You see that long, low profile and the ears that literally trip them up, and you think you know what a Basset is. But honestly? Most people are totally confused about the different types of basset hounds because the "Basset" label is basically an umbrella for a whole family of French hunting dogs.
It’s a mess.
If you go to a breeder in the U.S., you're almost certainly getting the AKC-recognized Basset Hound—the heavy-boned, droopy-eyed king of the couch. But if you’re in Europe or hanging out with serious scent hound enthusiasts, the word "Basset" could mean six different things. Each one has a different vibe, a different coat, and a very different level of "I’m going to run away if I smell a rabbit."
The One Everyone Knows (The American/English Basset)
The standard Basset Hound is what people usually mean when they talk about types of basset hounds. This is the dog of "Hush Puppies" fame. Huge paws. Heavy bone structure. They look like they’ve melted into the floor.
Genetically, they are descendants of the Bloodhound. You can see it in the skin. All those wrinkles aren't just for looks; they actually help trap scent particles and funnel them toward the nose. It's a biological vacuum cleaner.
But here’s the thing: they are heavy. A male Basset can hit 65 pounds while standing only 14 inches tall. That is a lot of dog on very short legs. Because of this, they’re prone to back issues like IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease). Owners often don't realize that keeping a Basset thin is the difference between a happy dog and a $10,000 surgery.
They are stubborn. Like, "I will sit in the middle of the street and refuse to move" stubborn. If you want a dog that fetches, get a Lab. If you want a roommate who has strong opinions about where the ottoman should be, get a Basset.
The Scruffy French Cousins You’ve Never Met
Most people don't realize the "Basset" name literally comes from the French word bas, meaning low. It's a descriptor, not a single breed. In France, there are several distinct types of basset hounds that look nothing like the smooth-coated dog we see in cartoons.
Take the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV).
He’s tiny. He’s hairy. He looks like he’s had a permanent caffeine overdose. Unlike the standard Basset, which is a slow-motion tracker, the PBGV is a "happy breed." They are busy. They bark. A lot. The AKC finally recognized them in 1990, but they remain rare. They have a rough, wire-like coat that protects them from brambles in the French countryside. If you hate grooming, stay away. They are mats waiting to happen.
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Then there is the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.
It’s basically the PBGV’s big brother. He’s faster and has more stamina. He isn't as "low" to the ground as a traditional Basset, which makes him a better athlete but less of a "low-slung" oddity. These dogs weren't bred for apartments. They were bred to chase deer and boar for six hours straight.
The Blue and the Brown: The Rare Bassets
If you really want to get into the weeds of types of basset hounds, you have to look at the Basset Bleu de Gascogne.
This dog is stunning. They have a "blue" coat, which is actually a heavy mottling of black and white that creates a slate-gray effect. They are longer and leaner than the English version. They have this mournful, ancient look in their eyes. Historically, they were used by French aristocrats who needed a dog that could keep up with a walking hunter. They aren't sprinters. They are marathon walkers.
Then there’s the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
Think of a small, wiry, ginger-colored hound. They are incredibly popular in France for rabbit hunting because they are built like little tanks. They are fast. Surprisingly fast. Because they are smaller and lighter, they don't suffer from the same joint issues as the heavy American Basset.
Why Breed Standards Actually Matter (And Why They Don't)
When looking at the different types of basset hounds, the George Alston school of thought—famous in the dog showing world—emphasizes movement. A Basset should move with "effortless" grace.
But let's be real.
Most Bassets today are pets. This has led to a divide in the breed. You have "field trial" Bassets and "show" Bassets. The show dogs are getting heavier, with more skin and shorter legs. This is controversial. Many vets, including those vocal in the UK's Kennel Club, have pushed for "healthier" silhouettes to prevent the dogs' chests from literally hitting the ground.
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If you’re looking for a Basset, you have to ask: do I want a 70-pound tank or a 40-pound hunter?
The Basset Artésien Normand is another one to watch. It's almost a midpoint between the heavy English dog and the lighter French ones. It has the smooth coat and the long ears but carries itself with more elegance. It’s less "saggy."
Living With the Scent-Driven Brain
Regardless of which types of basset hounds you’re looking at, they all share one hardware defect: the nose.
If a Basset catches a scent, their brain essentially shuts off. Their ears come forward, their tail goes up, and they are gone. This is why "off-leash Basset Hound" is mostly a myth. Unless you are in a fenced area, you are one squirrel away from a disaster.
They also howl. It’s not a bark. It’s a deep, soulful barooo that vibrates through the floorboards. It’s charming for the first three days. It’s less charming at 3:00 AM when a moth flies past the window.
The Maintenance Nobody Mentions
- Ear Hygiene: These ears drag on the ground. They get dipped in water bowls. They get dragged through mud. If you don't clean them weekly, they will smell like a sourdough starter that went bad.
- The Smell: Bassets have oily coats. It’s what makes them waterproof. It also gives them a very distinct "hound" musk. You can't wash it away permanently; it’s just part of the package.
- The Drool: Specifically in the American and English types. When they shake their heads, the "slime" can reach heights you wouldn't believe.
Which Basset Is Your Best Match?
Choosing between the types of basset hounds comes down to your activity level.
If you live in an apartment and your idea of a hike is walking to the mailbox, the standard Basset Hound is your soulmate. They are world-class nappers. They will happily spend 22 hours a day on your sofa.
If you are active and want a hiking companion, look at the Basset Fauve de Bretagne or the PBGV. These dogs have "engines." They want to move. They want to investigate every bush. Putting a PBGV in a quiet apartment without a job to do is a recipe for a destroyed couch.
The Genetic Reality
Dr. Nathan Sutter, a known researcher in canine genetics, has pointed out that the mutation for short legs (chondrodysplasia) is what defines these breeds. It's a beautiful quirk of history, but it comes with responsibility.
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You cannot let these dogs jump off high beds. You cannot let them get fat.
A "Standard" Basset isn't just a lazy dog; it's a highly specialized athlete whose sport is "finding stuff slowly."
Buying vs. Rescuing
If you're hunting for specific types of basset hounds, like the Bleu de Gascogne, you’re going to have a hard time finding them in local shelters. You’ll likely need a specialty breeder. However, the Basset Hound Club of America and various Basset rescues are overflowing with standard Bassets.
Why?
Because people buy the cute puppy from the movie and realize they can't handle the stubbornness or the house-training. Bassets are notoriously difficult to house-break. They are "low-motivation" learners. They aren't trying to please you; they are trying to figure out if what you're asking is worth the piece of cheese in your hand.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Check the Floor: If you have lots of stairs, a heavy Basset might not be for you. Lugging a 60-pound dog up and down stairs when they get old is a workout you might not want.
- Visit a "Basset Waddles": These are real events. Basset owners gather in parks. It is the best way to see the different types of basset hounds in person and—more importantly—smell them.
- Invest in Ramps: If you get a puppy, buy ramps for the sofa and the bed immediately. Protect that spine from day one.
- Find a "Hound-Savy" Trainer: Standard obedience classes can be frustrating. You need someone who understands that a Basset isn't being "bad"—he’s just busy processing a scent from three days ago.
- Budget for Cleaning: High-quality ear cleaners and a good vacuum are non-negotiable.
The world of Bassets is deeper than most people think. Whether it’s the wiry energy of a Griffon or the somber dignity of a Blue Gascogne, these dogs are specialists. They aren't for everyone. But if you can handle the hair, the noise, and the "I’ll do it when I’m ready" attitude, there isn't a more loyal companion on the planet.
Understand your own energy levels first. Match the dog to your reality, not your aesthetic preference. If you want a marathon runner, don't buy a dog built like a cinder block. If you want a Netflix buddy, don't get a wire-haired French hunter. Choose the right Basset, and you’ll have a shadow for life.
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