Personality
Bassets are friendly and welcome the opportunity to make new friends. For this reason, they are an excellent pet for families with children and other pets. Bassets are pack animals, and as such, a second pet is recommended if the Basset must be left alone while the family is away. Like Beagles, Bassets can be excitable when meeting a new person or dog.
While Bassets may be less energetic than some breeds, they will exercise regularly if given the chance. Most Bassets enjoy activities that use their natural endurance, like long walks or hikes. They also enjoy tracking games that let them use their powerful nose.
Training
Like other hounds, Basset Hounds are often difficult to train. Many Basset Hounds will often obey commands when offered a food reward, but will ignore the training when a reward is not present. Bassets are also notoriously difficult to housebreak. However, training and housebreaking are not impossible and can be accomplished with consistency and patience by the owner.
The breed has a strong hunting instinct and will give chase or follow a scent if given the opportunity. If obedience is an issue, they should be kept on a leash when out on walks.
Barking
Bassets might howl or bark when they want something or to suggest that they think something is wrong. They also use a low, murmuring whine to get attention, which sounds to many owners as though their Bassets are talking. This whine is also used by the Hound to beg and varies in volume depending on the nature of the dog and length of time it has been begging.