The Basset Hound is an easily recognizable dog breed thanks to their long ears, sad eyes and wrinkled face.
Described as an appealing dog breed, the Basset Hound is a member of the American Kennel Club’s Hound group.
The breed originated in Belgium and France but was first recognised by the respected dog organization back in 1885.
These small dogs are endearing family pets that are good-natured family pets and sociable with new people and dogs.
As of 2021, the Basset Hound finished as the 34th most-popular dog breed in the United States Of America.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at Basset Hound pros and cons, examining the advantages and disadvantages of the dog beed.
Basset Hound Pros
Friendly and good-natured
Basset Hound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The AKC describe the Basset Hound as a “perennial favourite of dog lovers all over the world”. The breed is perhaps one of the most easily identifiable due to their charming appearance. Basset Hounds tend to be friendly dogs that will get along with new people and new dogs. This is a good thing seeing as the Basset Hound’s appearance and overall popularity will usually result in lots of questions when you go for a walk. It’s a good idea to take your Basset Hound pup to socialization classes from a young age to improve your chances of living with a well-balanced dog.
A Reddit owner shared that her Basset Hound is extremely social.
Super social, our girl is the most social in a doggie daycare of 60+ dogs (so we’re told by the owner).
Kyle added that Basset Hounds aren’t necessarily people pleasers.
Sweet, stubborn, and often affectionate but not pleasers which can make them harder to train. Their nose wins and that must be remembered. They are a scent hound.
Independent
Basset Hounds are independent dogs that can be strong-willed and do things their own way. Their independence can be a good thing because they’re unlikely to be a stereotypical velcro dog that basically acts as your shadow. While they’re loyal dogs to the family unit, Basset Hounds aren’t typically glued to one member of the home unlike other breeds who latch onto one particular person. So if you want a dog that isn’t needy, the Basset Hound could be a potential match.
The AKC write on their website that Bassets were bred to follow a scent single-mindedly, blocking out all distractions. This has made them highly alert and independent, if sometimes reluctant to take instruction.
Fun-loving
If you’re looking for a goofy canine companion, the Basset Hound has a reputation for being a bit of a dork. They can be quite silly at times but the breed is sweet. The AKC describe their mournful eyes and wrinkled brow as looking like a sad clown. However, the Basset Hound breed is sure to make you laugh as you share your day-to-day life with your four-legged friend.
A Basset Hound owner shared how her dogs made her laugh at the end of a long day at work.
As the owner of two Basset Hounds, I can confirm this. It is the highlight of my day to get home from work and immediately get my dogs to start chasing me around the yard. Always puts a smile on my face.
Family pets
The AKC give the Basset Hound breed three stars out of five for being affectionate with the family but five stars out of five for being good with young children. They’re described as being “mild and agreeable at home”. They’re usually tolerant of children but parents should take their manners for granted. Basset Hound owners should monitor their dog around children at all times because accidents can happen. With a fun-loving personality matched with by impressive stamina, the Basset Hound can keep pace in a home with children.
A Basset owner shared his experience owning a Basset Hound on social media.
They have fantastic personalities. I’ve only ever met one that was a bit of a punk but he was old. Great family dogs. Good with kids, cats and other small animals.
Another Reddit user described what life is like with these laid-back dogs.
You will get a loyal, laid back best friend, that’s also great around children. Everybody loves a basset, when you’re in public.
Basset Hound Cons
Stubborn
Basset Hound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
While Basset Hounds tend to be independent dogs, this can spill over into stubbornness. These dogs were bred to follow a trail and think independently in pursuit of a target, so Basset Hounds won’t necessarily listen to instruction if they aren’t well-trained. It’s a constant process – too. Basset Hound owners will find value in continuing to follow a training regimen with their bloodhound to maintain their discipline and obedience. During our research on the breed, the word stubborn cropped up constantly. It appears stubborn is an understatement with this particular breed!
A Basset owner shared her experience with her stubborn hound.
My girl is a real character, I call her the ‘cartoon dog’, because she is strong willed, stubborn and has a mischievous streak but she is so worth the trouble. Bassets are not your average type dog but once you get one you’re hooked
Potty training
Another common trend with Basset Hound owners is difficulty house breaking their long-eared dogs. Basset Hounds are notoriously tricky to potty train. It requires a lot of effort on the part of the pet parents to persevere.
Roger revealed that his Basset Hound still isn’t fully potty trained.
Potty training has been rough – she still goes on the carpet and she’s 2. Even when she can go outside anytime she wants.
Another Basset owner emphasised that patience is required. Lots of it!
Potty training may take more time than with some other dogs, you must be consistent, i.e. Take pup outside at regular intervals, praise the heck out of him/her as soon as “results” are achieved. We have always had dog doors so our Bassets could let themselves in and out to a fenced area. I guess that makes us the lazy ones! Be patient, no that mistakes will be made.
Howling
When you think about Basset Hound, one of the first traits that comes to mind is their booming voices. The Basset breed have a distinctive howl that they like to sound frequently. The AKC describe their voice as “loud, ringing voice”. This can be a problem if you live in an apartment or city dwelling with neighbours close by.
The AKC write online that while these dogs are mild-mannered and gentle dogs, they’re not afraid to assert themselves. When they do speak up, you’ll know about it: they have a deep, resonant bark.
Meresithea gave an insight into life with her Basset Hound called Rufus.
All emotions are expressed vocally! This means lots of barking, maybe howling, definitely some whining to get their way. Bassets will bark at the mail carrier, delivery people, people walking in your neighborhood…because it’s Tuesday, at the wind, because they want to. If you can’t handle a loud dog, a Basset isn’t for you.
Drooling and slobbering
Basset Hounds will drool and slobber a lot so it’s something prospective owners will need to consider. They’ll usually drool whenever they’re eating their food or drinking water. Basset Hounds will drool if they’re follow a scent. You’ll notice on your daily walks that they’ll drool a lot so you’ll need to stand back if they go for a head shake.
A Basset Hound owner warned to expect drool on your walls!
They also drool a lot and it ends up flicked up the walls and everywhere you can imagine.
Doggie smell and gas
Basset Hound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
While the breed may be mild-mannered, they might not have the best manners. For instance, the Basset Hound have a reputation for being gassy dogs. While a change in diet could go some way to helping with their wind, the Basset Hound breed do tend to have a slight doggie odor (or strong, depending on the dog). You’ll notice that your house will probably start to develop a strong, doggie smell. They’ll need an occasional bath to keep their coats clean and healthy.
A Reddit user suggested a Basset isn’t a good choice for anyone who is house proud.
They are amazing and awesome dogs but if you’re the sort of person who needs everything to be clean and smelling beautiful then a Basset may not be for you.
Another Reddit comment revealed that Basset owners will end up smelling like their dog.
If you have a Basset, you will smell like the Basset. It’s not a bad smell, but everyone that you meet with know that you own a dog.
Health problems
Basset Hounds are prone to some health problems that prospective owners should read about before they bring home one of these dogs. They’re prone to glaucoma, thrombopathia and bloat. Your breeder should be checking and screening for some of these health conditions. If they become overweight, it can put a strain on their spine and their joints. Their droopy ears and eyes will need to be monitored and cleaned regularly as they can easily be prone to infection,
