Basset Foxhound - Dog Breed Info, Temperament & Facts

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The Basset Foxhound is a mix between the Foxhound and the Basset Hound. It is known for being sweet-tempered and determined. Some people consider this breed to be talkative, possibly due to its Foxhound heritage. Although the exact origins of this hybrid breed are uncertain, it is believed to have been developed in the United States within the last 20 years.

The Basset Hound was originally bred for trailing hares and rabbits, while the Foxhound was bred to track small animals. Today, the Basset Foxhound serves as both a companion animal and a hunting assistant. Each puppy may inherit dominant traits from either parent breed, resulting in a unique mix of characteristics. The Basset Foxhound has a thick, glossy coat that can be black, white, or brown in color. Fortunately, its short coat requires minimal maintenance.

Below, we look at Basset Foxhound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Basset Foxhound, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Basset Foxhounds!

Dog Breed Basset Foxhound
Size Large
Weight 40-65 lbs (average)
Height 12-15″ (average)
Location United States
Ancestry Basset Hound, Foxhound
Date of Origin Unknown
Group Companion, Hunting Dog
Life Expectancy 10-12 years
Price $400 – $600
Family Canidae
Scientific Name Canis Lupus Familiaris

📖 Breed History

The Basset Foxhound is a breed that is thought to have originated in the United States. It is believed that this breed was developed in the last few decades to address common diseases by crossbreeding the Basset Hound and the Foxhound. The Basset Hound, known for its ability to track hares and rabbits, has a history dating back to pre-French Revolution times when it was bred by the Friars at the French Abbey of St. Hubert. They wanted a dog that could keep up with them during outdoor activities, so they bred the Basset Hound to have short, stocky legs. After the French Revolution, the Basset Hound gained popularity among hunters who needed a dog to capture small game. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

On the other hand, the Foxhound has a history that dates back to the 1700s when it became popular among the upper class as a hunting breed. It is believed that the Foxhound was initially bred with a French dog gifted to George Washington. Later, the Foxhound was crossed with both French and English Foxhounds to create the American Foxhound. The Foxhound was highly valued for its speed, endurance, and exceptional scenting abilities, which made it an excellent fox-catching dog.

In summary, the Basset Foxhound is a breed that likely originated in the United States by crossbreeding the Basset Hound and the Foxhound. The Basset Hound has a history that dates back to pre-French Revolution times and was bred for its ability to track small game. The Foxhound, on the other hand, has a history that goes back to the 1700s and was bred for its speed, endurance, and scenting abilities in fox hunting.

🐕 Basset Foxhound Appearance

The Basset Foxhound looks similar to both the Foxhound and the Basset Hound. Although the Basset Foxhound’s height might vary depending on the litter, it is typically shorter than the Basset Hound. Compared to the Basset Hound’s large, floppy ears, its ears are usually shorter. When in activity, the tail is carried more erect but is sloped and slanted downward, more like the Foxhound. Compared to the Basset Hound, the Basset Foxhound has a less stocky build. This charming combination features dark eyes, which typically don’t inherit the Basset Hound’s drooping eyelids but instead have a highly alert face. It has a narrower muzzle than the Basset Hound. The thick, short, silky coat can be any color that combines brown, white, and black.

👀 Eye Color Brown
🐽 Nose Color Black
🐕 Coat Color Fawn, White, Black

Fun Fact: Basset Foxhound dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.

🐶 Traits & Temperament of Basset Foxhound

The Basset Hound and the Foxhound are the Basset Foxhound’s parents, and both breeds contribute to its characteristics. The breed is regarded as a loving, vivacious, and devoted family dog. Due to the Basset Hound’s tenacious nature, teaching the Basset Foxhound may take some time. The Basset Foxhound is a great choice for families despite the fact that it may be a little tough for new owners since it enjoys being a part of its “pack”. With early training, the Basset Foxhound may learn to be accepting of strangers and is loving with both young and older children. Due to its original role of hunting prey, the Basset Foxhound requires early intervention in order to accept other dogs and other animals. When a dog’s energy levels are moderate, boredom can lead to destructive behavior if it doesn’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation. It is advised to provide the Basset Foxhound effective positive reinforcement and strict instructions.

🤝 Are Basset Foxhounds Friendly or Aggressive?

Basset Foxhound dogs are known for their friendly nature towards other pets, strangers, and children. They enjoy being around kids and are even friendly towards cats and other dogs. This makes them a great choice for families who want to have multiple pets or participate in dog meetups. Additionally, Basset Foxhounds are considered one of the best breeds for elderly people, as they can provide companionship and be a great source of comfort for them.

This breed is known for being:

  • Loving
  • Independent
  • Intelligent
  • Friendly
  • Affectionate
  • Loyal
  • Devoted
  • Gentle
  • Tempered
  • Kind
  • Sweet
  • Tenacious

🐩 Basset Foxhound Care & Maintenance

The Basset Foxhound can sweat excessively and is not thought of as a hypoallergenic breed. Because of the Basset Hound influence, its coat is thick. Daily brushing with a slicker brush or rubber curry brush may remove dead hair and considerably reduce shedding. Unless there is a need to bathe sooner due to an interaction with mud and filth while on the run, it is advised to bathe your Basset Foxhound every 6 to 8 weeks. This hybrid’s ears should be cleansed and disinfected once a week because they are prone to bacterial accumulation. It needs to have frequent dental cleanings. This breed enjoys exploring, thus to minimize overgrowth and potential tearing, nails should be cut every two to three weeks. The Basset Foxhound drools somewhat, thus particular care should be given to wash the region around the mouth to avoid bacterial development and skin irritation.

Basset Foxhound dogs have a tendency to shed less hair compared to other breeds. This is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of shedding can vary depending on their overall health and the specific breed they belong to. Generally, these dogs require a bath every 4-6 weeks to maintain their cleanliness and hygiene.

🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.20 – $1.40 daily, or approximately $34.00 – $45.00 a month.

🐾 Exercise: Basset Foxhound dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 7 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.

Did you know: Basset Foxhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.

❤️‍🩹 Basset Foxhound Health & Issues

Some of the major concerns for Basset Foxhound Dog Breed can be:

  • Osteochondrodysplasia

While minor concerns include:

  • None

🤧 Important: Is Basset Foxhound hypoallergenic? No.

Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Basset Foxhound.

⚡ Basset Foxhound Dog Breed Facts

What makes the Basset Foxhound a great choice for families with young children?
The Basset Foxhound is a great choice for families with young children because it is affectionate, loyal, and loves to belong to its “pack. ” It is lovable with both young and older children and can learn to accept strangers with early training.

Is the Basset Foxhound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Basset Foxhound breed may not be considered suitable for apartment living due to its moderate energy levels. Lack of activity can lead to destructive behavior, so it is recommended to provide the dog with enough mental and physical stimulation, which may be challenging in a confined space.

How much exercise does a Basset Foxhound require compared to other breeds?
The Basset Foxhound requires a moderate amount of exercise compared to other breeds. Daily walks and playtime are essential to meet their energy needs and prevent boredom.

Is the Basset Foxhound breed known for being good with other pets?
The Basset Foxhound may require early intervention and training to accept other dogs and animals. Due to its original purpose of hunting prey, it may have a strong prey drive and may not be the best choice for households with small pets.

What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Basset Foxhound?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Basset Foxhound include the Beagle and the Whippet. These breeds also have short coats that require minimal grooming.

What are the common health issues that Basset Foxhounds are prone to?
Basset Foxhounds, like many other breeds, are prone to certain health issues. Common health problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections, glaucoma, and obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these issues.

Are Basset Foxhounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Basset Foxhounds may be moderately challenging to train due to the stubborn nature inherited from the Basset Hound. Patience and positive reinforcement training methods are recommended for successful training.

Are Basset Foxhounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Basset Foxhounds, like many other breeds, can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. Proper training, socialization, and providing mental stimulation can help alleviate this behavior.

Are there any dog breeds similar to the Basset Foxhound that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no dog breeds that are completely hypoallergenic, including the Basset Foxhound. However, breeds with similar low-shedding coats that may be more suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise and the Portuguese Water Dog.

What sizes of dogs similar to the Basset Foxhound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Basset Foxhound, such as Beagles or Whippets, may be a better fit. These breeds are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature.

Is the Basset Foxhound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Basset Foxhound breed, with its affectionate and loyal nature, can be good with children with special needs. However, it is important to supervise interactions and provide proper training and socialization to ensure a safe and positive relationship.

How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Basset Foxhound?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Basset Foxhound are relatively low. Their short, dense coat requires minimal maintenance, and they shed moderately. Regular brushing and occasional baths are usually sufficient to keep their coat in good condition.


We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Basset Foxhound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.

Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy
Max Kozinskiy is a seasoned writer and an enthusiast of dog breed expertise. Having dedicated over 5 years to studying the intricacies of different dog breeds and their unique characteristics. His profound insights and love for our four-legged friends have made him an invaluable part of our DogsInsights.com team.

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