Best Gear for Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are low-slung scent hounds prone to ear infections (their long ears trap moisture), intervertebral disc disease, obesity, and bloat. They're low-energy but stubborn, with a tendency to overeat.
Weight
40-65 lbs
Height
11-15 in
Lifespan
10-12 yrs
Energy
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Trainability
Stubborn
Life with a Basset Hound
Your Basset Hound has locked onto a scent trail and is now moving with the focused determination of a detective who has all day. You have somewhere to be. This is irrelevant.
Your dog's ears touched the floor when they were walking and they tripped over them, recovered their dignity completely, and kept going without acknowledging it happened.
The baying started at 7 AM because a squirrel was near the property. The neighbors have opinions about this. Your Basset does not.
You've had to explain to multiple people that your dog is not sad, not sick, and not in distress. This is just their face. It has always been this face.
Your 55-pound dog is currently attempting to be a lap dog and winning.
What Owners Say
“r/BassetHound is clear: the nose will always win. Your Basset is not ignoring you on a walk — they are simply operating on a different information layer than you have access to, and whatever they're smelling is more interesting than anything you have to say.”
Games Basset Hounds Actually Love
Nose Work Trails
Bassets have one of the most powerful scent systems in the dog kingdom — second only to Bloodhounds. Lay a treat trail through the yard or house and let them
Find It Scatter Game
Toss a handful of small kibble pieces into grass or a snuffle mat and let them sniff them out one by one. A Basset with their nose to the ground
Tracking on Leash
Let them set the pace on a dedicated 'sniff walk' where the whole point is following whatever trail they find. This gives them an outlet for their primary instinct
Top Picks for Your Basset Hound
| Spec | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | |||
PawBench Scoremethodology → | Nutrition 85 Ingredients 75 Palatability 82 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 | Durability 94 Engagement 76 Safety 85 Value 88 Owner Satisfaction 89 | Durability 79 Comfort 91 Adjustability 79 Value 78 Owner Satisfaction 88 |
| Bag Size | 35 lb | — | — |
| Protein Source | Chicken | — | — |
| Life Stage | Adult | — | — |
| Grain-Free | No | — | — |
| Special Feature | Live probiotics, shredded blend texture | — | — |
| Material | — | Natural red rubber | 300D polyester with foam padding |
| Size | — | Large (dogs 30–65 lbs) | — |
| Chew Strength Rating | — | Power chewers | — |
| Best For | — | Stuffing, freezing, solo play | — |
| Dishwasher Safe | — | No (hand wash) | — |
| Weight | — | 8.8 oz | 5.6–9.5 oz depending on size |
| Size Range | — | — | XXS to XL (13–42 in chest) |
| Clip Type | — | — | Aluminum V-ring (front and back) |
| Closure | — | — | Two side-release buckles |
* Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon.
Prices are approximate and may vary. Please check the latest price on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About the Basset Hound
Origin & Build
- •Bred in France and Belgium from the French word 'bas' meaning low, these scent hounds were developed
- •They weigh 40 to 65 pounds and stand just 11 to 15 inches tall, with a heavy-boned, long-backed
- •Their short, dense coat is easy to maintain and comes in multiple color combinations, most commonly tri-color
Temperament
- •Basset Hounds are famously laid-back and good-natured, getting along with virtually everyone — children, strangers, and other dogs
- •They're pack-oriented and don't like being left alone, often howling mournfully when isolated
- •Training requires patience and creativity because they're intelligent but independent — a Basset following a scent trail has
Exercise Needs
- •Thirty to 45 minutes of moderate daily exercise — primarily walking — keeps a Basset Hound healthy without
- •They enjoy sniff walks where they can explore at their own pace, which provides excellent mental stimulation
- •The critical thing is preventing obesity: a fat Basset puts dangerous stress on their already-vulnerable spine and joints,
Health Watch
- •Chronic ear infections are nearly universal due to their extremely long, heavy ears that trap moisture and restrict
- •Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a major concern because of their elongated spine and dwarfed legs
- •Obesity, bloat, and hip dysplasia round out the top health issues
- •Lifespan is 10 to 12 years
Gear Tips
- A harness is strongly preferred over a collar — Basset Hounds pull persistently when they catch a scent, and their loose neck
- Ear cleaning solution and cotton pads should be a weekly routine purchase. Those long ears are infection magnets, and preventive cleaning is
- A slow-feeder bowl helps prevent bloat, which Bassets are prone to, and also slows down their enthusiastic eating to help with weight
- An orthopedic dog bed with firm support protects their long spine. Avoid beds they have to jump up to reach — ramps
- Use a 6-foot leash rather than a retractable leash. Basset Hounds follow their nose impulsively into traffic or other dangers, and retractable
- A waterproof placemat under food and water bowls catches the mess from their long ears dragging through everything. A snood during meals
Keep Them Happy
- Nose work is non-negotiable enrichment for this breed. Their scenting ability is their entire identity — without an outlet for it, they
- Keep walks slow and let them sniff. A 20-minute sniff walk is more mentally tiring for a Basset than a 45-minute brisk
- Manage the weight carefully. Bassets are food-motivated to a degree that can work against them — extra pounds are hard on their
- Expect the baying and train a 'quiet' command early. You won't eliminate it, but you can teach them to stop on cue
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you clean a Basset Hound's ears?
- Use a veterinary-recommended ear cleaning solution at least once a week — twice if your Basset swims or gets wet. Lift the ear flap, squirt the solution into the canal, massage the base, then let them shake it out before wiping with cotton pads. Never
- What harness is best for a Basset Hound?
- A front-clip harness designed for deep-chested dogs works best. Their unique body shape — heavy, long, and low — means many standard harnesses ride up or shift. Look for brands that offer measurements by chest girth rather than just weight, and ensure the harness doesn't
- Do Basset Hounds need a special bed for their back?
- Yes, spinal support is important because their elongated body puts them at high risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Choose an orthopedic memory foam bed that's low to the ground so they don't have to jump up. Avoid elevated beds or sofas without ramps, as
- Why is my Basset Hound gaining weight so easily?
- Basset Hounds have an extremely efficient metabolism and were bred for endurance at low speeds, not calorie-burning sprints. They also tend to be food-obsessed and less active than many breeds. Portion control with a measured scoop, limited treats, and consistent daily walks are essential —