A beagle and a basset hound have peculiar qualities that make them ideal pet companions for humans. This article explores the good, the amusing, and the challenging side of these two popular dog breeds.
Read on to gain in-depth insight about both.
Beagle and Basset hound have unique personality traits. A beagle is friendlier and slightly more affectionate. In comparison, basset hounds prefer to be subtle in showing their affection.
Let’s examine their distinct characteristics from temperament and health to maintenance. As you read through this Beagle Vs Basset Hound comparison guide, you will have a better understanding of each of these dog breeds.
| Beagle | Basset Hound | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Height | 13-16 inches | 11-15 inches |
| Weight | 20-24 pounds | 44-64 pounds |
| Shedding | Shed more in spring | Shed all year round |
| Grooming | Easy to groom | Requires a little effort |
| Cost | $800 | $800 |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Training | Difficult to train | Difficult to train |
| Temperament | Friendly and Sociable | Friendly and Sociable |
| Health | Healthy | More prone to health issues |
On average, dogs live for 12 years. That said, the breed type, genetics, and overall health also play a huge role in your dog’s health. A happy dog lives longer. An active lifestyle will see our dog living a healthy life.
Beagles will live for 12-15 years. Bassets will live for 10-12 years on average.
FUN FACT: BUTCH, THE OLDEST BEAGLE IN THE WORLD, LIVED FOR 27 YEARS. THIS also helped him find his way into THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS.
While Beagles weigh less than Basset Hounds, they are slightly taller. Beagles weigh between 20-24 pounds while Basset Hounds weigh between 44-64 pounds.
Beagles stand at 13-16 inches high and the average height of a Basset Hounds is typically between 11-15 inches.
Although similar, a beagle and a basset hound are different. Both dogs were originally bred from the St. Hubert Hound – an old Swiss hunting breed. However, they are vastly different in terms of their physical features.
Beagles are well-proportioned. They have sturdy bodies, straight backs, and mid-length tails.
Beagle ears are smaller, although quite floppy. They have lively and cheerful eyes that are typically brown or hazel in color.
Picture this. A droopy, long dog with short legs and hanging ears. One look at a basset hound and you are bound to smile.
Basset hounds have long ears that hang to the sides. Their ears are too long compared to the size of the head, and their paws are huge compared to their relatively short legs.
Beagles and Basset Hounds have similar coats. Both coats have shades of brown, black, white, and red.
A noticeable difference is that a beagle’s front is white in color, while the basset hound has a darker front coat.
Beagle vs Basset hound, which breed needs more maintenance?
Both breeds require a lot of work. If you have a busy schedule, these breeds might not be the best for you. Both love attention. They cannot stay alone either. Their loneliness and boredom will lead to excessive barking and howling.
Beagles have short coats that need moderate brushing. They don’t suffer from a lot of health issues and need fewer trips to the vet.
On the other hand, Basset Hounds shed heavily. They also need more baths than average dogs. They are extremely prone to overeating as well. So you always need to keep a watch on their diet.
Also Read: Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?
Beagles and Basset Hounds have different yet similar temperaments which sometimes makes it difficult to choose between the two. Both love people and thrive on attention from humans and other pets. Let’s analyze a few differences in beagles vs basset hounds.
Beagles are classified as clownish dog breeds. They are known to have funny antics up their sleeve. Beagles also love to be around kids and other pets.
A beagle will howl and bark when you don’t give them any attention. They like to assert their personality and will let you know if they feel bored or affectionate.
You must be patient with beagles because they can be very stubborn.
Basset hounds are independent animals and can sometimes be too stubborn for their own good. However, unlike beagles, they don’t get along well with other family pets, especially rabbits. Cats aren’t their best friends either. This can be controlled with a bit of training though.
This is one area where beagles and basset hounds are quite different.
Beagles require that you clean those ears regularly. The ears don’t necessarily sweep the ground like the basset hound but are still excellent hosts for all kinds of bacteria. Their coats need moderate brushing.
Basset hounds require a lot of care when it comes to grooming. They need frequent baths compared to other dog breeds. Their long ears are extremely vulnerable to infections, and you need to clean their ears frequently. They also have loose skin which needs maintenance.
Beagles and basset hounds are independent dogs. Training them can be difficult, but not impossible. Both breeds require a lot of patience while training.
However, with persistent training, you will be amazed at how well these hounds respond. Rewarding positive behavior with treats will help these breeds train faster and better. Rewards will force them to go against their stubborn nature.
Start training both breeds from a young age. It is much easier for them both to then learn and adapt early on in their life.
Beagle vs Basset hound – which dog breed is healthier? While both breeds need a bit of care, beagles are generally much healthier than basset hounds.
Beagles and basset hounds are prone to ear infections because of their long ears. You need to clean their ears regularly to prevent ear infections. The most common issues in beagles are ear infections, hypothyroidism, and hip dysplasia. Back issues and obesity are the most common health issues in Basset Hounds. Other health problems include bloating and ear infections.
Purebred beagle and basset hound puppies cost $800 or more. However, you can always adopt these breeds from your local shelter. Both are commonly found all over the US.
As a dog lover, I would have a hard time deciding between the Beagle and the Basset Hound. Both have their moments, but both generally make great family pets. The beagle edges out the hound a bit in my opinion, but that could change depending on your realities.
Beagle vs Basset Hound – what’s your choice?
A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.
