Basset Hound vs American Bulldog
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Basset Hound
Hound Group
American Bulldog
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Basset Hound Overview
Basset Hounds captivate with their distinctive long ears, drooping eyes, and short-legged, elongated body structure. Their gentle, patient demeanor combines with a surprisingly melodious voice and keen sense of smell. Standing low to the ground with a sturdy frame, these hounds feature loose skin, a deep chest, and powerful legs built for endurance tracking.
American Bulldog Overview
American Bulldogs showcase a powerful, muscular build with a large, square head and strong jaws. Their athletic frame combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and well-defined muscles. The short, smooth coat comes in various patterns, predominantly white with patches. Their confident stance and alert expression reflect their protective nature and working dog heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basset Hounds are less energetic than American Bulldogs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds require more grooming attention compared to American Bulldogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basset Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Bulldogs.
- Trainability: Basset Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Basset Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Bulldogs adapt better to apartment living, while Basset Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Basset Hound and American Bulldog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basset Hound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basset Hound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basset Hound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key | Loyal, Self-Confident |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basset Hound | American Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Basset Hound Temperament
The Basset Hound is known for being charming, patient, low-key, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
American Bulldog Temperament
The American Bulldog is characterized by being loyal, self-confident, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basset Hound and American Bulldog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Basset Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basset Hounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Basset Hounds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
American Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Bulldogs need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
American Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Thyroid Issues
- Bone Cancer
Pros & Cons
Basset Hound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Great with children and other pets
- Low exercise needs
- Excellent sense of smell
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Prone to obesity
- Regular ear cleaning required
- Significant drooling
- Can be vocal
American Bulldog
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Strong work ethic
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Athletic
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Need firm training
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Heavy droolers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basset Hound and American Bulldog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.