Millie, the bouncing Basset Hound puppy of Whitney and Ross Alexander, joined her family after they lost both of their dogs in 2024. They starting looking for a new fur baby toward the end of 2025. 

“We found a breeder on the Good Dog app,” explained Whitney, “and fell immediately in love with Millie. She loves to play, and she is an amazing snuggler.” 

Known for their friendly, outgoing temperaments, Basset Hounds were developed in Britain from hounds whose origins go back the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Hubert in France in the sixth century. They started as a mutation to Norman Staghounds. They were valued to be of use to those hunting on foot, and would chase down rabbits and badgers. The breed’s name comes from the French word “bas” meaning “low,” with the suffix “et” meaning “rather low.”

An outgoing and playful breed, Millie is, too. She keeps her family amused with her antics. She loves to steal socks and shoes. She will sneak in the closet and grab Ross’s shoes off his shoe rack, then she will run down the hall to her bed and lay on them. They are bigger than she is, so watching her wrestle with them as she runs is hysterical. 

Having an even temperament, Bassett Hounds are known to be extremely devoted. But they are not timid. They will let their families know when they want something. Millie lets her human family know when she needs more food and water by dragging her bowls to them. She is also very vocal if she feels like she is missing something. She loves to be in the middle of things. This is especially true if either Whitney or Ross are in the shower. She wants to join in the wet fun.

“She loves to shred paper,” said Whitney. “She has taken some things from the coffee table and shredded them into tiny little pieces. She’s also a big fan of trying to take things out of the trash.”
Bassett Hounds have found their way into popular culture because of their hang-dog facial expressions and great sense of smell. Sherlock Holmes uses one named Toby to help on his mysterious adventures to sniff out evidence. And Elvis Presley sang his hit “Hound Dog” to one named Sherlock on television in 1956. 

Being a puppy, Millie has not picked up on any tricks, yet. Her family is working on teaching her how to sit and stay, although the breed is known to be stubborn if they don’t want to do something. Ross often surprises her with treats in hopes that one day she will learn a trick or two.

“We love her,” added Whitney. “She’s adorable, doesn’t meet any strangers and she’s super sweet.”