Basset Hound vs Boxer
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
Boxer
Working Group
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.
Boxer Overview
Muscular and powerful, Boxers showcase a distinctive square-jawed face with an alert, intelligent expression. Their smooth coat, strong limbs, and graceful movement reflect their athletic heritage. Known for their expressive faces and playful demeanor, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, featuring a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, and a short, tight-fitting coat.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basset Hounds are less energetic than Boxers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds require more grooming attention compared to Boxers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basset Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boxers.
- Trainability: Basset Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Basset Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Basset Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Boxers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Basset Hound and Boxer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basset Hound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basset Hound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm | 22-25 inches 55-64 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 15-80 lbs 7-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basset Hound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key | Bright, Fun-Loving, Active |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basset Hound | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Boxer Temperament
The Boxer is characterized by being bright, fun-loving, active, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basset Hound and Boxer, 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
Boxer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
Boxer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
Boxer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
Boxer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
Boxer
Rating: 3/5
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.
Boxer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boxers 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, Boxers 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
Boxer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic Stenosis
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Hypothyroidism
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
Boxer
Pros
- Great with children
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and playful
- Easy to train
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Prone to several health issues
- High exercise needs
- May drool significantly
- Temperature sensitive
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basset Hound and Boxer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.