Short Names for Basset Hound

The name 'Bas' is the French word for 'low' or 'low-set', and it is the etymological root of the word 'Basset'. This name is a direct, concise, and historically perfect tribute to the breed's most defining characteristic: its short stature. It encapsulates the entire reason for the breed's existence—a low-slung hound designed to be followed on foot. 'Bas' is a simple, elegant, and deeply meaningful name that speaks volumes about the breed's form and function.

From the French word 'bas', meaning 'low'. It is the root of 'basset', which means 'rather low'.

This name refers to Artois, a former province in northern France, and is part of the name of a key ancestor breed: the Basset Artésien Normand. The modern Basset Hound was developed from this French stock. 'Artois' is a direct link to this foundational lineage and the specific geography that shaped it. The name has a crisp, noble sound that reflects the breed's history with French aristocracy and the serious pursuit of hound breeding in the region.

A historical region and former province of France. The name is of pre-Roman origin.

An ironic name for the slow-moving Basset Hound, 'Flash' is famous as the name of Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's lethargic canine companion in 'The Dukes of Hazzard'. The humor lies in the stark contrast between the name's meaning (speed, sudden brightness) and the breed's actual pace. It celebrates the Basset's pop culture persona as a laid-back, unhurried, and lovable sidekick. The name is a playful nod to their deliberate, methodical nature.

From the Middle English 'flashen', meaning 'to splash or dash'. It refers to a sudden burst of light or speed.

A direct and descriptive name that refers to the Basset Hound's prominent, loose-hanging lips and cheeks, also known as flews. These jowls contribute to their signature droopy expression and their tendency to drool. The name is a humorous and affectionate celebration of this defining facial feature. It’s a quirky, memorable name that embraces the breed's unique and unconventional anatomy with honesty and love.

From the Old English 'ceole', meaning 'throat'. In modern English, 'jowl' refers to the lower part of the cheek or the flesh of the jaw.

This name refers to the reflection of sound, a fitting tribute to the Basset Hound's powerful, carrying bay. Their deep, sonorous howl was bred to 'echo' through the forests and fields, allowing hunters to track their location from a distance. 'Echo' captures the resonant quality of their voice and its functional importance. The name is both poetic and technically accurate, describing the acoustic properties of their signature call.

From the Greek 'ēkhō', meaning 'sound'. In mythology, Echo was a nymph who faded away until only her voice remained.

A short, strong name with a dual meaning. Firstly, it's short for 'sternum', the breastbone, which is notably prominent on a Basset Hound, forming a key part of their deep, capacious chest. Secondly, 'stern' as an adjective means serious and severe, perfectly describing their often solemn, melancholic expression. The name cleverly captures both a key anatomical feature and a defining aspect of their personality in a single, powerful syllable.

From Old English 'styrne', meaning 'severe, strict'. The anatomical term 'sternum' is from Greek 'sternon', meaning 'chest'.

A knell is the sound of a bell, especially one rung solemnly for a death or funeral. This name is a poetic and dramatic description of the Basset Hound's deep, resonant, and somewhat mournful-sounding bay. It captures the profound, bell-like quality of their voice. The name has a gothic, literary feel that suits their melancholic expression and their ancient, noble lineage. It transforms their howl into a sound of great significance and weight.

From the Old English 'cnyll', meaning 'to strike a bell', of imitative origin.

A modern, stylized spelling of 'tracks', this name directly refers to the Basset Hound's primary function: to follow the tracks or scent trail of game. It’s a name that speaks of purpose, focus, and the relentless pursuit of a goal. 'Trax' has a sharp, energetic sound that provides an interesting contrast to the Basset's slow, methodical pace. It celebrates their incredible scenting ability and their innate drive to hunt in a short, punchy, and contemporary way.

A modern phonetic spelling of the plural noun 'tracks', from the Middle Dutch 'tracken', meaning 'to pull, draw'.

Runes are letters of an ancient Germanic alphabet, often associated with mystery and magic. This name suggests something ancient, mysterious, and full of hidden meaning. It fits the Basset Hound's soulful, enigmatic expression and their ancient lineage. Their ability to decipher the 'secret language' of scents on the ground is like reading ancient runes that are invisible to humans. The name implies a deep, instinctual wisdom.

From the Old Norse 'rún', meaning 'secret, mystery, or a runic letter'.

A friendly, sturdy, and classic short name, often a diminutive of Angus or Augustus. 'Gus' has a solid, dependable, and unpretentious feel, which perfectly suits the Basset Hound's temperament. It suggests a dog who is both strong and gentle, a loyal and easygoing companion. The name has a pleasant, slightly rumbling sound that echoes the Basset's low-slung, heavy-boned build and their deep, grumbling vocalizations.

A short form of Augustus (Latin, 'great, magnificent') or Angus (Gaelic, 'one choice').