Is the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog better for families with children?

Both the Basset Hound and the English Bulldog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog?

The Basset Hound and English Bulldog shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Basset Hound or English Bulldog bigger?

Basset Hound and English Bulldog are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Basset Hound or English Bulldog?

Basset Hound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Bulldog is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Basset Hound or English Bulldog?

For apartment or apartment living, English Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Basset Hound vs English Bulldog: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Basset Hound vs English Bulldog: full comparison

Trait	Basset Hound	English Bulldog
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	12 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Basset Hound is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the English Bulldog is a moderately built dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 English Bulldog does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Basset Hound needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The English Bulldog needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Basset Hound learns steadily provided you stay consistent, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The English Bulldog learns steadily provided you stay consistent, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Basset Hound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas English Bulldog announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Basset Hound and English Bulldog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Basset Hound has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Bulldog has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Basset Hound and English Bulldog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Basset Hound if you want a longer-lived breed or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the English Bulldog if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer a quieter dog.

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 match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog better for families with children?: Both the Basset Hound and the English Bulldog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog?: The Basset Hound and English Bulldog shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Basset Hound or the English Bulldog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Basset Hound or English Bulldog bigger?: Basset Hound and English Bulldog are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Basset Hound or English Bulldog?: Basset Hound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Bulldog is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Basset Hound or English Bulldog?: For apartment or apartment living, English Bulldog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Basset Hound vs English Bulldog