Anyone who says basset hounds are dumb clearly hasn't met Howard! We've had him for 3 months while undergoing treatment for heartworm, which includes being confined to a small space, and he figured out how to escape 3 times. PLUS, all 3 times, he managed to unscrew the lid on the "dog proof" dog food container (video of this is forthcoming)! But do NOT let this lead you to think he's nothing but trouble because he's truly is an angel, albeit a curious and tenacious angel. The food is kept out of reach, now that he's heartworm-free the small space confinement is no longer an issue, and he's never made efforts to escape from our yard. (He is still a basset though, so the usual precautions of a secure yard still apply.)

As I said before, Howard is an angel. Though he was confined to a space no bigger than 16 square feet, he never complained and he signaled us with a gentle "ruff" when he needed a potty break. He's a sweet, sweet boy who loves people and other dogs, loves to play, and loves to greet you with a jump up and a deep, raspy hello ("roo roo"). When he's really happy he wriggles around on his back and makes some wonderful happy grunts. He makes some great noises.

We aren't certain where he came from, but it's obvious he wasn't mistreated...he simply loves way, way too much. He would do best in a home with other dogs. I would not consider a house where he spends too much time without people or other dogs (4-5 hours/day tops), it wouldn't be best given his escape attempts were to join the other dogs in our home or to find us, "his people". 

The shelter labeled him as 8 years of age, I'd say he's closer to 6 or 7, and judging by his energy, more like 2.  He's a moderately active and very social dog. He shows no interest in cats, and did well around kids at the dog park.