Beagle vs Basset Hound
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Beagle | Basset Hound | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Small | Medium |
| Adult weight | 9.1 to 13.6 kg | 18.1 to 29.5 kg |
| In pounds | 20 to 30 lb | 40 to 65 lb |
| Adult height | 33 to 38 cm | Up to 38 cm |
| Energy | High | Low |
| Grooming | Moderate | Moderate |
| Coat | Short smooth | Short smooth |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low |
| Lifespan | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 13 years |
| Good with children | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Reliably good | Reliably good |
| Country of origin | Great Britain | Great Britain |
The main differences
- The Basset Hound is the bigger dog: 18.1 to 29.5 kg against 9.1 to 13.6 kg for the Beagle.
- The Beagle needs more exercise: high energy against low for the Basset Hound.
- Grooming is moderate for both.
- Life expectancy is similar: 10 to 15 years for the Beagle and 12 to 13 years for the Basset Hound.
Temperament
Beagle: Amiable and alert, showing no aggression or timidity, a merry hound with great activity, stamina and determination.
Basset Hound: The Basset Hound is a heavy boned scent hound on short legs, mild and patient at home but stubborn once they pick up a trail. They have a loud, ringing bark and move in a deliberate rather than quick way.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Beagle
- Lafora's disease, detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Neonatal cerebellar cortical degeneration (NCCD), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Musladin-Lueke syndrome (MLS), detectable by DNA test on both parents
- Obesity, as the breed readily overeats
Basset Hound
- Primary open angle glaucoma, detectable by DNA test and monitored by an ophthalmologist evaluation
- Thrombopathia, an inherited platelet defect that causes abnormal bleeding, detectable by DNA test
- Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, an inherited storage disease, detectable by DNA test
- Lafora disease, a late onset inherited epilepsy, detectable by DNA test
- Ear infections, because the long heavy ears cut off air flow, so ears need checking and drying regularly
- Hip and elbow dysplasia and patellar luxation, screened by joint evaluation and x-ray
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Beagle or the Basset Hound?
The Basset Hound. Adults weigh 18.1 to 29.5 kg, against 9.1 to 13.6 kg for the Beagle, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Beagle or the Basset Hound?
The published life expectancy is 10 to 15 years for the Beagle and 12 to 13 years for the Basset Hound. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Beagle or the Basset Hound better with children?
They score the same: reliably good with children. Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
Next
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin