The Basset Fauve de Bretagne has a happy-go-lucky personality but can be strong-willed when he wants to be. This small French scenthound has a determined mindset and courageous attitude when it comes to hunting, and will choose to hunt above any other option. This means that although he can be clever, training might take a backseat when a rabbit or squirrel pops up in the yard! When not distracted by the smell or sight of game, he is willing to please and quite a cheerful companion. Fauves are gentle and loyal toward their owners, possessing a soft temperament without being shy. They can be very affectionate. Aggression is not seen in the breed.

Take note – The Basset Fauve is an energetic fellow who can be surprisingly strong and quick for his size! Although he tends to be calm in the house (he’ll lay down and watch tv with the family for hours), he has much more energy outside. Some require only a medium amount of physical exhertion while others need a much higher level of exercise. Exercise can come in many different forms, including a game of fetch in the backyard as this breed loves to play and romp, or even a hike through the woods! It is necessary that, when off-leash, the dog be kept in a fenced yard because of his high prey drive and tendency to wander.

The Fauve needs early training and socialization which should be continued throughout his life. Without this stimulation he may find other ways to occupy his time which are… less likely to please his owner. It should be noted that the breed is not easy to train, so patience and calm persistence is necessary. Many are very food-motivated which can help entice the dog to learn – just make sure that you are using the food as a reward for a job well done rather than a bribe! As mentioned above, they will follow their noses when training outside and can be easily distracted by the presence of animals. This is not to say the dogs cannot be trained around animal distractions, but an owner or trainer must put in the work to get them to this point. 

The BFDB is friendly both with other dogs as well as children and therefore makes for a good companion in many types of homes – even being amiable to apartment-living. He is also extremely outgoing and friendly even to guests and strangers. He tends to be quiet – at least as long as there aren’t any woodland creatures for him to chase and bark at. He is also easy to groom and care for as his wiry coat doesn’t tend to tangle or even collect dirt (although longer-haired individuals may need semi-regular coat stripping). The breed sheds only seasonally, and not too excessively.

The downsides to this breed? Besides their training difficulties, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne might have problems living with cats or other small “pocket pets”, depending upon the prey drive of the individual dog. They are also not hypo-allergenic like some other wirehaired breeds. Finally, they may be slower to housebreak than other dogs. These factors combined with their higher energy levels mean they may not make the best pets for novice dog owners.

The Basset Fauve tends to be fairly healthy although responsible breeders should screen for PRA (an eye disorder), heart issues, epilepsy and other potential issues. The breed is fairly rare here in the United States but more common overseas. For the most part, breeders both local and foreign are doing health tests and working towards keeping the BFDB as healthy as possible, but it is still up to the puppy buyer to ask questions and verify the health of the lines. Luckily, not only are most Fauves healthy but also quite long-lived, sometimes living up to (or beyond) 16 years of age!

The Italian Hound (AKA Segugio Italiano) is a scenthound with a clever mind and a love for hunting. He is gentle, easygoing and sociable even with strangers, making a great companion for people both young and old. He is fairly calm in the house, although will not hesitate to take chase if he catches an enticing scent! The breed’s affectionate and loyal nature has earned him many fans around the world, although he is rare in most places except his home country of Italy. The breed comes in two coat types: wire haired and smooth. Both are easy to take care of and low-shed, just requiring a quick brushing a couple times a week and occasional baths. Wire haired dogs have been noted to be slightly more aloof than their smooth coated brethren.

Italian Hounds do need daily exercise and enjoy long walks, although this should also be combined with plenty of free-running time. They need to stretch their legs and run on a very regular basis – these fast dogs are capable of racing for miles before getting tired. They also greatly benefit from obedience and other dog activities to keep their minds and bodies sharp. Many do well in multi-dog situations, either in the home or in public, although they are less trustworthy around smaller animals whom they might see as prey. This means they love to exercise during doggy play dates but are not the best choice to let off leash in a place filled with wild animals.

Because of their generally mild nature, Italian Hounds can live in apartments as long as they get taken out frequently. Those who don’t get enough exercise can become destructive, and this goes doubly so for apartment-dwellers. Don’t mistake their calmness for being low-energy, they are in fact a fairly high-energy breed that will be easygoing in the home only as long as they are given regular outlets!

When it comes to training, Italian Hounds tend to learn quickly and are very eager to please! Outside under heavy distraction, however, they become more difficult to train. Running animals or strong scents can quickly turn their “learning brain” off and their “hunting brain” on! The breed does best with a trainer who has a calm and confident demeanor and who helps build up the hound’s confidence as they train. Make sure to stay consistent!

Italian Hounds aren’t big on barking… instead they make unusual, high-pitched sounds when they want to talk. They’ll make these sounds to alert when people come to the door, making them good watchdogs (even if they aren’t guard dogs by any means). Many love to hear the sound of their own voices, which means the breed can be a bit vocal. Between the frequency with which they bark and the high-pitched tone that they do it… this may be a deal-breaker for some owners (and neighbors).

The Italian Hound is a very healthy dog for the most part, with chronic ear infections the only problem that can occur frequently – and this normally has more to do with a lack of ear hygiene on the part of the owner! Long-eared dogs are more prone to getting dirt and debris trapped in the ear, which can lead to an infection if not cleaned weekly. Otherwise this medium-sized hound tends to live 12-13 years with no health issues.

The Black Forest Hound (also known as the Slovensky Kopov or the Slovakian Hound) is a hunting dog through and through – alert and bold, while also possessing an excellent sense of smell. This medium-sized scenthound, originally developed to go after wild boar, is strong-minded and will hunt all day if given the chance. As might be expected from a dog created to dispatch a creature the size of a boar, the Black Forest is exceptionally hardy and strong. His short but stocky build is built for rugged work. This proud hound is recognized as the national breed of Slovakia.

The Black Forest is an intelligent breed and has shown to be fairly adaptable to many different types of work – even being used in the Slovakian police force! While hunting is their favorite past-time, they can (and should) be taught at least basic obedience. Like many hounds, they have a definite stubborn streak and therefore need an owner and/or trainer who will stay completely consistent and won’t give up if the hound tries their patience! They aren’t the most difficult breed to train… but they also aren’t the easiest. Just because they’re intelligent doesn’t mean they necessarily care about following commands. As such, they may be more of a challenge for a novice.

The Black Forest Hound’s trademark black-and-tan coat doesn’t require a lot of grooming, but because he is double-coated will require extra brushing during shedding season. When the coat gets muddy, oftentimes the dirt will dry and fall off without causing too much of a mess which means he doesn’t require frequent bathing. This said, all dogs require occasional baths to keep them hygienic, healthy and happy. Brushing or bathing sessions will also allow the owner to inspect the skin for cuts, scrapes or parasites – especially important for dogs who hunt. Cleaning ears, trimming nails and regular dental care are also important (and easy) maintenance issues to remember.

Black Forests tend to bond very strongly to one person in a family, spending the most time with that person. They will still be friendly and social toward everyone but it is common for them to have a “favorite”. There may be some slight suspicious attitudes around complete strangers. While active and alert in the field, the Black Forest is calm and even laid-back when in the home. He tends to get along with other dogs as well (although some hounds have issues with those of the same sex). Most do well around children. Unlike some breeds which tend to do better as a hunting dog (and not as much a family dog), the Black Forest actually excels at both. The best match for a Black Forest is an active person who enjoys being outdoors with their dog, preferably someone experienced with scenthounds. Hunters get extra points, however are not completely necessary. A person or family that lives in a home with a decent-sized fenced yard is ideal.

Black Forest Hounds are somewhat popular in their own country but are a rare breed in the United States. Not only are they still used for hunting and tracking, but they are appreciated for their watch dog abilities as well. Their alert nature and generously-used (to put it nicely) voices mean that many intruders will stay away. If an intruder does try to enter the house and become threatening, many will defend their home and people.

Otherwise, the Black Forest is an affectionate and fun-loving dog who enjoys life to the fullest whenever possible! This includes using his voice freely and loudly, a trait he shares with other scenthounds. He does have a lot of energy and as such, requires a fair amount of daily exercise. Even with exercise, his high levels of enthusiasm means he can easily bowl over small children or elderly individuals. Make sure to do a thorough evaluation of your family before deciding to bring home this excitable fellow! He can live with small children, however he should be raised with them from puppyhood, given regular training, and of course a regular exercise regime.

The Black Forest Hound has a medium to medium-high energy level. He does need regular exercise but can live in a smaller home… as long as the owner is active and willing to take the dog out frequently. Energy level of the owner is a more important factor than size of the living space. Without enough exercise he can be frustrating to live with. Not only should his body be given exercise, but also so should his mind. This breed especially thrives on activities involving scent, and is a natural when it comes to dog sports such as tracking or nose work!

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is attentive and alert to his surroundings. This mid-sized American scenthound is clever when it comes to hunting but isn’t always interested in following direct orders without specific training. Even still, he is sociable and friendly with people while remaining courageous and dedicated to his job. With the right owner he is very loyal but he is not recommended for novice owners.

The TTB is a healthy and hardy breed, created to work hard outside in the fields. He makes a great hunting dog, being both agile and fast, and he uses his voice freely when he catches wind of prey. This isn’t to say that he can’t be kept as a pet, however a prospective owner needs to understand this dog’s personality quirks as well as making sure to give him enough exercise to meet his needs. As a hunting/treeing breed, it is good to recognize that this dog has an incredible nose and will want to follow it at all times – this goes hand in hand with his very high prey drive, which means he is prone to wandering. It is also important to note that barking has been sought-after trait, and is therefore very much a part of this breed. Apartment-dwellers may want to look elsewhere for a dog that is quieter and doesn’t require as much exercise.

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle, like other pack-hunting dogs, needs companionship in his day to day life and doesn’t thrive in a setting where he is often alone. This is probably why he is so affectionate to everyone (although particularly to his family and other dogs in his life). He tends to do great with children as well, although younger children as likely to get bowled over by his energetic exuberance. Although friendly and definitely not guard-dog material, most do make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert the presence of someone on the property. Depending on the bloodline, the TTB may or may not do well when living with cats. Outdoor cats might get chased up a tree.

Although he has a short, slick coat that requires little grooming, the TTB does shed moderately. Keeping him brushed regularly will help, especially during heavier shedding seasons. As the name might imply, the brindle color of the dog is his trademark. While dogs can also be black, most of them have at least some brindle markings. The coat and color of the dogs were one of the important features when they were developed, although hunting prowess was the most significant sought-after trait.

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an active dog and needs to be given frequent outlets to burn this energy. Without these outlets he can become fairly intense and difficult to live with. Like many of the cur breeds (the sub-group to which he belongs), the breed was created primarily for hunters rather than as a family pet. As such, he does best in homes or farmlands that have spacious fenced yards.

When it comes to training, the TTB is more sensitive than other hound breeds and requires patience. Harsh treatment should be avoided as it will cause the dog to shut down. A basic puppy kindergarten class that involves both socialization and obedience training is a great way to get the dog used to learning while young. This will prep him for later learning and make him easier to live with.

Photo By Hummelong

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is the newest member of AKC’s hound group. These happy, outgoing hounds love to meet new people although they have an independent nature like most other scenthounds. This French breed is very uncommon in the United States, however enjoys a bigger following overseas. Though short in height, GBGVs are hefty and can weigh up to 45 pounds.

In the house, the GBGV tends to be fairly relaxed and calm as long as he is given regular exercise (although he’s not really a couch potato). Once he goes outside, however – he can run and play forever! Don’t let his short-legged looks fool you… he has a lot of stamina and agility, and if he catches the scent of an animal he will be off in an instant! For this reason, he needs plenty of walks and/or other exercise with his owner daily. Don’t count on him exercising himself in the backyard unless you live in an exceptionally interesting place full of critters for him to safely chase – and even then, he must be kept in a fenced yard at all times. Take note – the GBGV doesn’t tend to slow down as he ages like other dogs. He does best with energetic owners who can give him an active, full life for the long-term!

The harsh and wiry coat of the Grand needs only minimal grooming. A quick brush down once a week and the occasional bath should suffice to keep his coat in good condition. Nails, teeth and ears must also be attended to regularly. Like most long-eared dogs, they need cleaning more often than other breeds. While this scenthound does shed, most of the shedding happens seasonally and not year-round.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, because they were bred as pack dogs, get along very well with other dogs! While it is not necessary to have a multi-dog household in order to own a GBGV, it is usually much-appreciated by these hounds, and also makes it easier for an owner to leave for the day without worry about the dog getting lonely. The breed also tends to do well with children. In fact, they love everyone – family, stranger or even postal worker! Aggression or shyness is so atypical in this breed, that when it comes up it usually has more to do with a lack of early socialization. A quick note – they might not be safe around small pets because of their prey drive.

Generally eager to please, the GBGV takes well to training although his independent nature means that he can become easily distracted and/or bored. A series of short obedience sessions generally works better than hour long lessons. Like most other scenthounds, obedience isn’t his first priority but he can be encouraged to learn as long as the trainer is skilled in motivation as well as setting down firm boundaries. Knowing that stubbornness is a common trait in the breed, a trainer or owner should also be prepared to utilize a lot of patience! Because of these traits, the Grand Basset does best when living with an experienced dog owner.

Photo by brindis320.

The Beagle is a compact little hound that can make an excellent companion in the right home. Their small size makes them more affordable to care for than their larger scenthound counterparts, and their affectionate nature wins over hearts wherever they go. Constantly happy – it is hard to be sad when there’s a Beagle in the room! Despite being very friendly, however, they have an independent nature which can make them difficult to train. An owner must understand that this breed thinks with their nose before thinking about following orders. This quality makes them great hunting partners but not always the most reliable obedience dog.

Their independent nature and easy distractibility means that obedience training doesn’t come easy for most Beagles, but they are nonetheless very intelligent. It’s best to start training in low-distraction environments, and capitalize on any enthusiasm they may have for working with you. They do like to please the people they care about, so if you can make the training interesting and fun, they will learn! This is a breed that enjoys being “part of the action”, so take advantage of that and work with the dog rather than just shouting commands at him. As mentioned before, the Beagle’s nose is his specialty – doing tracking or nosework with this breed is highly recommended so he can have a chance to put his sniffing abilities to good use!

Beagles get along great with kids and can provide hours of entertainment every day. Many love to run and play out in the yard with children, although they may or may not be open to playing fetch. Like other scenthounds, they can also become very distracted outside when they smell something interesting. Being bred to follow their nose, they will always place the highest priority on following scents. For this reason, a fully fenced yard is a necessity for Beagles (a real fence – not an invisible fence)! Because they are master escape artists, the fence should be dig-proof. Likewise, the dog must always be kept on leash whenever off the property.

When young, Beagles can be fairly active dogs. They require daily walks to expel this energy, the length of the walk depending on whether or not they have also have a yard to burn off energy. While a yard is encouraged, it is not necessary as long as the owner is prepared to walk the dog more frequently. Remember that these are hunting dogs that were bred to have a lot of energy and stamina! That won’t just disappear just because the dog was bought as a pet. Furthermore, some Beagles have the tendency to get fat so this exercise is necessary to keep them fit and healthy.

The Beagle’s short, smooth coat is very easy to care for. If he gets dirty, a rub down with a towel might be enough to rid the coat of dirt and grime, but even if it is not a bath takes only a few minutes! There is no special clipping or scissoring to keep him looking his best. He is also an easy keeper when it comes to vet care – while any dog can develop a medical issue, Beagles generally are a very healthy breed.

Beagles are social dogs, originally bred to work in packs. In fact, they love other dogs almost as much as they love “their people”! As such, they do not do well when left at home all day by themselves. This is the most common reason that Beagles become destructive and problem-barkers. Getting another dog as a companion for the first will work to alleviate boredom and loneliness in some circumstances, but not in all. Even if it does fix the problem, the owner now has two dogs to train and take care of! It may be best to look into another breed altogether if the owner works long hours.

Dachshunds may have a comical appearance, but the breed’s unique look is what made them excellent at their job – hunting badgers and other small game from inside the animal’s burrow! The breed’s short legs allowed them to squish into these tight tunnels in order to do battle with their (sometimes fierce) foe. This is a hunting dog through and through, and even today Dachshunds have a load of courage, independence and tenacity – the traits that enabled them to stay alive to do their job. These same traits can make them difficult to live with in modern society, particularly if the owner isn’t prepared to meet their distinctive needs.

Perhaps because of their incredibly stubborn nature, many people are led to believe that Dachshunds are not smart. This is completely false- they are incredibly clever (even conniving at times)! This was not a breed that was built to work with people (they worked independently with the hunters nearby). As such, many don’t see the point of learning obedience and instead prefer trying to train their owner instead. This said, with the right motivation they can learn! Some even compete successfully in obedience competitions, although it takes a lot of consistency, motivation and patience on the part of the owner to get to competition-level.

Dachshunds love to be close to their owners, often bonding very strongly with one person in particular and then following them everywhere (although some do bond with the whole family). The breed particularly prefer to be in the middle of the action! This can be pleasant… but can also prove to be frustrating to have a tiny dog underfoot at any given time. Care must be taken not to step on the dog, or accidentally drop something on him. As this is a playful breed, he may try to engage in a game of fetch (or some other type of game that he finds amusing) although he will usually insist that you follow his rules!

Dachshunds are not always easy to housebreak, perhaps to due their incredibly stubborn nature. While some people have been able to 100% housebreak this their Dachie, it is more common to hear about individual dogs who are 90-95% housebroken. If the dog fails to go outside despite being (mostly) housebroken, it is usually because of the weather. Many Dachshunds would rather face the consequences of their actions (via their owner) than face the cold/rain/wet realities of going outside on a particularly nasty day! Keep in mind that in addition to their penchant for not always being reliable, they also may take longer than other breeds to “catch on” to housebreaking in the first place. It just doesn’t seem to be of particular interest to them.

Because of his structure, the Dachshund is more susceptible to back injury than other breeds. Slipped disks are unfortunately common, and while there is often a genetic component, there are precautions an owner can take to minimize the risk. The biggest way to protect the back is to keep the dog in good shape. Fat Dachshunds have more strain on their backs, which leads to more frequent injury. Furthermore, the breed should never be allowed to jump off of tall furniture as this can also cause problems – providing a ramp would be a better choice. Keeping the nails short and taking care to support the back when holding the dog are two other precautions an owner can take to diminish the chances of back problems.

The Dachshund can get along well with children although it is recommended that they are introduced while they are still puppies. Supervision is also advised, particularly with younger children. Some people make the mistake of keeping the dog outside all the time because they are scared of one hurting the other – this is ill-advised with a Dachshund as they are far too social to be outdoor-only dogs. Take the time to make the introductions right the first time so both child and dog can get along harmoniously!

Dachshunds make great watch dogs as they will bark when people come to the door. Many have voices that make them sound bigger than they actually are, which is an added deterrent – although this breed is not suited to be a guard dog. Once they are satisfied that they’ve “chased away” the threat, they’ll usually go back to their “spot” to chill out again – often a spot of sunlight or a warm blanket to tunnel into.

Dachshunds come in a number of different appearances! The breed exists in two different sizes (standard and miniature), as well as three different coat types (smooth, longhaired and wirehaired). While the breed’s short legs means that they are never taller than nine inches off the ground, miniatures are only about 10 pounds while standards can be three times as heavy! They also boast a wide number of colors and patterns, which means that the combinations of appearance are almost endless. While some color and coats are more typically seen than others, a gathering of Dachshunds usually consists of a broad variety of looks.

Perhaps as a throwback to their hunting roots – Dachshunds tend to roll around in the smelly things that they encounter outside. Manure, pungent mud or dead worms are all fair game! Another dirty habit is their love of digging, which they tend to do when left to their own devices. Despite their outside antics, however, Dachshunds are relatively clean and don’t usually have a strong doggy odor (as long as they haven’t been rolling in something). They don’t need to be bathed particularly often and only shed only a small-medium amount. As would be expected, smooths are the easiest to take groom while longhairs and wirehairs require more maintenance.

The Dachshund is moderately active and does need regular exercise. Two walks a day, each about half a mile, is usually considered sufficient. Because of their short legs, they don’t make the best jogging companions but do appreciate a nice walk. This exercise will keep them happy and healthy, and contributes to their long life (they live an average of 14-16 years). It also strengthens muscles, which factors into a strong back. Dachies that don’t receive enough things to do can easily get bored.

The Harrier is not a big Beagle or a small Foxhound, but they are all in the same family of scenthounds. Like the majority of hounds, Harriers are characteristically independent and can be incredibly stubborn when they want to be. Most of them are still bred for hunting hare and fox (their original task), which means they aren’t as suited to being house pets as many other breeds of dog. This does not mean that it is impossible to keep a Harrier as a pet, it just means that prospective owners need to know what they are getting into before buying. While it isn’t necessary to live on a ranch, apartment-dwellers should look elsewhere.

Harriers are driven by their noses most of the time (if not all of the time). They will follow an interesting scent anywhere, which means they must be kept in a fenced yard. Although they can be obedience trained, they cannot be expected to stay within the confines of an unfenced property unsupervised – their hunting instinct is far too strong. In fact, many owners find that they must secure both the top and bottom of the fence to keep the dog in! No electric fences for these dogs – Harriers will do just about anything to get to an appealing smell.

Do not let this dissuade you from training the Harrier. Just because they have some “quirks” does not mean that they cannot be trained. The breed is actually fairly intelligent and good at problem-solving. Many are also very food-motivated (although also prone to getting fat, so plan on weaning them down on treats after a while). The trick is to choose a room inside that doesn’t have many distractions, for whenever the Harrier is learning something new. Training outside can be too overwhelming to start out with, especially if there is wildlife nearby. A trainer can gradually work up to training outside but should keep it easy at first. 

It is important to give the Harrier enough exercise. Although they are laid-back in the house, they are still a fairly high-energy breed. Some people choose to keep them outside, which can be done if the dog has the company of a pack. If not being regularly hunted, however, outside-dogs also need exercise. Bred for endurance, a Harrier might tire out their owner before they get tired themselves! Biking is a great activity for them, although jogging and hiking work equally well. Whenever going out into public, however, owners should plan on being asked about their dog frequently. The Harrier is very rarely seen, and most people are curious about what they are!

The Harrier loves people and is very friendly with kids. Many will follow their owners throughout the house just because they don’t want to be alone. As a pack hound, it goes without saying that they also love other dogs and prefer to live with a companion (or several). Harriers that live completely alone, and who are also left home alone by themselves, are prone to destruction. They need someone else there in order to be happy (Please note – a cat is not the best companion as many Harriers have too high of a prey drive to live with small animals). Just because they thrive on companionship does not mean that they are especially needy or demanding, however. They like to be near others, but won’t constantly annoy and beg for attention.

These hounds enjoy making noise and will talk, sing and howl to communicate. While some owners enjoy these melodic sounds, it can be annoying to others. This is not the breed for someone looking for a quiet dog. One other habit which can be bothersome – the Harrier enjoys digging and can excavate a yard in no time. As with the noise, these tendencies are important to know if considering owning this breed.

The Basset Hound is a gentle, loving dog. Once bred for trailing and hunting game, they make excellent family pets to those who meet their requirements of care. Very good with children as well as other pets, they are friendly and affectionate in every sense. They need to be trained not to jump up on people or try to crawl onto a lap – after all, they can weigh up to 75 pounds! Their weight is deceiving when you consider that height-wise, they could be considered tiny. Unlike most breeds, however, they have a very “heavy bone” and are thus considered a large dog on short legs.

Don’t let their looks fool you… although they look very sedentary they do require exercise! After all they were bred to live a rather active hunting life! However they don’t require as much as, for example, a large sporting dog. Unlike some breeds, you will find yourself walking with a Basset rather than jogging. For many people, this is a plus! Exercise is important for both physical as well as mental reasons. A Basset that never takes walks with his owner will not only become fat, but also oftentimes bored. It should be noted that while the puppy is growing, exercise should be limited to avoid straining the joints. Once the dog is fully grown you can work him up to longer and longer walks.

As the breed can be stubborn and willful, many people give up on training their Basset. Those who do are missing out on a great opportunity to interact and have fun with their dogs! While there are not many Bassets that compete in formal obedience… the few that do are having great experiences! Even if you do not want to formally compete, teaching foundational obedience is still very important… just as it is with every dog. You may want to also consider training in other “dog sports” as well. Bassets excel in hunting as well as tracking events.

Because of their amazing noses, Bassets are often very interested in the world around them – particularly the outside world. This breed needs a fenced yard to keep them from following their noses off your property and down the block! You cannot fault their tendency to roam… after all, it was bred into them. But you must be prepared to accept this trait and keep them safe – thus, have a solid fence and keep it locked! If you own a pool, that must also securely fenced to prevent the dog from jumping in and possibly drowning.

Another less than desirable trait of the breed is their propensity for howling… and it can be loud! They can also be droolers. These particular traits must be taken into consideration by anyone considering buying a Basset. All in all, however, most people think that they have many more good qualities than bad!