,600 – $16,900
👍 Pros
- Adapts well to apartment or condo living
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Low-maintenance coat that's easy to groom
👎 Cons
- Can be stubborn, better suited to experienced owners
- May not be the ideal first dog for a brand-new owner
- Can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long
💡 Did You Know?
The Basset Hound originally comes from France and belongs to the Hound Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as good with Families.
Compare Basset Hound
See how the Basset Hound stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
