I disagree with that completely.
Its a common saying among veterinarians that Beagles are Babies and Bassets are Bitches......
meaning that they will both howl like crazy as they bite the crap out of you. My wife had to have multiple dog bite related quaranteens when we were in veterinary school working at the humane society----all of them came from either beagles, basset hounds, or mixes of the two breeds.
that said, I think beagles and bassets are both great dogs. My mother in laws basset is a trip. I just dont rank them anywhere near the "gentle" category because of their predisposition for nipping, then howling loudly.
Thats cool Vet, I disagree with you completely as well.
In 25 years of Beagling I have yet to meet an overly rank or nasty hound. If they have become that way in recent years if due to chronic inbreeding. Other than an wierd Lasha Apso who was a great dog that I had as a kid we had several beagles/Bassetts/hound mixes, all were sweet wonderful gods. Here are a few generic blogs i grabbed
Temperament
The Basset Hound is often considered a friendly breed. Bassets are friendly and welcome the opportunity to make new friends. For this reason they are an excellent pet for families with children and other pets. In fact, it is recommended that since Bassets are "pack" animals, if the Basset must be left alone on a daily basis during the daytime while the family is away, a second pet in the family will keep a Basset out of "trouble". Bassets hate to be alone. Like Beagles, Bassets can be excitable and may be when meeting someone new, especially other dogs
Temperament: Affectionate, lazy, devoted, quiet, and peaceful, the Basset Hound does exceptionally well with a family. This breed loves children, and generally does well with other animals. They can be taught tricks, but tend to be stubborn so patience is key
Basset Hound is a very calm and companionable breed. The Basset Hound is among the most good natured and easygoing of breeds. They are an especially loyal breed known for their pleasant disposition and emotional sensitivity. Around strangers, Bassets are friendly and welcome the opportunity to make new friends. For this reason they are an excellent pet for families with children and other pets. In fact, it is recommended that since Bassets are “pack” animals, if the Basset must be left alone on a daily basis during the daytime while the family is away, a second pet in the family will keep a Basset out of “trouble”. Bassets hate to be alone.
While Bassets love food and may be less energetic than some breeds, they will exercise regularly if given the chance. Most Bassets enjoy activities that use their natural endurance, like long walks or hikes. They also enjoy tracking games that let them use their powerful nose.
Like other hounds, Basset Hounds are often difficult to obedience train. Many Basset Hounds will obey commands when offered a food reward, but will “forget” the training when a reward is not present. Bassets are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Training and housebreaking are not impossible, however, and can be accomplished with consistency and patience on the part of the owner.
Im not a vet like you are and this is all general info but on a whole Ive always found our Bassets to be big pussy cats. Maybe they are different when you poke them with needles. You have tons of experience with all kinds of dogs mine has mostly been with hounds with the exeption of my old Lasha Apso, 2 English Setters and a GSH, all 3 dogs were my uncles while I was a kid. The main reason I have a Beagle/Basset/?? mix now is there gentle nature. But to each his own!