Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Basset Hounds Good with Kids? Potential Benefits Training Tips & Training Tips

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

besset hound sitting with young boy

Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, droopy eyes, and calm demeanor. They’re often described as gentle, affectionate, and loyal, making them a great choice for families with children. But are they really a perfect match for kids? Yes, they are! We’ll explore the reasons why Basset Hounds are a good choice for families with children, their overall temperament, as well as some tips for ensuring a happy and successful relationship between kids and Basset Hounds. Let’s discuss.

Divider 2

The Temperament of Basset Hounds

First, let’s discuss the temperament of these hounds a bit. Basset Hounds have a reputation for being fairly laid-back and easygoing, which makes them an ideal companion for children. They’re generally friendly and affectionate, and they love to be around people. These dogs are also known for their loyalty and their willingness to please their owners.

Basset Hounds aren’t typically aggressive dogs, but they can be stubborn at times. They have a strong sense of smell and are known for their tracking abilities, which can make them easy to distract. However, with proper training and socialization, they can be well-behaved and obedient pets.

Overall, Basset Hounds have a gentle nature that makes them an excellent choice for families with children. These dogs are patient and tolerant, and they enjoy spending time with their human companions.

Benefits of Having a Basset Hound with Kids

There are many benefits to having a Basset Hound as a family pet, especially when you have kids. Here are just a few reasons why these dogs can be a great addition to your family.

1. Basset Hounds Are Affectionate and Loyal

Basset Hounds are known for their affectionate nature and their loyalty to their owners. They love to be around people and enjoy spending time with their families. They are also protective of their owners and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Basset Hound dog
Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock

2. They’re Patient and Tolerant

These dogs have a patient and tolerant nature that makes them an excellent choice for families with children. They are gentle with kids and are not easily provoked, which means they are less likely to snap or bite.


3. They’re Low-Maintenance

Want a dog that’s easy to maintain? No problem. Basset Hounds have a short coat that’s pretty easy to maintain. They do shed, but not excessively, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of time grooming them; simply brushing their coat on at least a weekly basis will help keep dander to the minimum.

They also don’t require a ton of exercise (1 hour a day will suffice), which makes them a good choice for families who aren’t very active. They require about average in terms of daily physical activity.

Basset Hound Portrait outside in the fall
Image Credit: Victoria Rak, Shutterstock

4. They Make Awesome Companions

These adorable hounds are known for their friendly and social nature. They enjoy being around people and are always up for a good cuddle – which makes them perfect as emotional support dogs as well. They’re also great with other pets, which means they can be a good addition to a multi-pet household.

So, if you have a home full of rescue dogs, it’s likely that your Basset Hound won’t be an issue, granted it’s been socialized and properly trained.

divider 10

Factors to Consider Before Bringing a Basset Hound Home

Before bringing one of these hounds home, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you’re making the right decision for your family. So here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Space

Basset Hounds aren’t very large dogs, but they do require some space to move around. They may not be well-suited for apartments or small living spaces if you aren’t able to give them some physical activity either in your space or outside for about an hour each day.

Basset Hound
Image credit: Bill Anastasiou, Shutterstock

2. Exercise

Although these hounds don’t require a lot of exercise, they still need to be walked regularly. They’re also prone to obesity with age, so it’s essential to monitor their food intake and make sure they are getting enough physical activity as they mature.


3. Obedience Training

This breed can be sort of stubborn, so it’s important to start training them early. However, they respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency. It’s also a good idea to enroll them in obedience classes (if you don’t plan on doing the training yourself, that is) to help them learn basic commands and socialization skills.


4. Health Issues

Like any dog breed, these hounds are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and obesity – but these issues affect canines of many different breeds and can be treated or managed. However, it’s important to be aware of these issues and to take steps to prevent them.

besset hound ear checked by owner
Image Credit: Miljan Zivkovic, Shutterstock

5. Time Commitment

This dog breed also requires a lot of attention and interaction with their owners. So, if you’re not able to spend a lot of time with your dog, you may want to take this into consideration before choosing one of these hounds as a pet.

divider 10

Tips for Introducing a Basset Hound to Children

Introducing a new pet to your family can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially when you have children. Here are some tips for introducing a Basset Hound to your kids.

1. Start Slow

When you first bring your hound home, be sure to introduce them to your children slowly. Allow the dog to sniff around and explore their new surroundings before introducing them to your kids.

woman carrying besset hound puppy
Image Credit by: Jovica Varga, Shutterstock

2. Supervise All Initial Interactions

Always supervise interactions between your hound and your children. If your dog is untrained, it may be a bit too aggressive with young children. In addition, young children may be too aggressive if you have a puppy or shy dog. So, supervising all initial reactions when you bring your dog home it’s the best way to ensure a positive, safe, and healthy start to a relationship between your dog and your kids.


3. Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training your hound and teaching your children how to interact with him. Reward your dog for good behavior and encourage your children to do the same. This can include verbal praise, giving it a treat, or providing a toy to play with.

besset hound having treat
Image Credit: foxhound photos, Shutterstock

4. Be Patient

Introducing a new pet to your family can take time and patience. So be patient and give your pup and your children time to get to know each other. The good thing is that young puppies tend to love everyone which makes them a hit among children. But if you have an adult dog that hasn’t completely been socialized or properly trained, give it some time to get used to its new surroundings and all the new unfamiliar faces.

divider 10

Teaching Children to Interact with Basset Hounds

Teaching your children how to interact with your Basset Hound is an essential part of ensuring a happy and successful relationship between them. Here are some tips for teaching your children how to interact with your dog.

1. Teach a Little Tenderness

Be sure to teach your children to be gentle with your Basset Hound. Show them how to pet them softly and avoid pulling on their ears or tail. Young children can be a bit rough and may cause a puppy or shy dog anxiety during playtime. So be sure to do some initial supervision and take note of how your dog reacts to your children.

little girl playing with besset hound dog
Image Credit by: EmiliaUngur, Shutterstock

2. Don’t Bother Him While He’s Eating

Teach your children to leave your Basset Hound alone while he’s eating or drinking. This will help prevent any food-related aggression. We’ve all seen videos of dogs growling when people approach their feeding or water bowl; it can lead to a surprisingly aggressive reaction from the dog. So be sure to let your children know when not to pet your dog and not to ever reach for the dog’s food or water while it’s partaking.


3. Encourage Playtime

Encourage your children to play with your hound, but make sure that they do so in a safe and respectful manner. Teach them how to play fetch or tug-of-war and reward them for positive interactions with your dog. It’s also helpful to teach your children how to give your dog treats and when the best time may be to do so. Helping them learn how to train the dog can be beneficial for everyone in the home.

Basset Hound
Image Credit by: Ernest_Roy, Pixabay

Divider 2

Wrapping Things Up

Basset Hounds are gentle, affectionate, and loyal dogs that can make great family pets, especially when you have kids. They’re patient and tolerant with children and enjoy spending time with their human companions. By considering the factors before bringing a Basset Hound home, and by following some basic tips for introducing them to your kids, you can ensure a happy and successful relationship between your dog and your family.

Related Read:


Featured Image Credit: Jovica Varga, Shutterstock

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database