There are countless breeds of dogs throughout the world. With over three hundred to choose from, you can find a variety of dogs with different shapes, sizes, and temperaments. Some dogs, however, share common ancestry. Dogs in this category can be harder to differentiate from due to similar behavioral characteristics and physical features. This is the case for Beagles and Basset Hounds.
Both breeds have trademark floppy ears and are descended from hounds. As hunting dogs, both have a tendency to act with their noses and wander off. However, despite sharing some similarities, these dogs are vastly different in a number of ways as well.
Overview of Beagles:
Beagles have been around since the 1300’s. They are scent hounds bred in the United Kingdom. These dogs were created with the purpose of hare hunting, though fox hunting with beagles can also be popular. When looking at scent capabilities, Beagle’s nose’s aren’t nearly as sensitive and keen as the Basset Hound. Yet, Beagles are still known for their ability to track a variety of scents. In fact, Beagles can be used to detect pests as small as bed bugs.
In terms of physical appearance Beagles are a little taller than Bassets (on average), and tend to be less heavy than Bassets. Beagles also have the same coloring as hounds, have large ears, and their tails are tipped white. While Bassets tend to have only two colors on their fur, beagles have a three-color coat of fur. Overall, Beagles are fun and energetic little dogs. They love the outdoors and are a perfect addition to a family looking for a new pet.
Beagles are especially active, making them great partners for running or hiking as well.
Overview of Basset Hounds:
Basset Hounds are also scent hounds. Similarly to the Beagle, they were bred for the purpose of hare hunting. Basset were not created in the U.K. though, they were originally bred in France. This breed first gained popularity in the mid 1800’s. Basset hounds also have a great tracking ability and are only rivaled by Bloodhounds. Basset’s bodies are short and closer to the ground. Their stature allows them to keep their nose close to the ground to pick up scents. Their long ears help to waft scents towards the dog’s nose.
These dog’s are a little slow due to their short legs, but their noses are powerful. Bassets tend to have longer, sturdier bodies and come in tan, brown, white, and lemon colors. Bassets are also known to be friendly dogs. These even-keeled dogs are equally perfect for families with young children. I’ll get into the entire range of Basset temperament next.
Beagle vs. Basset Hound Temperament (Behavior):
Both breeds are known for their friendly disposition. They are affectionate animals that can fit in with any type of family given the opportunity. They are also great for children. Both dogs love receiving attention and don’t mind cuddling. Beagles’ smaller bodies make them perfect as napping partners, especially if you want your dog to lay in your lap.
Along with being lovable, both dogs have a tendency to roam. Because of their scenting abilities, both breeds like to wander around. This has nothing to do with losing interest in an owner. Beagles and Bassets just like to explore and track scents. So make sure to take them for plenty of walks so they can sniff to their heart’s content.
Overall, both dogs can be well behaved with the right kind of training, but Bassets have a tendency towards stubbornness. Make sure to let them know you are in charge. Treats as a reward are good when training both breeds, as they are both particularly food-motivated.
Also, don’t miss out on exercising with your dog. They need to get out their energy, especially Beagles. Bassets have plenty of energy too, but Beagles are really high-energy type dogs. Make sure to keep Beagles on a leash, or you might find yourself chasing them down. Beagles are known to run after small animals if they aren’t trained to stick close to you.
Something else to consider is the misconceptions following both breeds. Some people think Beagles are howlers, but the truth is that they don’t bark all the time, and in fact Basset hounds can be more aggressive and howl louder than a lot of Beagles. Ultimately, this type of behavior comes down to how well you train and model them.
In addition, some people believe Bassets are lazy dogs, but this is a misinformed view. Bassets are fun dogs that like to exercise and play. They tend to be a little more low key and can run out of energy faster, but that is a part of their charm.
Lastly, Beagle’s are particularly prone to separation anxiety, but it doesn’t mean that Bassets can’t develop it either. These hunting dogs are pack dogs, and will always want to be around their owners.
Beagle vs. Basset Hound Intelligence and Training Ability:
Bassets and Beagles are both open to training. After you win their loyalty, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting them to follow commands. These are dogs that want to please their owners, but you’ll have to put in a lot of effort. As previously mentioned, both dogs like to follow their noses. Early on you should train these dogs to come back home and ignore a scent, even if they are in pursuit of something exciting. While both dogs can be trained to listen, house training is not something owners will have as easy of a time with.
Beagles and Bassets take a long time to become housebroken as well. It can take up to a year of training to get either of these dogs to be properly house trained. Crate training can be useful for these breeds. Because dogs think of their crates as a home, they are less likely to poop or pee in them. This will help immensely with the process of training, and will also provide them a space where they can simmer down if they get overstimulated and start misbehaving or getting too aggressive.
When it comes to intelligence, both dogs are considered reasonably intelligent. Beagles are sometimes seen as the less intelligent breed. This is due to the Beagle’s independent nature. While both dogs have a tendency to follow scents, Beagles are even more likely to run off and even escape. This can make training them a little harder than a Basset.
Yet, Basset’s don’t come without complications. Bassets are highly intelligent and, as mentioned, very stubborn. They don’t always listen to commands when you first start training them. So it’s good to start training them early to curb any bad behaviors.
Beagle vs. Basset Hound Price and Availability:
In terms of price, Beagles tend to be more expensive than Basset Hounds. You can find yourself paying anywhere from four-hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for a new puppy, depending on where you live.
The high price is due to the popularity of the Beagle. As a result, you can get into contact with a Beagle breeder easily if you are looking to find a local dog. However, the Beagle’s easy availability has a downside. While beagles are a well-loved breed, they are abandoned at alarmingly high rates. This is due to the high energy nature of the beagle. Sometimes families aren’t equipped to handle these dogs, so they are often left at shelters. That’s why I highly support and suggest adopting whenever possible.
While you could spend a lot for a puppy from a litter or a farm, consider adopting a Beagle. Beagles can be easily adopted. You could save money, and in the process save a dog from the pound.
Basset Hounds, while cheaper, are much harder to find. They require high bills of health to be legally raised. For this dog, you could be paying anywhere from three hundred to five-hundred dollars for a new puppy. However, if you are looking for a top pedigree dog with good health, you could end up paying more for this breed. Some breeders can charge up to around seventeen hundred dollars. In addition, Basset Hound breeders are few and far between. When you are looking for a Basset, finding a breeder that has the right credentials can be difficult.
Beagle vs. Basset Hound Health and Lifespan:
When looking at lifespans, Bassets don’t tend to live as long as Beagles. Bassets live ten to twelve years if they are well cared for. Beagles can live up to ten to fifteen years when cared for properly. This is due to the differences in health between each breed. In terms of health, both dogs have their own separate issues. Beagles, however, are considered to be a more healthy breed overall.
Beagles generally don’t have any issues if you take care of them and walk them regularly, though they can be prone to conditions like seizures more than other dog breeds. Overall among the two breeds and other breeds, they are known for their low vet bills. However, if you don’t take care of your pet, they can be prone to cancer, allergies, diabetes, and other issues. Unhealthy Beagles can also contract a condition known as Beagle Pain Syndrome. You don’t have to worry too much though as long as manage your dog’s health responsibly.
Basset Hounds in comparison have a lower quality of health. Basset’s short legs create disproportion in their bodies. As a result, Bassets become more susceptible to joint issues, back problems, and a host of other health complications relating to bone health. As these dogs age, and if they gain weight, these problems become worse for the animal. The best course of action for Basset owners is to take their dog for check ups frequently, and exercise them regularly. In this way, Bassets can live a longer healthier life.
If you’re looking for more differences and comparisons between these lovable breeds, check out this video from Animal Facts below!
Final Thoughts
Bassets and Beagles both share several similarities. Both dogs have great and lovable personalities. Both aren’t always easy to train, and both follow their nose. Bassets tend to have more health complications and don’t live as long. Beagles can be more energetic and more of a handful, while Bassets can be more subdued. In the end, choosing between these breeds is up to preference. Some like the cuter and more compact bodies of a beagle. Some like the droopy look of a Basset. Either way, both dogs have a lot to bring to whoever chooses to welcome them in their home!