Basset Hound
This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.
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Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Hound |
| Size | Medium (40-65 lbs) |
| Height | Up to 15 inches |
| Lifespan | 12-13 years |
| Temperament | Patient, Low-Key, Charming |
| Good with Kids | Excellent |
| Good with Other Dogs | Very Good |
| Shedding | Moderate-High |
| Exercise Needs | Low-Moderate (30-45 minutes daily) |
| Trainability | Moderate (independent thinkers) |
Recommended for Basset Hounds
The Farmer's Dog - Fresh food for joint health | Embark DNA - Genetic health screening | Spot Insurance - Coverage for ear and back issues
Save on Basset Care
Chewy Autoship - 35% off first Autoship order, then 5% off repeat orders | Lemonade Pet - Affordable insurance from $15/month | K9 Training Institute - Training for stubborn breeds
Top Food Choices for Basset Hounds
The Farmer's Dog - Pre-portioned fresh meals | Ollie - Custom calorie-controlled food | Hill's Science Diet - Weight management formulas
Low to the ground and deaf to advice
Bassets stand up to about 15 inches and weigh 40 to 65 pounds, with a life often around 12 to 13 years. They are patient and charming, and they are hounds. Training is negotiation. Food works better than repetition. Other dogs are usually welcome. Children do well if nobody is allowed to ride the dog like a bench.
Exercise looks modest and still has to happen. A fat basset is an orthopedic and an ear problem. The loose skin and the long ear need a weekly look, not a bath twice a year. They drool. They bay. An apartment can work if the neighbors can live with a hound voice.
Back, ear, and a twisted stomach
Intervertebral disc disease is the long-back emergency: a yelp and a dog that will not move. Ear infections are the chronic one. Glaucoma and ectropion are the eyes. Bloat happens in deep-chested dogs even when the dog is short. VCA's disc-disease page is worth a read. Sudden back pain is the limping guide and a same-day clinic.
Basset hound questions
Are bassets lazy?
They are low-key in the house and stubborn on a scent. A daily walk still matters, because the extra weight lands on a long spine and on ears that already infect easily.
Why do their eyes look red?
Droopy lids collect debris, and glaucoma is a real risk. A suddenly painful, cloudy, or bulging eye is an emergency. Wiping the ordinary tear is not the same visit.
Can they be off leash?
Not if you like having the dog. The nose outranks you. A long line on a walk is the honest tool.
Decision Guides for Basset Hound
Use these only when comparing food, insurance, ownership budget, or beginner fit for this specific pet.