Most important facts
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 18–27 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–12 years
- Coat
- Short, smooth and dense
- Energy
- Low
- Height
- 33–38 cm
- Colours
- Tricolour or lemon and white
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£40/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, orthopaedic bed, ear-cleaning wipes
Typical dry food, adult
About the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound descends from French pack hounds bred deliberately low, the name coming from bas, meaning low, so that hunters on foot could follow the trail all day. British breeders took the type up in the 1870s and gave it the heavier build and longer ears we know now. The nose is second only to the Bloodhound's, and the dog attached to it has never once been in a hurry.
Bassets are placid, sociable dogs that take life at their own unhurried pace. Bred to work in a pack on scent, they are typically tolerant and easy-going with children and other dogs, if a little reserved with strangers at first. The mournful look hides a quietly playful, affectionate nature.
This is an independent breed with a mind of its own, built to follow a trail for hours without direction, which reads at home as selective hearing. Training runs on patience and high-value rewards, and because they dislike long hours alone, company and scent games matter as much as walks.
Common health conditions
Things Basset Hound owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Elbow dysplasia
A malformed elbow joint that brings early arthritis. Keeping a Basset lean takes pressure off joints that already work hard.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
The long back and short legs strain the spine, so extra weight sharply raises the risk of disc trouble.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
The deep chest makes this breed vulnerable to a twisted stomach. Smaller, slower meals and rest around exercise reduce the risk.
Skin fold dermatitis and ear infections
Loose skin and long ears trap moisture and debris, so regular cleaning and thorough drying keep folds and ears comfortable.
Obesity
A hearty appetite and a relaxed nature mean weight creeps on easily, so weighed meals beat free feeding every time.
Feeding a Basset Hound
Bassets carry weight easily, and with a long spine and short legs already working hard, any surplus goes straight onto the risk of back and joint trouble. Weigh out a set daily allowance, keep treats to a small share of the day, and check their shape by hand regularly.
The deep chest brings bloat risk, so divide the day's ration into two or three smaller sittings, use a slow feeder and keep boisterous exercise away from mealtimes. A joint-supportive recipe suits the breed's build, and the waistline tells you more than the bathroom scales.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Basset Hound needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
18–27 kg
Est. daily calories
730–1,160 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Basset Hounds eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.31
- Per month
- ~£40
- Per year
- ~£478
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Basset Hound
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Basset Hound by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs4/10
- Appetite9/10
- Trainability4/10
- Good with children9/10
- Shedding5/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- A gentle, easy-going family temperament
- A wonderful nose that makes scent games rewarding
- Sociable with people, children and dogs
Worth knowing
- Gains weight very easily
- The long back raises spinal and joint risks
- An independent streak slows training
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much exercise does a Basset Hound actually need?
Around an hour a day, ideally split into a couple of walks with plenty of sniffing time rather than one long march. They are not a high-energy breed, but regular movement is what keeps the weight and joints in order. Swimming suits the build well too.
Why do Basset Hounds put on weight so easily?
A strong appetite meets a naturally relaxed activity level, so calories in outpace calories out with ease. Feed a measured amount to their waistline rather than their begging, and the Food Finder can match a portion-appropriate food.
What kind of food suits a Basset Hound's joints and back?
A complete food with joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin is worth considering for this build, but a lean weight does more for the back than any single ingredient.
Do Basset Hounds shed much and need a lot of grooming?
Shedding is moderate and a weekly brush covers the coat. The real work is the skin folds and long ears, which need checking and drying regularly to stay comfortable.