At a glance
The Basset Hound lives 12 to 13 years, weighs 18 to 30 kg, and stands just 33 to 38 cm at the shoulder. Sweet-tempered, patient, and devoted, with a deep baying voice and a nose-first stubbornness that kicks in on any interesting trail. Originally bred in 16th-century France for hunting small game on foot. Health note: the long spine with short legs creates real IVDD and joint risk; obesity makes it worse. Ears need weekly cleaning to avoid chronic infections. Puppy prices: £800 to £1,800 (UK) / $800 to $1,500 (USA).
Characteristics
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed with a long, powerful body and strikingly short legs. Its distinctive head is characterized by long, low-set ears and pronounced skin folds that give it a gentle and sometimes melancholic expression. The eyes are dark and radiate a friendly, good-natured look. Its dense, short coat is smooth and lies close to the body, appearing in various color combinations typically in tricolor or bicolor patterns. Particularly striking is its loose skin, which falls into folds around the neck and head, giving the Basset Hound its characteristic appearance.
Information
The Basset Hound is a friendly and balanced dog with a gentle nature. It is characterized by its patient and affectionate demeanor, making it an excellent family dog. Despite its sometimes slightly stubborn character, it is very people-oriented and enjoys the company of its primary people. Its scenthound heritage also makes it an enduring and curious companion that loves working with its nose and shows impressive persistence. At the same time, the Basset Hound is known for its composure and is not easily rattled, making it a pleasant and easygoing companion.
Nutrition
The Basset Hound tends to gain weight quickly due to its body structure and rather relaxed nature. Therefore, a balanced and high-quality diet is particularly important. Good wet food is often better suited for this breed than dry food, as it has a higher moisture content, thus relieving the kidneys. High-quality wet food usually also has a higher meat content and fewer unnecessary fillers, which supports the Basset Hound's digestion. Controlled feeding with appropriately sized portions is important to prevent obesity, which could place additional strain on the joints. Healthy treats should also be given in moderation to keep daily calorie intake in check.
Care
The Basset Hound is a calm and friendly breed that makes a good family dog. Due to its long body and short legs, it is important to ensure joint-friendly keeping. Stair climbing should be avoided as much as possible to prevent unnecessary strain on the spine. Since the Basset Hound tends toward obesity, it needs a balanced diet as well as regular but not overly strenuous walks. Its dense, short coat requires only minimal grooming, occasional brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair. Special attention should be given to the long ears, as they are prone to infections and should be checked and cleaned regularly. Its eyes can also be sensitive and should be cleaned as needed. With loving consistency in training and sufficient activity, the Basset Hound feels most comfortable.
Accessories
The Basset Hound is known for its long body, short legs, and characteristic floppy ears. Due to its special body structure, it needs particularly comfortable accessories that protect its joints and provide adequate support. A well-padded dog bed with a low entry height is ideal so it can comfortably get in and out without unnecessarily straining its spine. An ergonomic fit is also important for harnesses, ensuring they do not press on the long back or restrict freedom of movement. Since the Basset Hound has an excellent nose and loves to sniff extensively, a longer tracking leash is perfect for walks, giving it enough freedom to explore without losing control. Grooming accessories such as a soft brush help keep its short, dense coat clean, while specially designed food and water bowls with non-slip bottoms prevent its long ears from constantly hanging in the food or water.
History
The Basset Hound originally comes from France and has a long history as a hunting dog. Its ancestors trace back to short-legged scent hounds specifically bred for hunting small game. Noble hunters particularly valued these dogs for their keen sense of smell and their deliberate manner, which made them ideal for tracking. Over time, the breed made its way to England, where it was further developed and refined. Through targeted breeding, the Basset Hound received its characteristic appearance with its long ears and powerful build. Today, it is known as a hunting dog and as a friendly and balanced companion.
Health
The Basset Hound is a robust breed that is nevertheless prone to certain health issues. Due to its long back and short legs, it can be susceptible to spinal conditions, especially if overweight or frequently climbing stairs. Its long ears are characteristic of the breed but require special care, as they are prone to inflammation when moisture or dirt accumulates inside. The Basset Hound's skin folds should also be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent irritation or infections. Joint problems, particularly in the elbows and hips, also occur in this breed, which is why controlled growth during puppyhood and adapted exercise are important. A balanced diet and regular veterinary visits help support the Basset Hound's health and prevent potential issues.
Trainability
The Basset Hound is a rather laid-back dog that does not need excessive activity but still appreciates regular walks and mental stimulation. Despite its sometimes headstrong character, it can be trained well with patience and consistency. Its keen nose means it often has a mind of its own during training and can easily be distracted by interesting scents. Positive reinforcement and a playful approach help motivate it and channel its natural abilities in the right direction.
Basset Hound price: what to expect and why costs vary
Purchase price depends primarily on the breeder's health testing programme, pedigree, and country. Reputable breeders health-screen parents for hip and elbow dysplasia and eye conditions before breeding, which is especially important given the Basset's structural vulnerabilities. Show-line dogs from championship-winning parents sit at the top of the range; working or pet-line pups from tested stock come in at the lower end.
In the UK, The Kennel Club recommends buying only from assured breeders who can provide health certificates. In the USA, the Basset Hound Club of America lists health-testing requirements for member breeders. Rescue and rehoming organisations are worth considering: there are active Basset Hound breed rescues in both countries with adult dogs available.
Prices by country (2026)
| Country | Typical range | Minimum from a reputable breeder |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £800–£1,800 | £800 |
| United States | $800–$1,500 | $800 |
| Canada | CAD 1,200–2,500 | CAD 1,200 |
| Australia | AUD 1,500–2,800 | AUD 1,500 |
| Ireland | EUR 900–1,800 | EUR 900 |
Red flags: no health certificates for parents, selling before 8 weeks, refusing a home visit, or prices well below the ranges above. Given the breed's IVDD and ear infection history, a puppy from untested stock can mean significant vet bills down the line.
Monthly running costs
A Basset Hound's ongoing costs are easy to underestimate. Quality wet food for a 25 kg dog runs around £60 to £90 per month in the UK (or $70 to $110 in the USA). Annual vet care (check-up, vaccinations, parasite prevention) adds roughly £300 to £500; pet insurance typically costs £40 to £80 per month depending on cover level. Weekly ear-cleaning supplies and occasional grooming add around £10 to £15 per month. Year-one total including purchase price, vaccinations, bedding, harness, and long lead: budget £3,500 to £6,000 in the UK, or $4,000 to $7,000 in the USA.
