DachshundVSBasset Hound
The Dachshund and Basset Hound are both low-built scent hounds with stubbornly independent personalities. They share hound characteristics but differ in size, energy, and health concerns.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Dachshund | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8–32 lbs, 5–9 in | 40–65 lbs, 11–15 in |
| Energy Level | ✓Moderate | Low–Moderate |
| Shedding | ✓Low–Moderate | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate (stubborn) | Moderate (stubborn) |
| Good With Kids | Good (older kids) | ✓Excellent |
| Apartment Friendly | ✓Good | Moderate |
| Average Lifespan | ✓12–16 years | 10–12 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | ✓$70–$130 | $100–$180 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Dachshund if…
Owners wanting a small, longer-lived apartment-friendly scent hound with bold personality and lower costs.
Choose a Basset Hound if…
Families wanting a gentle, patient, kid-friendly hound with a calm, laid-back disposition.
Grooming & Shedding
Dachshunds come in three coat types — smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Smooth coats need minimal grooming; longhaired varieties need brushing two to three times per week; wirehaired coats benefit from occasional hand-stripping. Basset Hounds have a short, dense, water-resistant coat that sheds moderately and needs weekly brushing. Both breeds require regular ear cleaning — their long, heavy ears trap moisture and debris, creating a high risk of ear infections. Basset Hound wrinkled skin around the neck and eyes also needs periodic wiping to prevent irritation.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Basset Hounds are famously patient, gentle, and calm — they tolerate the chaos of family life with a laid-back equanimity that makes them ideal around young children. Dachshunds are more spirited and bold, but their long back makes them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, which limits their suitability around toddlers. Both breeds are devoted family companions and do well in multiple-pet households. Bassets are the calmer, more child-safe choice. Dachshunds suit families with older children who understand careful handling of a long-bodied breed.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better with children?
Basset Hounds are generally better with young children. Their patient, gentle, and mellow temperament makes them tolerant of family chaos. Dachshunds can be impatient with rough handling and may snap if hurt — their long backs are also vulnerable to injury from child roughhousing.
Which is more prone to back problems?
Both breeds are prone to IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) due to their long backs. Dachshunds are considered highest risk — IVDD affects up to 25% of the breed over their lifetime. Basset Hounds are also susceptible due to their long, heavy body on short legs, though somewhat less frequently than Dachshunds.
Which is louder?
Basset Hounds have the louder, more resonant bay — a deep, soulful howl heard over great distances. Dachshunds bark and bay as well, but their smaller size produces a less overwhelming volume. Both breeds are vocal and unsuitable for noise-sensitive apartments without training.
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