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Basset Hound vs Beagle

Two easygoing, vocal scent hounds; the Basset is lower, slower and heavier, the Beagle lighter, livelier and better in warm weather.

Basset Hound profileBeagle profile

Verdict

The Basset Hound and the Beagle are scent hounds with the same friendly temper, top scores with children, low trainability and a loud voice. Both follow their noses, both are prone to ear infections and weight gain, and neither is a quiet apartment choice.

Energy sets them apart. The Beagle is the livelier dog, asks for around an hour a day, is lighter at 20 to 30 pounds and copes better with heat and cold. The Basset is slower, heavier and lower to the ground, content with 30 to 45 minutes of easy walking, and it is rated a little better for apartments, though it drools and needs more grooming.

Choose the Basset Hound if

  • You want a calm, slow-moving companion for easy walks
  • You are patient with a stubborn learner
  • You accept drool and a bit more coat care
  • You prefer a heavier, lower-set dog

Choose the Beagle if

  • You want a livelier dog that can handle an hour of activity
  • You enjoy scent games and trailing
  • You want a lighter dog and a short, easy coat
  • You live somewhere warm or cold and want a hardy dog

Side by side

Basset Hound Beagle
AKC group Hound Group Hound Group
Size class Medium Medium
Typical weight 40 to 65 lb 20 to 30 lb
Height 11 to 15 in at the shoulder 13 to 15 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 34 of 202 7 of 202
Shedding Heavy Heavy
Grooming needs Low Minimal
Energy Low to moderate High
Trainability Below average Below average
Barking Barks often Barks very often
With children Excellent Excellent
Apartment living Moderate Fair
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Below average Good
Cold tolerance Average Good
Temperament
  • gentle
  • stubborn
  • easygoing
  • loyal
  • vocal
  • friendly
  • curious
  • merry
  • determined
  • vocal
Health concerns to know about
  • bloat
  • ear infections
  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • intervertebral disc disease
  • obesity
  • eye conditions
  • obesity
  • ear infections
  • epilepsy
  • hip dysplasia
  • intervertebral disc disease
  • hypothyroidism
Suits
  • relaxed families
  • people who like a slow walking companion
  • homes with a fenced yard
  • active families with children
  • people with a fenced yard
  • owners who enjoy scent games

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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