Basset Hound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Low | 10% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Basset Hound right for you?
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers. Day to day, the Basset Hound needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Basset Hound needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. With low energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Basset Hound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Basset Hound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Basset Hound takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency and barks a moderate amount, usually with reason. It handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Basset Hound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Basset Hound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Trainability: Low — the Basset Hound is less biddable than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Basset Hound is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Drooling: Medium — the Basset Hound drools more than the typical breed, though not dramatically. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Basset Hound needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Basset Hound actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Basset Hound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Good fit | Low energy and medium barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Medium prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Guides the Basset Hound is ranked in
The Basset Hound earns a place on 4 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Gentle families
- Apartment living
- Senior owners
- Patient households
Things to consider
- Prone to back problems
- Can be stubborn
- Drools moderately
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Basset Hound good with children?
- Yes — the Basset Hound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Basset Hound shed a lot?
- The Basset Hound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Basset Hound need?
- With low energy, the Basset Hound needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Basset Hound live?
- The Basset Hound typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Basset Hound live in an apartment?
- The Basset Hound can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Basset Hound easy to train?
- The Basset Hound takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Basset Hound be left alone during the day?
- The Basset Hound handles a normal workday on its own with gradual preparation. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.