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Basset Hounds have a short, smooth coat that looks as if it could look after itself. It mostly can. The grooming work with a Basset is found elsewhere: in ears long enough to trail through puddles, droopy lips and eyes, skin folds, a signature hound odor and a heavy body on short legs that makes nails and bathing a bit of a project. This guide lays out a routine that covers the whole dog, not just the coat.
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How Much Do Basset Hounds Shed?
More than you would guess. Bassets have a short, dense, hard coat, and they shed moderately to heavily year-round, with a noticeable increase in spring. The short hairs cling to carpets and upholstery. Because Bassets spend a lot of time lying on floors and sofas, their hair tends to concentrate wherever they nap.
Weekly Brushing
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Brush once or twice a week, and every other day during spring shedding:
- Rubber curry mitt in circles to loosen dead hair. Bassets usually treat this as a massage.
- Short-bristle brush or hound glove along the grain to lift the loosened hair away.
- A fine deshedding comb used lightly during heavy shedding.
| Area | How often | What to do | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ears | Weekly clean; wipe tips daily | Vet-approved cleaner; dry thoroughly | Odor, redness, dark wax, head shaking |
| Eyes | Daily | Wipe discharge from the lower lid area | Redness, heavy discharge, squinting |
| Lips and neck folds | Every few days | Wipe drool and food, then dry | Sour smell, redness |
| Coat | 1-2x per week | Rubber mitt and bristle brush | Greasy patches, flakes |
| Nails | Every 2-3 weeks | Grind or clip in small amounts | Splayed toes, clicking on floor |
Ears: The Top Priority
Basset ears are among the longest of any breed. They drag on the ground, dip into food and water bowls and hang over the ear canal, blocking airflow. Ear infections are extremely common. Build these habits:
- Clean inside the ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner and dry the canal entrance.
- Wipe the ear tips after meals and walks; they collect food, mud and moisture.
- Use a narrow, deep bowl or a snood at mealtimes to keep ears out of the dish.
Any smell, redness, discharge or scratching at the ears means a vet visit. Chronic infections can permanently thicken the ear canal.
Eyes and Face
Bassets have droopy lower eyelids that expose the inner lid and collect debris. Wipe daily with a soft, damp cloth from the inner corner outward. Increased discharge, redness or squinting should be checked by your vet. The lips and jowls also hold drool and food; wipe and dry them regularly to prevent irritation in the folds.
The Hound Odor
Bassets have oily skin and a natural musky smell. Bathing too often actually increases oil production. Keeping ears clean, wiping skin folds and washing bedding weekly usually does more for odor than extra baths. A strong, yeasty or rancid smell suggests an ear or skin infection, and Bassets are prone to seborrhea, which causes greasy, smelly skin. Ask your vet if odor persists despite good hygiene.
Bathing a Basset
Every four to eight weeks is typical. Bassets are heavy for their height and can weigh 40 to 65 pounds, so lifting them into a tub needs care. Support the chest and the rear together to protect the long back. A walk-in shower or a self-service dog wash with a ramp can be easier. Use a mild or vet-recommended shampoo and rinse thoroughly, especially under the folds of the neck. Dry the folds, underbelly and ears completely.
Nails and Feet
Bassets carry a lot of weight on short legs and large feet. Overgrown nails can alter their gait and put extra strain on their joints. Trim or grind every two to three weeks. Their front feet often turn slightly outward, which is normal for the breed, but watch for sores or redness between the toes.
Belly and Undercarriage
Low-slung Bassets pick up dirt, moisture and irritants on their bellies. Wipe the chest and belly after wet walks, and check for redness or rashes, especially in dogs with allergies.
Professional Grooming Costs
A professional Basset bath, deshed, nail trim and ear clean typically costs $45 to $75 in the US. Medicated baths for seborrhea or skin issues cost more. Some groomers add a small charge for lifting heavier dogs.
FAQ
Do Basset Hounds shed a lot?
Yes, moderately to heavily year-round, with more in spring. Brushing once or twice a week helps keep loose hair under control.
How often should I clean my Basset Hound’s ears?
Weekly for a thorough clean, and wipe the ear tips daily. See your vet at the first sign of odor, redness or discharge.
Bottom Line
A Basset Hound’s coat needs only a weekly brush, but the rest of the dog needs daily attention: ears, eyes, lips and skin folds. Clean ears weekly, wipe faces daily, bathe every month or two with careful lifting, and keep nails short to protect those short legs. That routine keeps your Basset comfortable and much less smelly.
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