Is the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?

The Basset Hound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?

The Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?

The Sussex Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel bigger?

Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Basset Hound vs Sussex Spaniel: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Basset Hound vs Sussex Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Basset Hound	Sussex Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Low	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Sussex Spaniel is a medium-sized 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 needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Sussex Spaniel needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Basset Hound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Sussex Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition 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 takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Sussex Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Basset Hound shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Sussex Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Basset Hound has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Sussex Spaniel 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 Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Basset Hound if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Sussex Spaniel if you want an easier dog to train or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel better for families with children?: The Basset Hound tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?: The Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Basset Hound or the Sussex Spaniel?: The Sussex Spaniel is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel bigger?: Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Basset Hound or Sussex Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Basset Hound and Sussex Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Basset Hound vs Sussex Spaniel