The coat is short, close and smooth. Introduction to the show ring has resulted in different types, shapes. The true hunting Basset has lighter bone, high, straighter legs, and a minimum of hanging skin. The show type is more massive, extremely low, with more crooked legs and a super abundance of wrinkles, flews and dewlaps. If used as a house dog, overfeeding can be a problem.
Exercise is important.
May be stubborn in accepting formal training as most hounds have an independent character, but a steady, firm hand will overcome any training problem. Generally good as a child's pet, as well as a hunter, if care is given to the hunt ancestry when selecting a pup. The head is large and well proportioned. The skull is domed. The length from the occiput to the muzzle is greater than the width at the brow.