Basset Hound vs Beagle: full comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy level | Low | Medium |
| Trainability | Low | Medium |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | High | Very High |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Basset Hound is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Beagle is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Basset Hound does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Beagle wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.
Grooming and shedding
The Basset Hound asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Beagle asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Basset Hound takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Beagle is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Basset Hound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Beagle is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Basset Hound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Basset Hound and Beagle are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Beagle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Basset Hound and Beagle are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Basset Hound and Beagle are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Basset Hound if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.
Choose the Beagle if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Basset Hound or the Beagle better for families with children?
- Both the Basset Hound and the Beagle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Basset Hound or the Beagle?
- The Basset Hound and Beagle shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the Basset Hound or the Beagle?
- The Beagle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Basset Hound or Beagle bigger?
- Basset Hound and Beagle are a similar size (Medium).
- Which barks more, Basset Hound or Beagle?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, Basset Hound or Beagle?
- For apartment or apartment living, Basset Hound has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.