# Basset Hound (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Basset Hound is a low, long dog with extra‑long ears and a powerful nose. It prefers slow, steady walks with time to sniff. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Homes with comfy beds; shady parks and paths - **Also known as:** Basset, Basset Hound Dog ![Basset Hound](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426102/objects/4421.jpg) ## Appearance The Basset Hound has a long, heavy body set on remarkably short legs. Its most striking features are its exceptionally long, droopy ears and heavily wrinkled brow. Their coat is typically short and smooth, often tricolored (black, white, tan) or bi-colored (lemon and white). ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - A Basset Hound's sense of smell is so powerful, it's considered second only to the Bloodhound in the dog world. - Despite their relaxed appearance, Basset Hounds were originally bred in France to be formidable hunters of rabbits and badgers. - The word "Basset" comes from the French word "bas," which means "low" – a perfect description for their short stature. - Their floppy ears aren't just for decoration; they actually help sweep scents from the ground directly towards their super-sensitive nose! ## Special abilities - **Deep Bay Alert:** Basset Hounds have a distinctive, deep bay that helps them alert their human companions when they've found an interesting scent. - **Ground-Level Sniffer:** Basset Hounds have short, powerful legs that keep their long noses incredibly close to the ground, perfect for detecting subtle ground scents. - **Scent Trap Skin:** Basset Hounds have loose, wrinkled skin around their face and neck that helps trap and hold scents, enhancing their tracking ability. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 60-70 cm - **Weight:** 20-30 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-12 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 6-8 - **Gestation:** 58-68 days ## Diet & Feeding Basset Hounds are omnivores, enjoying a varied diet of kibble, meat, and safe fruits and vegetables! - **Age differences:** null - **Primary Foods:** Dog kibble, Cooked meats, Carrots, Apples, Peanut butter ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Basset Hounds are beloved companion pets. - **Hunts:** [European Rabbit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rabbit) (*Oryctolagus cuniculus*) — Historically bred to hunt rabbits by scent. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas commonly infest domestic dogs. - **Parasitizes:** Blacklegged Tick (*Ixodes scapularis*) — Ticks can attach to dogs when outdoors. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Walk, don’t pull; let the dog stop to sniff and rest. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Basset Hound? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Basset Hound? 60-70 cm ### How much does Basset Hound weigh? 20-30 kg ### How long does Basset Hound live? 10-12 years ### How fast can Basset Hound move? 25 km/h ### What does Basset Hound eat? Basset Hounds are omnivores, enjoying a varied diet of kibble, meat, and safe fruits and vegetables! ### Where is Basset Hound usually found? Homes with comfy beds; shady parks and paths ### How many babies does Basset Hound usually have? 6-8 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Basset Hound: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/basset-hound)