Basset Hound vs Dachshund: Low-Slung Canine Breeds Compared

It’s not uncommon to see small, scrappy dogs, but the Basset Hound and Dachshund are two of the most recognizable. You may wonder which is a better candidate for the next pet in your home, given their floppy ears and tubular bodies, respectively. While both of them can be a little stubborn, and can put a real strain on your training efforts, what else do they have to offer? Below we will explore the Basset Hound and Dachshund’s specific differences in more detail.

Basset Hound Overview

Basset Hounds are pack dogs at heart and will effortlessly become a part of any family. While they love to be close to you and are generally loving dogs, their stubborn streak makes them both entertaining and challenging to train. If you have experience with dogs or have enough patience, they’re a great breed for families.

Do They Get Along With Other Pets?

Although Basset Hounds get along well with other dogs, they can chase cats. In order for your Basset Hound to behave around other animals and people, socialization is essential. While Bassets are not particularly large, you should keep an eye on them around small children and pets to prevent rough play.

Exercise

Despite their moderate activity level, Basset Hounds need about an hour of vigorous exercise each day, whether it’s long walks, dog park visits, or playing ball in the yard. Providing you fulfill this need, they won’t be hyperactive and won’t act up indoors. At the end of the day, they will happily curl up at your feet at your feet, if you don’t mind them being hyperactive. When you are at work or indoors for long periods, you can add mental toys like Kongs to keep them entertained.

Health & Care

As with any breed, Basset Hounds tend to be healthier in general, but they do have a few health problems that are more prevalent in their breed. Fortunately, the most common problems in this breed are minor infections that can be treated, but you should know what they are so you can prepare. Below you will find a list of conditions Basset Hounds may suffer from.

Among the most common health problems associated with Basset Hounds are:

Ear infections: You might be able to prevent infection by keeping those floppy ears clean.
Skin conditions: There is a risk of allergic reactions in Basset Hounds, which can produce irritating skin rashes, and there is also a chance of bacterial infections on their skin.
Obesity: To avoid unhealthy weight gain, Basset Hounds should be strictly managed by their diet.

Read More Rats vs Mice

Grooming

The Basset Hound sheds quite a bit, contrary to what you might expect. It is beneficial to brush them weekly with a good de-shedding comb throughout the year, but the shedding season is the worse. De-shedding your Basset Hound twice a week during fall and spring prevents a lot of shedding.

Suitable For:

If you can be patient with their stubborn streaks, Basset Hounds will fit in just about anywhere. The dogs are friendly towards children, aren’t overly rough by nature, and only require an average amount of exercise. When it comes to grooming, Basset Hounds have the biggest drawback, so you should get familiar with a brush.

Dachshund Overview

Dachshunds, affectionately known as Doxies, are sausage-shaped dogs with a fiery personality. A bit of stubbornness has been bred into Dachshunds since they were bred as hunting dogs. As watch dogs, they are reserved toward strangers by nature, but they bond strongly with their families and love to see what you’re up to at home.

Do They Get Along With Other Pets?

Generally, Dachshunds get along with other dogs and even cats if they’ve been raised with them. It isn’t uncommon for them to get quite vocal or mouthy with other pets and appear to squabble with them, although this isn’t usually done in a mean-spirited manner. Even so, you should always be careful when introducing your Dachshund to new animals or people, as they can be a bit overexcited.

Exercise

Especially suited to apartment dwellers and those who don’t have much time for walks, doxies require about an hour of exercise per day. It helps to mix in some mentally stimulating snuffle mats or Kongs with two half-hour walks to keep your dog tuckered out for the evening. There is no doubt that Dachshunds are sensitive dogs and will often indicate their dissatisfaction through chewing their bedding or chewing objects.

In addition to avoiding strenuous staircases and other activities that twist their bodies, Dachshunds are a little more delicate than Basset Hounds.

Health & Care

As with any breed, Dachshunds can have health problems, but they are usually healthy dogs. Here are a few common diseases that plague Doxies, starting with the most serious.

Dachshund health conditions include:

Intervertebral disc disease: Dachshunds with IVDD suffer premature degeneration of their spinal discs.
Dysplasia: This painful arthritic condition typically affects larger dogs, but it can occur in Dachshunds as well.
Dental problems: Dogs are more likely to develop crowding of their teeth in the jaw, which can cause problems, but they are also more prone to bad breath.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, Dachshunds are very low maintenance, only shedding lightly throughout the year. There is a heavier shedding season in spring and fall for the Doxie, just like the Basset Hound and other breeds. A good brush and vacuum will minimize the amount of hair around your house.

Read More Badger Vs Skunk

Suitable For:

Any family that wants an independent, chipper small dog that’s also easy to groom should consider a Dachshund as their first dog. It can be frustrating to train Doxies, just like Bassethounds, but their adorable personalities and appearance are sure to win you over. Their smaller size also means that they eat less food and make fewer messes than the average Basset Hound.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

In spite of their amiable natures and independent stubborn natures, Basset Hounds shed more than Dachshunds, which are both stout dogs with their own individual stubborn tendencies. Dachshunds have fewer athletic demands, while Basset Hounds require a little more exercise to keep them happy. The Dachshund is a good first dog because it’s not quite as athletic as a Basset Hound. Apart from the obvious sizing and grooming differences, they’re both very similar dogs, and the decision ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.

Read More Llama vs Camel