Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 6: Scent hounds and related breeds |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Weight | 18–27 kg |
| Height | 33–38 cm |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years |
Temperament
Calm, affectionate and stubborn, good with children. It follows its nose and can be hard to call back.
History
It descends from French hounds, refined in 19th-century England to follow scent trails on foot.
Fun facts
The name comes from the French “bas”, meaning “low”.
The Basset Hound coat
A short, close coat that is simple to maintain but sheds throughout the year.
Very long ears and loose skin: clean the ears and folds regularly.
What we do in the salon
A full bath with dead-hair removal, nail trimming, ear cleaning and conditioning.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cut / upkeep | Usually no cut needed. |
Special attention
Drop ears: they trap warmth and collect wax and moisture. We clean the ears at each visit; at home, check them weekly and talk to your vet if there is a smell, redness or a lot of head-shaking.
Skin folds: they are cleaned and dried well at every bath to prevent irritation and odour. At home, wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them straight away.
Care at home between visits
- Brush once a week with a rubber glove or soft-bristle brush.
- Dry the skin and folds well after a bath or rain.
- Check the skin: a short coat shows any irritation early.
- Look after the nails and ears.
Frequently asked questions about the Basset Hound
Does the Basset Hound shed a lot?
It sheds moderately. Brushing once or twice a week and a bath with dead-hair removal keeps the home and the coat tidy.
How often should I bring my Basset Hound to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks. Usually no cut needed. It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Does it need clipping?
Usually not: a regular bath with dead-hair removal and weekly brushing is enough.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.