The Snoozer with a Nose for Adventure

If you’ve ever seen a Basset Hound, you know they have a face that says, “I’m wise beyond my years” and a body that says, “I’ll take a nap now, thanks.” With their droopy ears, sad eyes, and laid-back attitude, these dogs might look like they’re constantly pondering the mysteries of life, but the truth is, they were bred to track down scents—specifically, small game—thanks to their incredible sense of smell.

Basset Hounds may seem a little slow in their movements (probably because they’re too busy sniffing out the world), but they’re actually quite independent and strong-willed. Despite their snoozy reputation, Bassets are incredibly affectionate and love spending time with their humans. They have a relaxed demeanor and don’t need constant activity, but if you give them something to sniff, they’ll stay occupied for hours.

Basset Hounds are also one of those breeds that are more about the journey than the destination, so if you’re looking for a dog that enjoys a leisurely stroll (preferably with a lot of sniffing breaks), this is your guy. Just be prepared for their occasional stubbornness, especially if there’s a particularly interesting smell in the air that needs immediate attention.