Basset Hound vs English Springer 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel Overview
English Springer Spaniels showcase a balanced, athletic build with a distinctive feathered coat in liver and white or black and white combinations. Their medium-sized frame carries graceful lines and strong muscles, complemented by long, pendant ears and a gentle, intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable agility and stamina, with a characteristic springy gait that reflects their hunting heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basset Hounds are less energetic than English Springer Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds require more grooming attention compared to English Springer Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basset Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Springer Spaniels.
- Trainability: Basset Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Basset Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| 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 Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm | 19-20 inches 48-51 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Springer Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key | Friendly, Playful, Obedient |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basset Hound | English Springer 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 Springer Spaniel Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel is characterized by being friendly, playful, obedient, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Springer 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 Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
English Springer Spaniel
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.
English Springer Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Springer 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 Springer Spaniels 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
English Springer Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Ear Infections
- Phosphofructokinase
- Retinal Dysplasia
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 Springer Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and versatile
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Needs consistent grooming
- Can be prone to ear infections
- May be too energetic for some
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basset Hound and English Springer Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.