The Basset Hound (sometimes called the low-set hound) is a medium-sized hound breed that features large floppy ears, a coat in typical hound colors such as tan with white markings or red-white and is renowned for their cute and “dopey” appearance. The breed first appeared in the 1500s, and they were first raised for the primary goal of hunting small game.

Some of their most recognizable attributes can be described as their typically cute appearance and affectionate temperament – which assist in making the Basset Hound a common choice for anyone looking for a loving companion dog.

The Basset Hound’s origins are largely unknown but they are believed to have come from France during the 1500s and were developed for the goal of hunting small game. They are an old breed that is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound.

Basset Hounds are classified as a medium-sized breed of dog. The recommended standard size for the Basset Hound male and female is 14 inches high from paw to shoulder and a weight of 40-60 pounds.

The Basset Hound is famous for their sweet, gentle and good natured temperament. They are often peaceful with strangers, which can mean they are unsuitable as a guard dog.

The Basset Hound is also known to be fairly intelligent but somewhat stubborn – scoring 71st in comparison with other dogs in terms of their ability to be trained obedience directives. They are also known to be easygoing with children – which makes them highly popular as a family pet. The Basset Hound is very companionable with other pets such as other dogs and cats but should be given obedience training to help overcome their instinct to chase prey such as rabbits.

The Basset Hound is happiest with a good yard to give them room to run but doesn’t always need one, so they can be quite suitable for life in an apartment so long as they are taken for daily walks.

The Basset Hound enjoys hobbies which include a run around the yard or long play sessions that can last for hours. They possess a low degree of energy but have a lot of stamina and this necessitates exercise each day in the form of moderately long walks to inhibit excessive weight gain and keep them happy and healthy.

The Basset Hound can be the right dog breed for a family or anyone with plenty of time to care for a dog. They are fit to anyone that is keen to perform a small amount of grooming and set aside time to give them patient training as well as take them on moderately long walks every day and present a very high amount of company and devotion – they hate to be left on their own all day. Though they may be somewhat inappropriate around smaller animals like rabbits that they may perceive as prey, if you are capable of meeting their need for patience and attention then the Basset Hound could be the ideal breed of dog for you.