Will a Basset Hound Be Good with My Kids? Facts & FAQ

There’s a lot to consider before bringing a dog home. For instance, do you have the space, time, and resources to care for a pet? If you have children, an important question is whether the pet will be a good fit for everyone in the household. In the case of a Basset Hound, you can rest easy knowing that the pup will get along great with your kids. Keep reading below to learn more about how well Basset Hounds interact with families, other dogs, and strangers.

Basset Hound Temperament

Before bringing any dog home, you’ll want to learn a little about its general temperament. The Basset Hound is known for its charming personality, exemplary patience, and low-key demeanor. Due to its calm and laidback nature, it has garnered a reputation for being a bit of a couch potato.

The Basset Hound can be difficult to train because of its willful personality, but that does not mean the dog cannot be trained. For an experienced dog owner, the Basset Hound can be trained with persistence and dedication. An inexperienced dog owner may struggle with the Basset Hound’s stubborn aloofness.

Due to its easygoing personality, the Basset Hound makes an excellent companion for anyone who prefers to stay indoors. Still, this dog (like any) will need adequate time outdoors.

How Well Do Basset Hounds Do with Families?

Basset Hounds are great with families. They’re known to be moderately affectionate, but their main strength comes from their loyalty. Few creatures on the planet will be as steadfast and dedicated to you and your family as the Basset Hound.

Basset Hounds are excellent family pets due to their friendly personalities and playful streak. Plus, their low-energy nature means they can snuggle indoors with the family without needing to tear around the house.

How Well Do Basset Hounds Do with Other Dogs?

Basset Hounds get along great with other dogs. They are known to be friendly and willing to accept a new dog’s presence in the home.

However, it is important to properly socialize your Basset Hound to ensure that unfamiliar faces are not met with aggression or fear. Likewise, a proper introduction will be necessary to make sure that your Basset Hound and the new dog do not get off on the wrong foot. Take your time with introductions, and keep your dogs separate until it is time to bring them closer together. This process can take days or weeks, so don’t rush it.

How Well Do Basset Hounds Do with Strangers?

Basset Hounds are moderately reserved regarding strangers, but with enough time and encouragement, they can view strangers as new friends. If you’re looking for a guard dog, the Basset Hound is not the way to go. They will alert you of a stranger, but beyond that, there isn’t much that they will do about an intruder. They are somewhat vigilant but willing to step aside and allow anyone inside the home.

How Often Do Basset Hounds Bark?

Basset Hounds are very vocal dogs. They bark at threats, neighbors, or squirrels running in the yard. If you live in an apartment or a location with a strict policy on noise pollution, you must control the dog’s urge to bark before it spirals out of control. Considering how difficult the Basset Hound can be to train, it isn’t going to be easy, but it will be necessary if you want to live in a house that isn’t filled with barking.

What Does Caring for a Basset Hound Look Like?

Properly caring for a dog is the primary responsibility of a dog owner. Beyond ensuring that your Basset Hound is getting a healthy diet and seeing the vet regularly, you must also take care of its grooming, exercise, and training.

Grooming

Basset Hounds don’t shed much but require more maintenance than the average dog. Although the dog has a short, sleek coat, it requires frequent brushing to ensure its fur doesn’t spread throughout the house. Brushing your Basset Hound once weekly is a good way to keep the shedding to a minimum.

Also, the folds of your Basset Hound’s skin may need extra cleaning. Its skin can accumulate grease without proper cleaning, leading your dog to smell bad. Bathing them at least every 3 weeks is an excellent way to prevent your Basset Hound from producing too much grease on his skin.

Exercise

While Basset Hounds are moderately energetic, they have excellent stamina. They need regular exercise, but it should not be too strenuous. Daily, moderate exercise is perfect for this pup, such as a medium-length walk in the park.

Training

Training ensures your dog’s safety and ability to adjust to unfamiliar situations. Although the Basset Hound can be independent and stubborn, it is possible to train it effectively. To build a training foundation, focus on early socialization as well as providing treats for obedience.

Final Thoughts

Basset Hounds are excellent pets for families due to their charming demeanor and their friendliness around children. While the Basset Hound may be challenging to train and require extra grooming care, the dog makes an excellent companion for any family.

Featured Image Credit: Jon Buscall, Shutterstock