Chihuahua 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.
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Basset Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
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: Chihuahuas are more energetic than Basset Hounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas require less grooming attention compared to Basset Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chihuahuas 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 Chihuahuas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Basset Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chihuahua | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chihuahua | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chihuahua | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Graceful, Sassy | Charming, Patient, Low-Key |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chihuahua | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is known for being charming, graceful, sassy, 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 Chihuahua 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
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
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 Chihuahua and Basset Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.