The Complete Basset hound Guide

You didn’t land on the Basset hound by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Low-key and easy-going, famously stubborn, and a nose that runs the show, they’re a natural fit for relaxed households, families with older children, and owners who want a low-energy companion with genuine charm who want a calm, friendly, and deeply amusing companion who brings personality and zero urgency to daily life. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Basset hound?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Basset hound? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	2 out of 5	Intelligent enough to understand exactly what you want, and independently minded enough to decide whether it's worth their time. Food motivation is your most effective tool
Obedience	2 out of 5	Follows direction when adequately motivated. The nose has veto power in outdoor settings
Focus	1 out of 5	Their nose is their primary attention manager, and it operates independently of your commands
Stubbornness	5 out of 5	One of the most famously stubborn breeds. They are not defiant, they're just operating on a different set of priorities

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	4 out of 5	Devoted and warm with their family. They're pack dogs and want to be where the people are
Good with children	5 out of 5	Patient, tolerant, and gentle. One of the most reliably good-natured breeds with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and welcoming with strangers. Bassets don't have a suspicious bone in their body
Good with other dogs	5 out of 5	One of the best breeds for multi-dog households. They are genuinely social pack animals

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	3 out of 5	Can manage in an apartment if exercised. Their low energy indoors is an asset, but they need outdoor space to follow scents
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Handles cool weather reasonably well. Their low ground clearance makes wet or snowy conditions messy
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat. Avoid heavy exercise in high temperatures, especially given their body weight
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Very adaptable to different routines as long as their social and exercise needs are met
First time owner	4 out of 5	A workable option for first-time owners who understand and can tolerate the stubborn streak

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Low energy. They prefer a leisurely pace in almost everything
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for sustained effort. Short to moderate walks suit them perfectly
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 30 minutes of gentle daily exercise. They're built for a slow, methodical pace, not athletic effort
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Curious and nose-driven. Their intelligence is channeled into scent-tracking rather than commands
Grooming needs	2 out of 5	Short, dense coat that sheds moderately. Easy to maintain

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful in a slow, lumbering way. Their enthusiasm is real but unhurried
Affection	4 out of 5	Affectionate and sociable. They want to be near their people and will drape themselves over you happily
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Devoted to their household. They follow their people around and hate being left out
Independence	3 out of 5	Independent in the nose-following sense, but deeply social and unhappy alone for long periods
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert to scents more than sights. They notice things, but their reaction is a howl rather than action

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	4 out of 5	One of the most vocal breeds. Their howl and bay are loud, far-carrying, and frequent
Digging tendency	3 out of 5	Some digging tendency, particularly along fence lines while following a scent
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing tendency in adults
Prey drive	4 out of 5	High prey drive rooted in their scent hound heritage. They will follow a smell obsessively
Guarding instincts	1 out of 5	Not a guard dog. Too friendly and slow to deter anyone

What are common health issues of a Basset hound?

Like all breeds, Basset hounds are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Basset hounds? 

Your Basset hound can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA thrombopathia DNA test (platelet function disorder specific to Bassets)
• OFA patella evaluation

Do Basset hounds need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Basset hound owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Basset hound owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Basset specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Basset hounds are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Bassets age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Basset hound owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$55-$60
2 years old	$55-$60
3 years old	$55-$60
4 years old	$60-$65
5 years old	$75-$80
6 years old	$70-$75
7 years old	$85-$90

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Basset?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Basset hound and your budget.

History of the Basset hound

The Basset Hound was developed in France, descended from the St. Hubert Hound, the ancestor of many modern scent hound breeds. The name basset derives from the French word bas, meaning low, describing the breed's distinctive short-legged conformation. French monks at the Abbey of St. Hubert bred slow-moving scent hounds specifically for hunters who followed on foot rather than horseback, as a slower dog allowed the hunter to keep pace. The breed became better known in England in the second half of the 1800s, where English breeders developed their own strain. The AKC began registering Basset Hounds in 1885 and formally recognized the breed in 1916. Their comically mournful expression and low-slung profile have made them one of the most recognizable breeds in the world, and their slow pace and amiable temperament have made them popular family companions.

Caring for a Basset hound

Training

Training a Basset hound takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are scent-driven, stubborn, and highly independent, which means owners need to work creatively to hold their attention and overcome their powerful nose. Short, high-reward sessions with especially enticing treats and a patient, persistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Basset hounds have a short, dense coat that requires low grooming. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb manages shedding and keeps the coat clean, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Regular ear cleaning is essential as their long, floppy ears are highly prone to infections.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Basset looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Basset hounds have low to moderate energy levels and need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Slow scent walks, gentle outdoor exploration, and short play sessions are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Basset hounds are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become lazy, vocal, and prone to persistent howling and stubborn lounging. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Basset hound will actually love.

Nutrition

Basset hounds are medium to large dogs with low to moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 900 to 1,200 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $65 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Basset hound here.

Basset hound costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Basset hound?

Before your Basset hound even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$1,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Basset hound each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Basset hound owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$500-$900	Based on the recommended portion for your Basset hound
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$100-$300	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Short dense coat needs regular brushing but minimal professional grooming; ear cleaning at every appointment is essential.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Basset hound names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Basset hound we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Basset hound puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Basset hound puppies are slow-moving, cheerful, and operating entirely on its own schedule. That a warmth and amiability that makes them nearly impossible to dislike is part of what makes them one of the most relaxed and good-natured companions for households that value calm, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Basset hound brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Basset hound’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Basset hounds are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

2. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.

4. Illinois

Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.

5. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Basset hound? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Basset hound right for you?

Basset hounds reward the right owner with a relaxed, genuinely pleasant presence that makes your home feel unhurried and a warmth and sociability that works beautifully in family life. They just need weight management, consistent ear cleaning, patient training, and secure fencing because their nose will lead them anywhere in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Basset hound. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.