medium breed Hound From France

Basset Hound: Personality, Size, Traits and Care Guide

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized hound breed from France that has earned a steady following among dog enthusiasts. Common temperament keywords include easygoing, devoted, and patient, and most well-socialised dogs of this breed live up to that reputation. Historically associated with the role of a scent hound for rabbit and hare trailing, the breed still carries traits shaped by that work. Below you will find a practical breakdown of the breed's needs, suitability for different households, and frequently asked questions.

Quick facts

Group: Hound
Origin: France
Size: Medium
Life expectancy: 12–13 years
Male height: 12–15 in
Female height: 12–14 in
Male weight: 55–75 lb
Female weight: 45–65 lb
Coat type: short, smooth, hard
Colours: tricolor, lemon and white, red and white

Trait ratings

Energy 2/5

Exercise needs 2/5

Trainability 2/5

Grooming 2/5

Shedding 3/5

Good with kids 5/5

Apartment-friendly 3/5

Barking 4/5

Ratings are 0–5 general guidance from the breed dataset. Individual dogs always vary.

Personality and temperament

Temperament keywords commonly attached to the Basset Hound include easygoing, devoted, patient, and stubborn. Energy levels are usually low, which directly affects how much daily stimulation the dog will look for. They can be playful in the right mood, especially with familiar people. Many Basset Hounds are vocal and will bark to communicate, which is worth knowing for terraced or shared homes.

Size and appearance

Visually, the Basset Hound is a medium-sized breed whose proportions reflect its working background. Adult males typically stand around 12–15 inches at the shoulder, with females usually a little smaller at 12–14 inches. Weight ranges sit broadly at 55–75 lb for males and 45–65 lb for females, with variation by line and conditioning. Their coat is generally described as short, smooth, hard. Common coat colours include tricolor, lemon and white, red and white.

Coat and grooming

Grooming needs are generally light. A weekly brush with periodic baths is usually sufficient. Shedding is moderate — manageable with consistent brushing, but visible on furniture and clothing. Some drooling is typical, particularly after eating and drinking.

Exercise needs

Daily exercise needs are generally modest. Around 30–45 minutes a day of walking and play, plus indoor enrichment, tends to suit them. Mental stimulation alongside physical exercise helps keep behaviour balanced.

Training

Trainability is generally workable. Training tends to take more time and creativity; short, motivating sessions and consistent boundaries usually work better than long drills. First-time owners can manage with research and ideally some support from a qualified trainer.

Family suitability

This breed is often considered child-friendly when raised in family environments, though all interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised. They tend to get along with other dogs given proper introductions. Most are sociable with new people and warm up quickly to visitors.

Living environment

Apartment living is workable with daily outings, mental enrichment, and access to outdoor spaces. Climate-wise, the breed is more sensitive to heat and benefits from shade and cool times of day and is less suited to cold weather without a coat and careful planning.

Pros and cons

Often loved for

✓Often considered good with children when properly socialised
✓Relatively low grooming maintenance
✓Tends to be sociable with new people

Worth considering

!Can be vocal
!Higher prey drive — care needed around small animals
!Training requires patience and creativity
!Climate-sensitive — needs thoughtful weather management

Who this breed is best for

The Basset Hound is generally a good fit for households that can match its needs: patience with training, tolerance of a vocal dog, and ongoing time, training and care across what is typically a 10–15 year commitment. As always, individual dogs vary — meeting specific dogs and speaking to experienced owners is the best way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Basset Hound a good family dog?

Many Basset Hounds are considered family-friendly, particularly when raised around respectful children. That said, individual temperaments vary and supervision around young children is always recommended.

How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?

Shorter, regular walks plus light play and enrichment usually meet the Basset Hound's daily needs.

Does a Basset Hound shed a lot?

Shedding is moderate. Weekly to twice-weekly brushing usually keeps loose hair manageable.

Is a Basset Hound easy to train?

Training a Basset Hound often requires creativity and patience. Short, motivating sessions and clear consistency from all household members help most.

Can a Basset Hound live in an apartment?

Apartment living can work for a Basset Hound with consistent daily outings, training, and mental stimulation.

How long do Basset Hounds live?

Average life expectancy for the Basset Hound is typically around 12–13 years. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and chance.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Reference source: AKC · Reviewed 2026-04-13