The Basset Hound is a strong scenting-hunting breed that is friendly and active. They require a moderate amount of exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Medium, heavy build
• Long, velvety ears
• Wide, long head
• Large paws with thick, heavy pads
• Coat: Loose skin covered with short, stiff, sleek hair; comes in tricolor and lemon/white
• Height: 13-15 inches
• Weight: 45-65 pounds
• Average lifespan: 10-12 years

Temperament

• Well-behaved, even-tempered, gentle, smart, affectionate, friendly
• Interaction with people: Good with children
• Training: Obedient with proper training
• Bark: Can be highly vocal

At Home

• OK for apartments
• Needs daily exercise
• Enjoys running and playing outside

Grooming

• Easy to groom
• Frequent shedder
• Clean ears every week
• Trim toenails regularly

Brief History

• Native to France
• Descended from dwarfed bloodhounds - possibly from dwarfed Saint Hubert hounds
• Historically used to steadily trail animals for hunters traveling on foot
• Became a popular pet among the working-class after the French Revolution

Fido's Facts

• ”Basset” comes from the French word "bas" meaning "low thing" or "dwarf"
• In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Shakespeare described the hounds as having "ears that sweep away the morning dew"
• Excellent sense of smell
• Second most accurate sense of smell in trailing (bloodhound is first)
• Popular companion pet in the U.S.