Bassets 101

Hound group

Few breeds are as instantly recognizable as the Basset Hound, known both for a heavy, low-slung body and long, velvety ears. This hound is no lightweight and is essentially a full-sized dog on short legs. Also full-sized is this dog's voice: A full-throated bay once used to alert hunters but now sounded as an alarm or a sign of this dog's playful nature. Bassets aren't as high-energy as other hounds, but they do enjoy getting out and exploring the world with their noses. Devoted to their families, these dogs can be selective when it comes to people they don't know.

What we love about Bassets

Sweet hound with a distinctive look and voice

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

12 to 15 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 12 to 15 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 13 years

Lifespan: 12 to 13 years average

Weight

40 to 60 lbs

Weight: 40 to 60 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
12 to 15 inches
Lifespan
12 to 13 years
Weight
40 to 60 lbs

The Basset Hound stands 12 to 15 inches tall and weighs 40 to 60 lbs. Basset Hounds have a lifespan of 12 to 13 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Basset Hounds get?
Basset Hounds stand 12 to 15 inches tall and typically weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.
How long do Basset Hounds live?
The average lifespan of a Basset Hound is 12 to 13 years.
Are Basset Hounds good for first-time dog owners?
Basset Hounds have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Basset Hounds bark a lot?
Basset Hounds are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Basset Hound health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Basset

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Mid-life Basset Hounds should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Basset

9+ years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Senior Basset Hounds face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Cushings disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk

Basset puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Basset Hound puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk

Young adult Basset

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

As Basset Hounds grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Basset

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Mid-life Basset Hounds should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health.

40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Basset

9+ years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Senior Basset Hounds face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Splenic cancer and Lymphatic cancer and Cushings disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Splenic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk

Basset puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Basset conditions

Basset Hound puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Ear infection and Foreign body ingestion and Gastroenteritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk

Young adult Basset

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Basset conditions

As Basset Hounds grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid) and Foreign body ingestion are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid)
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
Basset Hound standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Basset Hound's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Ear infection: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 4 years)
Cherry eye (prolapsed 3rd eyelid): Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
Ear infection: Above Average Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Above Average Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk
Senior (9+ years)
Splenic cancer: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk
Basset hound introduction

Bassets have appeared in numerous TV shows and movies and have been cartoon characters many times. Elvis Presley thought being "nothin' but a hound dog" was just fine, so he had several Bassets.

Basset Hound coat care and colors

Although Bassets have a short, smooth coat that's easy to care for, they do have special grooming needs because of their ears and wrinkles. All that droopy skin can trap moisture and debris, serving as a breeding ground for infections. Skin folds and ears should be checked and cleaned every week. Your veterinary healthcare team can recommend the best products to use. Bassets also tend to drool, so keep a towel handy.

Basset exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Bassett Hound was developed to move at a steady, dignified pace while tracking game with humans walking along. If kept fit, they have good levels of stamina and will enjoy long walks with lots of sniffing.

Trainability

Trainability

As with many hounds, the Basset was developed to follow their nose while pursuing game. They're excellent at this, but they're not as interested in doing what you ask of them.

Basset fun facts

Top girl names for Bassets

100%

of Bassets are female

0%

of Bassets are male

Top boy names for Bassets

Nationwide loves Basset Hounds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Basset Hound gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Basset Hounds insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Basset Hound statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Bassets

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