Photo: Desaix83, d'après le travail de Canarian · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Dog breed

basset

GentleEasygoingScent-drivenAffectionateStubborn

Bassets are gentle, easygoing hounds with a famously good nose and a friendly disposition toward nearly everyone they meet. They are patient with children and usually get along well with other dogs, though their strong scent drive means they can wander off after an interesting smell. They tend to be laid-back indoors and can be stubborn when they decide something is not worth the effort.

Day to day, a basset needs regular walks that let them sniff, since scent work is genuinely satisfying for them. Their long ears and low, heavy bodies call for routine ear checks and attention to weight, because extra pounds strain the back. Expect some baying and a deep voice when something catches their interest.

Good for: Calm homes, families with children, owners who enjoy sniffing walks

Living with a basset

Exercise

Daily walks of about 30 to 60 minutes work well, with time to sniff freely. Short, steady activity is better than long hard runs given their low, heavy build.

Grooming

Their short, dense coat sheds moderately year-round. A weekly brushing helps, along with regular ear cleaning, since the long ears can trap moisture and debris.

Health

Bassets are prone to back problems such as intervertebral disc disease, as well as ear infections and glaucoma. Ask your vet about screening and how to keep your dog at a healthy weight.

Questions owners ask

Do bassets shed a lot?

They shed moderately throughout the year, with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing keeps loose hair under control and reduces hair around the house.

Can a basset live in an apartment?

Yes, bassets adapt well to apartments because they are fairly calm indoors. They still need daily walks to stay happy and to keep their weight in check.

Do bassets bark a lot?

Bassets are vocal and may bay when excited or when they catch an interesting scent. Consistent training and enough exercise help limit excessive barking.