12 Basset Hound Pros & Cons: What to Know Before You Get One
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Basset Hounds aren’t a dog breed you spot every day, but when you do see them, it’s impossible not to be charmed by their goofy antics. This breed can be a handful, though! Because of this—and many other reasons—it’s important to fully understand the pros and cons of Basset Hounds before bringing one home. Many people underestimate the work that this fun breed can entail.
The 6 Basset Hound Pros
1. Family Friendly
The Basset Hound is a laid-back dog that is often lauded for its family-friendly personality. These dogs are typically the “go with the flow” type, so they’ll be willing to run around with kids or spend the afternoon on the couch. Your dog will be happy to do whatever the rest of the family is doing.
Basset Hounds are often very friendly with children, strangers, and other animals, making them a great option for busy households with frequent visitors.
2. Independent
It can be annoying to have a Velcro dog that seems to stick to your side no matter where you go or what you do, but the Basset Hound typically won’t be that type of dog. Basset Hounds are independent, confident dogs that are happy to spend time alone and get along well in social situations without feeling the need to cling to you. This independence makes the Basset Hound a good dog breed for homes where the household members are gone during the day for work or school.
3. Can Be Active Companions
The Basset Hound is a moderate energy level breed, so you can expect a companion that will go with you on adventures with a Basset Hound. They don’t have an intense need for exercise that can be difficult to keep up with, but they typically have a “just right” energy level that makes them a great fit for active households that enjoy walks and hikes. You won’t have to go for a 10-mile run every day to satisfy the exercise needs of the Basset Hound, though.
4. Great Sniffers
Basset Hounds are scent hounds that have been bred to have strong sniffing instincts. Their strong sniffers make them excellent tracking dogs for hunting, search and rescue, cadaver searching, and more.
These instincts are naturally strong in the Basset Hound. You may have to help your Basset Hound hone their sniffing skills through training, but the desire and knowledge of sniffing come naturally to this breed.
5. Compact Size
Basset Hounds are not as small as some people think they are, but they are a compact breed. They have short legs and sturdy bodies that can make them the perfect intersection between large dogs and smaller homes. They also don’t require a lot of running space, so they make suitable pups for homes with small yards.
6. Adaptable
The Basset Hound is an adaptable dog breed that is happy to adjust its activities and life to match the lifestyle of its people. You can count on a Basset Hound to spend the day on the couch with you or go for a long walk, depending on what you’re up to that day. Their adaptability is also part of what makes the Basset Hound a great dog for families and homes with frequent visitors.
The 6 Basset Hound Cons
1. Too Friendly for Guarding
If you’re looking for a guard dog, then the Basset Hound is not going to be at the top of your list. This social breed is far too friendly with strangers to make an effective guard dog. You can potentially rely on your Basset Hound to bark if a stranger approaches your property, but don’t expect your Basset Hound to chase down an intruder for anything other than pets or ear scratches.
2. Stubborn
Unfortunately, the independence of the Basset Hound can swing to the far end of independence, leading to stubbornness. It’s not uncommon for hounds to have a stubborn streak, but the Basset Hound seems to be one of the worst offenders. These dogs can be difficult to train because of their stubbornness, and it can lead to bad behavior, even in a trained dog.
3. Prone to Laziness
While Basset Hounds need a moderate amount of exercise, these dogs can be quite prone to laziness. This laziness often makes for a dangerous combination with a lazy owner. If allowed to be lazy, Basset Hounds can develop multiple issues, including joint problems, diabetes, and obesity. Lack of daily activity can shorten the lifespan of a Basset Hound by creating poor health conditions.
4. Will Follow Scents Away
The strong sense of smell that the Basset Hound can create some problems. They will happily follow an interesting scent trail right out of your yard, into the street, or into the woods. It’s not difficult to lose a scent hound like the Basset Hound because they took off after an interesting scent.
For the safety of this breed, it’s extremely important that you train them to have strong recall skills and keep them on a leash in any environment that may be dangerous or lead to your dog wandering off.
5. Noisy
Basset Hounds love to bay, and it can be extremely loud and obnoxious. Typically, Basset Hounds will only bark excessively when they are bored or have excess energy, but some Basset Hounds seem to really love the sound of their own barking. Their tendency to bark and bay can make them a poor breed choice for apartment and condo living, but it can make up for their poor guard dog skills.
6. Prone to Obesity
This breed is prone to obesity, and since they don’t commonly take the initiative to get exercise, it’s up to their people to ensure they get plenty of exercise. Without daily activity, it doesn’t take much to end up with a fat Basset Hound.
What makes things even worse is that Basset Hounds are big fans of eating. They will eat just about anything and everything they can get their paws on, and their elongated body often gives them the boost needed to grab food from tables and countertops.
Obesity in any dog is harmful to their health, but in a dog with short, twisted legs and an elongated body, it can be extremely detrimental.
Conclusion
If you decide to bring home a Basset Hound, you’ll have no shortage of entertainment for years to come. While they are wonderful dogs, there are some cons associated with this breed, so it’s important to be prepared for stubbornness, noisiness, and other potential issues.
Training, exercise, and spending time with your Basset Hound every day are needed to keep them happy and healthy, as well as give you the best shot at having a well-behaved, well-rounded pup.
See Also:
- Do Basset Hounds Smell More Than Other Dogs? Tips to Prevent Bad Odors
- What Were Basset Hounds Bred For? History & Origin Explained
Featured Image Credit: Billion Photos, Shutterstock
