With so many young people adopting pets and delaying home ownership,1 finding pet-friendly apartments and apartment-friendly pets is a high priority. Certain popular dog breeds aren’t the best choice for apartment living, but what about the Basset Hound? Basset Hounds have many traits that make them good apartment dogs, but their barking could pose a significant problem in this type of living arrangement.
Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of apartment life with a Basset Hound. There are also a few tips to help your long-eared pup be a better neighbor.
The Good News
Basset Hounds have several qualities that make them good apartment dogs.
Size
Almost all apartments have weight limits for pets. Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs, generally weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. This enables them to meet the weight requirements for many apartments. They are heavy but not that tall. They generally won’t feel too big, even in small apartments.
Personality
Basset Hounds are calm, friendly, laidback dogs by nature. They aren’t energetic, meaning you usually won’t have to worry about them running around a small apartment. Downstairs, neighbors will appreciate not having to listen to the constant thump of dog paws. Meanwhile, you won’t feel crowded out of your own space by a dog that won’t stop moving.
Exercise Needs
High-energy breeds generally don’t make good apartment dogs, and it’s hard to get them the exercise they need without a yard. Basset Hounds don’t have that problem. They are prone to obesity, though, so they must get daily exercise. Still, their needs can generally be met simply by a brisk walk. After exercise, Basset Hounds are happy to lounge around the apartment in sunny spots.
The Bad News
While their size, personality, and activity level make Basset Hounds good apartment dogs, there is one problem: They are loud. They were developed to sniff out game for hunters who followed their trail on foot. As they tracked, they were typically vocal, barking and baying, so the hunters could find them. Modern Basset Hounds still have the instinct to express themselves in this way.
Basset Hounds can be vocal when they’re lonely, frustrated, excited, or bored. They’re also fairly protective of their homes and may bark at strangers. Busy apartment buildings always have unknown people coming and going, so this breed will find a lot to bark at.
Not all Basset Hounds are constant barkers, though, and these may be a better fit for apartments. In addition, there are some steps you can take to keep your pup quieter.
Helping Your Basset Hound Be a Better Apartment Neighbor
A well-trained, well-socialized dog is generally calmer and more in control of themselves. You can provide your Basset Hound with basic obedience training to help them behave in an apartment. Daily physical and mental stimulation helps your pup channel the energy they have away from barking and howling.
Basset Hounds are independent dogs but generally don’t enjoy being left alone. Lonely Bassets can get especially loud, which apartment neighbors certainly won’t appreciate. They may do better in apartments if they live with someone who works from home or can take the dog to work.
Alternately, provide your Basset Hound with toys and other enrichment so they can stay busy while you’re away. If your dog must be left alone all day, consider hiring a dog walker to spend time with them. Basset Hounds usually get along with other dogs well, so doggy daycare may also be a good option.
In Conclusion
Not all Basset Hounds are a good fit for apartment living, but they have many qualities that work well for small-space living. With training and planning, this breed can make a good apartment neighbor. However, if you live in an apartment and are considering a Basset Hound, be aware of their potential to bark and be disruptive. Be prepared to find alternate solutions if your dog is being too loud.
Featured Image Credit: Bill Anastasiou, Shutterstock
