Beagle vs Basset Hound
Beagle or Basset Hound? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Beagle | Basset Hound | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound | Hound |
| Size | Small-medium · 20–30 lb | Medium · 40–65 lb |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 12–13 years |
| Coat | Short, dense, sheds | Short, smooth, sheds |
| Temperament | Merry, curious, friendly | Gentle, patient, stubborn |
| Best fit | Families, multi-dog homes | Relaxed families |
| Energy | ●●●●● 1 hr exercise daily | ●●●●● Moderate daily walks |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Nose beats commands | ●●●●● Nose-led, stubborn |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Weekly brush | ●●●●● Weekly brush, ear care |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Friendly, needs patience | ●●●●● Easygoing temper |
| Observed price | $500 median (116 prices) | $1,195 median (69 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Beagle rates higher than the Basset Hound (4 of 5 vs 2).
- Trainability: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (2 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (4 of 5 each).
The Beagle
An English scent hound bred to track rabbits in packs, the Beagle is merry, sociable and led by its nose. That same nose makes it hard to recall and quick to raid a kitchen, and its voice carries, so it suits patient owners.
Beagles bay and howl, follow scents out of unfenced yards and steal food. Recall is unreliable and house-training can be slow. They are easy to love but hard to make obedient.
The Basset Hound
A French scent hound bred low to the ground to track rabbits and hares at a pace hunters could follow on foot, the Basset is gentle, patient and easygoing. It is also stubborn, loud and governed by its extraordinary nose.
Bassets drool, bay, and follow their noses away from you. The long ears need regular cleaning, and the long back and heavy body make weight control essential.
Questions
Is a Beagle or a Basset Hound better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 4 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Beagle: Friendly, needs patience. Basset Hound: Easygoing temper.
What is the main difference between a Beagle and a Basset Hound?
Beagles bay and howl, follow scents out of unfenced yards and steal food. Recall is unreliable and house-training can be slow. They are easy to love but hard to make obedient. By contrast, bassets drool, bay, and follow their noses away from you. The long ears need regular cleaning, and the long back and heavy body make weight control essential.
Which costs more, a Beagle or a Basset Hound?
On the prices we observed, the Beagle median is $500 (116 prices) and the Basset Hound median is $1,195 (69 prices).