If you don't have a fenced in yard, yet you plan on many daily walks and runs at the dog park, would it be wise to get a hound?

I wouldn’t even consider getting ANY breed of dog without a fenced yard. A LOT of extra work and Bassets need a lot of outdoor time, at least until they are very mature, in their later years.
They may not move as fast as a long legged hound breed, but…they WILL follow their nose everywhere, oblivious to anything around them.

Haha, I can’t get my BH off the couch, she is the laziest dog I’ve ever met and has been that way since she was a tiny puppy. When I try walking her with my beagle (who is very active), we get to the end of the street and she can’t keep up.

If you really wanted a BH you would need to fence your yard. Some sort of electric fence or something depending on HOA.

Also start taking those walks and runs now, to see how committed you are and practical this is.

Also try and spend time with the breed, do research on personality types, health problems, assess whether another breed may be a better fit for you.

I think it’s a good idea, but I would warn against it. For one of the 11 years I had my dog, I lived in an apartment within walking distance to a dog park. I found quickly that there were times that I just couldn’t get there. I might be sick, there might be something I have deal with, etc. And when you can’t get your dog outside, the guilt could build up (as it should).

I would highly recommend a fence (or “invisible fence’). You can still do the dog park, but just being able to open the door and allow your dog to run “free” while you do housework, take a shower, or nurse yourself back from illness is priceless.

I agree with @tom_g

Do you really WANT to HAVE to drag yourself out when you are sick, in miserable weather, in the middle of a movie, lovemaking, cooking, because you lack just opening a door or having a pet door for the dog to access his own safe space? I wouldn’t.
Thinking about all the work is not the same as when you are actually having to DO it!

I did that with my Golden Retriever and I was fine.

@Mama_Cakes Well then, that’s cool..if you have had the experience and you want to do it again, go for it.
I have to go out every night and tromp down the hill and carry my lame and half blind goose to the barn. I do it because I love her, but it is not a good time.

There are a lot of dogs that live in NYC and other cities that don’t have their own yard and get along just fine. You simply have to make the promise that you are going to walk your dog no matter how you feel. Actually I always found it to be a great motivator because you usually feel better if you force yourself outside into the fresh air and move about a bit. And for that type of existence a bassett is a good choice, especially if you adopt an adult. But it should be an adult that is used to living in the house and without a yard. It is a bit difficult to change the life habits of an older dog, that is why I think one from similar living conditions to what you are offering is a good choice. I always had a dog when I lived in the city, I see no problem as long as you make the commitment to a minimum of 2 walks daily and a couple of potty trips no matter what. Or set aside an indoor area, covered with newspaper where the dog is allowed to “go” when it has to and you are not home.

For the record, my yard isn’t fenced. I taught her the boundaries of the yard from day one, and she doesn’t leave the yard. Though, my dogs are never outside unsupervised. Plus, I’m pretty sure I could run faster than her (and longer) if it came down to it. lol.

@Mama_Cakes Whatever you do, someone is always going to tell you your dog needs more space and more time outdoors. The bottom line is: if you have an opportunity to adopt a basset that needs a home, and you love the basset, and you want to make said basset a part of your family, and you have the time to walk him as often as he requires, you should do it. You are probably the best chance a foster dog has at a good life, regardless of whether you can offer him an ideal life.

@Coloma I was going to say, when I was in New York City, I saw a ton of people out walking their dogs. I’m fairly certain that they were happy dogs for the most part.

@Mama_Cakes, I live in Florida in a community that doesn’t allow fences. There are, without any exaggeration, thousands of pampered dogs here. People can have invisible fencing, but most don’t. People walk their dogs. You are advised to never, ever leave your dog outside unattended here because of predators like hawks, eagles and alligators. If you want to make a commitment to have a dog and take him for walks, I say go for it and I hope you have many, many years of happiness with your doggie.

@Mama_Cakes If you love and give your dog attention, it doesn’t matter if you have a fence. If you have a fence and kick your dog out and ignore them is that going to be better?

You don’t need a fence to have a happy dog. Knowing how active you are, your future pup will be fine.