Do Basset Hounds Make Good Apartment Dogs? An Expert‘s Perspective

As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked whether certain breeds are well-suited to apartment living. One breed that comes up frequently is the Basset Hound. With their short stature, laid-back demeanor, and undeniably adorable appearance, Basset Hounds hold a lot of appeal for apartment dwellers looking for a canine companion. But how do these hounds really stack up as apartment pets? Let‘s take an honest, in-depth look.

Basset Hound Basics

First, some quick facts about Basset Hounds. These dogs typically weigh between 40-65 pounds and stand 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive long, low build with short legs, a large head, and long, droopy ears.

Originally bred in France to track rabbits and other small game, Basset Hounds have an incredible sense of smell. Their short legs allowed hunters to follow them on foot through the countryside. While they may look a bit clumsy, Basset Hounds are surprisingly agile and determined when they catch an interesting scent.

In terms of personality, Basset Hounds are known for being calm, friendly, and a bit stubborn. They love to lounge around but still require daily exercise to stay in shape. Bassets generally get along well with people, including children, and other dogs. However, they can be vocal, baying and howling when excited or anxious.

Basset Hounds By the Numbers

According to the American Kennel Club, Basset Hounds ranked 39th out of 197 breeds in popularity in 2020. While exact numbers are hard to come by, a 2016 survey by the American Pet Products Association found that 30% of American dog owners live in apartments or condos.

Combining these statistics, we can estimate that a significant number of the over 87 million pet dogs in the U.S. are Basset Hounds living in apartments. But how are these hounds really faring in close quarters? Let‘s look at some of the pros and cons.

The Case for Basset Hounds in Apartments

There are several qualities that make Basset Hounds potentially well-suited to apartment life:

1. Size and Space Requirements

At 40-65 pounds and under 15 inches tall, Basset Hounds fit comfortably in the "medium-sized" dog category. Most will fall under the common apartment weight limit of 75 pounds. And their short legs and long bodies allow them to navigate small spaces more easily than a taller breed.

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, notes that Basset Hounds "take up a relatively small amount of space for their weight. They‘re not going to be towering over your furniture or knocking things over with a long tail."

Of course, every dog is an individual, and some Basset Hounds may be larger or more active than others. But in general, their size and build are apartment-friendly.

2. Moderate Exercise Needs

Basset Hounds may have been bred for hunting, but they‘re not exactly high-energy athletes. Most Bassets will be content with a 30-60 minute walk each day, plus some playtime and mental stimulation.

For apartment dwellers, this means you likely won‘t have to spend hours exercising your Basset to keep them happy and healthy. A few good walks around the block or to the local dog park can suffice.

"Basset Hounds have relatively low exercise needs compared to many other breeds," says Dr. Leslie Brooks, a veterinarian with the pet telehealth company Betterpet. "As long as they get a moderate amount of daily activity, they‘re usually happy to spend the rest of the day napping."

That said, it‘s important not to let your Basset become a complete couch potato. Obesity is very common in this breed and can lead to serious health issues like joint problems and diabetes. Keep your Basset fit with regular walks and limit treats and table scraps.

3. Adaptable, Friendly Temperament

Another mark in the "pro" column for Basset Hound apartment living is their typically easy-going, amiable nature. Bassets are known for being fairly laid-back dogs who enjoy human companionship.

According to the Basset Hound Club of America, "Bassets are excellent family dogs. They love being with people, especially children, and get along well with other pets."

This friendly demeanor can help Basset Hounds adapt to the comings and goings of apartment life. They‘re less likely to be fearful or aggressive towards neighbors in the hallway or the mail carrier at the door.

Kathy Duepner, a longtime Basset Hound owner in Illinois, says her Bassets have always done well in apartments. "They just want to be with their people," she explains. "As long as they get some walks and cuddle time, they‘re usually content."

Challenges of Basset Hounds in Apartments

While Basset Hounds have many apartment-friendly qualities, there is one big potential downside to consider: their voice.

Vocal Tendencies

Basset Hounds are not a quiet breed. They are known for their distinct vocalizations, which include deep bays, mournful howls, and barks. According to Dr. Klein, "Bassets were originally bred to bark and bay while trailing prey, so their humans could follow them. That instinct to make noise is still very much present in the breed today."

A 2015 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that Basset Hounds bark with a mean amplitude of 71 decibels – louder than a typical vacuum cleaner. Their barks and howls also tend to be quite low in pitch and repetitive, which can be especially annoying to human ears.

For apartment dwellers, a vocal Basset Hound can pose a real problem. Close quarters mean your neighbors are more likely to hear every woof and whine. Bassets may bark out of boredom, frustration, anxiety, or to alarm bark at outside noises. Some simply seem to enjoy the sound of their own voices.

All this noise can quickly lead to friction with your neighbors and even formal noise complaints. For Dr. Brooks, this is the number one reason she cautions against Basset Hounds in apartments. "They do have a tendency to bark and bay quite a bit," she says. "In an apartment complex, that could definitely cause issues with the neighbors."

Training and Management

Now, this doesn‘t mean Basset Hounds are completely unsuited to apartments or that every Basset will be excessively noisy. But it does mean extra training and management are a must.

Experts recommend starting training early with Basset Hound puppies to discourage nuisance barking. Teach the "quiet" command and reward your Basset for settling down. Provide plenty of physical exercise, mental stimulation with puzzle toys, and social time with you.

If you‘re often away from home, hire a dog walker or try doggy daycare to prevent boredom barking. Use things like white noise machines, calming pheromone diffusers, and anti-bark devices as needed (under the guidance of a professional trainer or veterinary behaviorist).

With consistent training and management, many Basset Hounds can learn to coexist peacefully in apartments. But if your Basset is extremely vocal, even with training efforts, apartment life may not be a good fit. In that case, a single-family home may be more appropriate.

A Dog Lover‘s Perspective

As someone who adores Basset Hounds, I understand the appeal of having one of these sweet, silly, affectionate dogs in your life – apartment or not. I‘ve seen many Bassets over the years who have adapted beautifully to apartment living with the right training and care.

That said, I also think it‘s important to be realistic about the challenges. Basset Hounds are not the right breed for everyone or every living situation. If you work 12 hours days and can‘t afford a dog walker, an apartment-dwelling Basset is probably not a wise choice. If your apartment building has strict noise policies, you may want to consider a quieter breed.

But if you have a flexible schedule, a commitment to training, and tolerance for some hound dog serenades, a Basset Hound could make a wonderful apartment companion. Nothing beats coming home at the end of a long day to that wrinkly, whiskered face and waggy tail.

Ultimately, whether a Basset Hound is a good apartment dog comes down to the individual dog and owner. It‘s crucial to be honest about your lifestyle and what you can provide. With proper expectations and preparation, Basset Hounds can thrive in apartments. But it‘s not a decision to make lightly.

If you do decide to welcome a Basset Hound into your apartment abode, enjoy the quirks and cuddles of your new furry friend. Embrace the occasional "arooo" serenade. And give that velvety snoot an extra smooch now and then – from one devoted dog lover to another.

Key Takeaways

• Basset Hounds can make good apartment dogs thanks to their adaptable size, moderate exercise needs, and typically friendly temperament.
• However, their vocal tendencies can pose challenges in close quarters. Consistent training and management are crucial for preventing nuisance barking.
• Ultimately, whether a Basset Hound thrives in an apartment depends on the individual dog and owner. Careful consideration of the breed‘s traits and the owner‘s lifestyle is a must.
• While not the easiest breed for apartments, Basset Hounds can do well with commitment to training, exercise, and socialization from the owner.