Bulldog vs Basset Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Basset Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bulldog Overview
Muscular and compact, the Bulldog features a distinctive wrinkled face, pushed-in nose, and undershot jaw. Their broad shoulders and low-slung body create an imposing yet endearing appearance. Known for their gentle demeanor despite their tough exterior, these dogs display a calm and friendly temperament, making them excellent companions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bulldogs are more energetic than Basset Hounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Basset Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bulldogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Basset Hounds.
- 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 Bulldogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bulldog and Basset Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bulldog | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bulldog | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 14-15 inches 36-38 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bulldog | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Courageous, Calm | Charming, Patient, Low-Key |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bulldog | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bulldog Temperament
The Bulldog is known for being friendly, courageous, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Basset Hound Temperament
The Basset Hound is characterized by being charming, patient, low-key, which makes them great companions for families. 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 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 Bulldog and Basset Hound, 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
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bulldogs 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 medium coat coat, Bulldogs require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Basset Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basset Hounds 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, Basset Hounds 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
Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Cherry eye
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Heart problems
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Bulldog
Pros
- Great with families
- Low exercise needs
- Calm temperament
- Adaptable to small spaces
Cons
- Health issues common
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and drooling
- High medical costs
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bulldog and Basset Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.