Interesting Fact: Basset Hounds were bred to hunt rabbits by scent and their sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound.

Appearance: Bassets are large dogs with short legs, long ears and droopy skin.  They are most often tri-color: brown, black and white.  Their long ears and dewlap (loose skin around the neck) capture smells.

Personality: The breed is gentle, loving, laid back and often described as clownish.  They are generally very friendly with everyone and good with children and other family pets.  Though the basset won’t beg for exercise he needs about two daily walks and enjoys running outdoors.  As a scent hound it’s not advisable to let a Basset off-leash in an unfenced space.  The Basset is smart, but his independent nature can pose a training challenge.

Size: 45-65 lbs.       Life Expectancy: 12 years

Common Health Problems: For a purebred the Basset Hound is healthy breed, but issues can include obesity, bloat and ear infections.  Feeding 2-3 small meals a day instead of one and not exercising the dog soon before or after eating can help prevent bloat.  Routine ear care will help prevent infection.

Best Match: The Basset is a relatively inactive dog indoors so an apartment will suit him fine, as long as she gets plenty of exercise.  This breed can have a particularly houndy odor.  Bassets can also be vocal, especially howling, barking or whining, to indicate they want something or to alert you to something.  They are also heavy shedders, and tend to be gassy.  All that said, it’s hard to not love a Basset.

Featured Adoptable: Priscilla is a five-year-old Basset who is housetrained and loves to go for walks.  She is a resource guarder who must be an only dog.  She is a sweet, loveable girl who will make a wonderful companion.  To meet or learn more about Priscilla, visit or contact the Humane Society of Redmond at 541-923-0882, 1355 NE Hemlock Redmond, Oregon. 

Megan Mahan lives with visiting foster animals, quite a few fish, and her boyfriend in Eugene, Oregon.  She is excited to now be with Spot full time, and devotes much of her free time to fostering pets and creative writing.  From her high school gig as Dog Bather to her more recent years working at the Santa Cruz SPCA where she was contributing editor of the newsletter, Megan has always lived, loved and worked with animals.