Basset Hound vs Dachshund: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Small, scrappy breeds are a dime a dozen, but two of the most recognizable are definitely the Basset Hound and Dachshund. Known for their floppy ears and tubular bodies, respectively, you may be wondering which is a better fit for your home’s next pet. They’re both a little stubborn and can give your training efforts a run for their money, but what else? Let’s scroll down below and explore more about the specific differences between the Basset Hound and Dachshund.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

Basset Hound Overview

A pack dog by heart, the Basset Hound will effortlessly carve out a place for themselves in your family. They love to be at your side and are generally loving dogs, but they have a little stubborn streak that makes them both entertaining and difficult to train. They’re a mellow, medium-large breed perfect for families if you’ve had dogs before or have enough patience.

Do They Get Along With Other Pets?

Yes, Basset Hounds get along well with other dogs and aren’t especially aggressive, but they might chase cats. Socialization, as always, is key to helping your Basset Hound behave around other animals and people. While they’re not especially large, you want to watch bigger Bassets around small kids and pets so they don’t play too roughly.

Exercise

Basset Hounds are moderately active dogs that need about an hour of vigorous exercise each day, whether that’s long walks, trips to the dog park, or just playing in the yard with a ball. They’re not hyperactive and won’t act up indoors, provided you satisfy this need, and will happily curl up at your feet at the end of the day. Adding mental toys like Kongs will help entertain them during long stretches indoors or when you’re at work.

Health & Care

Basset Hounds are generally healthy dogs, but like every breed, they’re more prone to certain health conditions. Thankfully, the most recurring problems in the breed are minor treatable infections, but it helps to know what you might be contending with. Check out a brief list of what conditions a Basset Hound may develop just down below.

Grooming

You wouldn’t think it, but Basset Hounds are actually quite heavy shedders. They shed moderately throughout the year and need a weekly session with a good de-shedding comb, but shedding seasons are worse. In the fall and spring, Basset Hounds will blow their coats and shed a lot, so stay ahead of the curve by de-shedding them twice weekly during those times.

Suitable For:

Basset Hounds are at home nearly anywhere as long as you can be patient through their occasional stubborn streaks. They’re loving with children, not overly rough by nature, and only need an average amount of exercise. Their biggest drawback is in grooming, and you should get handy with a brush if you want to welcome a Basset Hound into your home.

Dachshund Overview

Lovingly called the Doxie by their devotees, Dachshunds pack a spunky personality in their sausage-shaped frames. Dachshunds were bred to be independent hunting dogs, and to this day, they retain a bit of a stubborn streak. That innate reservation toward strangers makes them good watch dogs too, but they bond strongly with their families and always love seeing what you’re up to around the house.

Do They Get Along With Other Pets?

Yes, Dachshunds are social dogs that usually get along well with other dogs and even cats if they’ve been raised around them. They can get quite mouthy or vocal and appear to squabble with other pets, but it’s not usually in a mean-spirited way. However, it still always pays to watch your Dachshund when introducing them to new animals or people, as they can get a little exuberant.

Exercise

Doxies need about an hour of exercise per day, making them suitable for apartment dwellers and folks who can’t devote a lot of time to walks. Two half-hour walks should suffice to keep them tuckered out for the evening, but it helps if you throw some mentally stimulating snuffle mats or Kongs in there too. Dachshunds are particularly sensitive dogs that will let you know when they’re unsatisfied or pent-up, whether that’s chewing objects or bedding.

Dachshunds are a little more delicate than Basset Hounds, and we recommend avoiding strenuous staircases or other activities that make them twist their bodies.

Health & Care

Dachshunds are usually healthy dogs, but they have their fair share of health problems like any other breed. From the most serious disease plaguing Doxies to the more minor but common, let’s look at a few down below.

Grooming

Dachshunds are marvelously low maintenance when it comes to grooming, only shedding lightly throughout the year. Like the Basset Hound and other breeds, the Doxie will shed more heavily in spring and fall, but not excessively. Expect some more hair around the house, but it’s nothing a good brush and vacuuming can’t solve.

Suitable For:

Dachshunds are a great first-time dog for any family that wants a chipper yet independent small dog who’s not too hard to groom. Like Bassets, Doxies can get a little stubborn at times, which can frustrate training, but their adorable personality and appearance are sure to win you over. They’re also quite a bit smaller than the average Basset Hound, meaning less food eaten and fewer messes made.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Basset Hounds and Dachshunds are both amiable dogs with their own independent stubborn tendencies, but the Basset is larger and sheds a lot more. The Dachshund is easier for a first-time dog owner because they’re not quite as athletic, while Basset Hounds demand a little more exercise to keep happy. All in all, they’re very similar dogs besides the obvious size and grooming differences, and it’s ultimately down to which dog breed you fall in love with as a prospective owner.

See also:

• Basset Hound vs Bloodhound: The Main Differences (With Pictures)
• Dachshund Vs. Doxin Vs. Dotson: Key Differences & Facts

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Monica Martinez Do-Allo, Shutterstock | (R) Kojirou Sasaki, Unsplash