Known for their short, stocky bodies and long, floppy ears, the Basset Hound is an adorable family dog. They tend to have a playful, goofy personality and a sweet, gentle nature. Here are a few more facts about Basset Hounds:

1. They Have One of the Best Noses

Overall, dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Within the canine world, hound dogs, and particularly scent hounds, are at the top of the pack when it comes to their sense of smell. Basset Hounds have an incredible nose and are considered second only to the Bloodhound when it comes to their sense of smell and ability to track a scent.

2. Basset Hounds Are Great For Families

Because Basset Hounds tend to have a sweet nature and a gentle disposition, they also tend to be excellent with children. And, they tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets in the family. This makes them one of the popular dog breeds, especially for families.

As a hound dog, they can have a higher prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with smaller pets in the household. But, all of their great traits make them a great fit for families. With proper socialization, Basset Hounds even tend to be one of the best dog breeds for cats.

3. They Can Sometimes Be Stubborn

Basset Hounds, in general, are highly trainable. They do tend to pick up on things quickly. But, they can also be stubborn at times with a tendency to wander off after interesting scents and also to chase after wildlife.

Not only can this make training them more difficult, but it also means that they should not be let off-leash unless they are in a securely fenced area. These dogs can still be a good fit for novice dog owners, but puppy training classes are recommended. These classes are a great idea anyway because they often provide opportunities to socialize a puppy.

4. Basset Hounds Don’t Require a Ton of Exercise

Unlike many other hunting dogs, the Basset Hound is not a high-energy dog breed. They still need daily walks plus some playtime or other activity to stay happy and healthy. But, they also won’t run you ragged.

You need to be aware of overexertion in hot weather as they are particularly sensitive to heat. They are also prone to weight gain, so you do want to make sure they have a healthy diet, not too many treats, and enough regular exercise.

5. They Can Be Vocal

Like many hound dogs, the Basset Hound can be prone to barking and howling. Some of it is instinctual, so you may not be able to make them stop completely.

However, with training and socialization early on, you can help reduce how often it happens. You can also work to train your dog to stop barking by training them to respond to a command to stop or redirect the behavior when it happens to help make it more manageable.

6. They Are Stocky and Solid

Basset Hounds have more bone per pound than most other dogs. Even though they only reach about 15 inches in height, they typically weigh up to 70 pounds. This means they are incredibly stocky and solid. Many adults struggle to carry full-grown Basset Hounds!

7. Basset Hounds Are Very Social

Don’t let their sleepy eyes fool you! Basset Hounds are very social dogs. They love their family and get along very well with pets and other children. They are so pack-oriented that they can suffer from loneliness if they’re left alone too long.

Lethargy, reduced appetite, destructive behavior, and more can all be signs your dog is lonely, bored, etc. If you know you may be gone a lot, consider getting your Basset Hound a friend to keep him company.

8. Their Eyes and Ears Need Regular Cleaning

All dogs need their ears cleaned regularly, but because of the floppy nature of Basset Hound’s ears, they need even more maintenance. Experts recommend checking your Basset Hound’s ears weekly and cleaning them as needed, as their large ears can trap air, dirt, and more, which can lead to infections.

Basset Hounds also need their eyes cleaned regularly as well. Their droopy eyes can be a great place for dirt and debris to hide, so make sure you are carefully and gently cleaning around their eyes.

These are just a few facts about Basset Hounds. Basset Hounds can be a great fit for single owners or families who can give them the exercise, attention, mental stimulation, and training they need to be a happy and healthy dog.

If you think this could be the right dog breed for you, learn more about them and take a look at the available Basset Hound puppies! You could end up finding your new best friend!