Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever
Sporting Group
Basset Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Labrador Retriever Overview
Labrador Retrievers embody a perfect blend of strength and gentleness, featuring a distinctive broad head, powerful jaws, and friendly eyes that reflect their warm personality. Their water-resistant double coat comes in black, yellow, or chocolate, complementing their athletic build and otter-like tail. Standing proudly with a balanced frame, these dogs showcase muscular shoulders and strong legs built for both work and play.
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: Labrador Retrievers are more energetic than Basset Hounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Labrador Retrievers require less grooming attention compared to Basset Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Labrador Retrievers tend to be more outgoing 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 Labrador Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Labrador Retriever | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Labrador Retriever | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-62 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Labrador Retriever | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Active, Outgoing | Charming, Patient, Low-Key |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Labrador Retriever | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Labrador Retriever Temperament
The Labrador Retriever is known for being friendly, active, outgoing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Labrador Retriever 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
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 1/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Labrador Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Labrador Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Labrador Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Labrador Retrievers 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
Labrador Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- PRA
- Exercise-Induced Collapse
- Bloat
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Labrador Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to weight gain
- Chewing tendency in puppyhood
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 Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.