Basset Hound vs English Cocker Spaniel
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
English Cocker Spaniel
Sporting 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.
English Cocker Spaniel Overview
English Cocker Spaniels showcase a graceful, compact build with their distinctive long, silky coat and expressive eyes. Their well-proportioned body features a deep chest, strong legs, and a characteristic merry tail action. Distinguished by their soft, melting expression and low-set ears, these dogs embody elegance in motion with their fluid gait and balanced structure.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basset Hounds are less energetic than English Cocker Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds require less grooming attention compared to English Cocker Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basset Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Cocker Spaniels.
- Trainability: Basset Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Basset Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Cocker Spaniels 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 English Cocker Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 26-34 lbs 12-15 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key | Energetic, Merry, Responsive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
English Cocker Spaniel Temperament
The English Cocker Spaniel is characterized by being energetic, merry, responsive, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basset Hound and English Cocker Spaniel, 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
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
English Cocker Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
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.
English Cocker Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Cocker Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Cocker Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
English Cocker Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Glaucoma
- PSOM
- Kidney Disease
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
English Cocker Spaniel
Pros
- Affectionate family companion
- Excellent with children
- Highly trainable
- Moderate size
- Good sporting abilities
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Needs consistent exercise
- Potential health issues
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basset Hound and English Cocker Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.