Dachshund vs Basset Hound: side by side
| Dachshund | Basset Hound | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | medium |
| Weight | Standard 7–14 kg / Miniature under 5 kg | 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) |
| Height | 20–23 cm (8–9 in) | 38 cm (15 in) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 12-13 years |
| Exercise | 40–60 per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate (smooth) / High (long-haired) | Low-Moderate |
| Temperament | Curious, stubborn, spunky, alert to the point of alarm-barking. Bond tightly to one person. Terrier-level inde | AKC temperament summary: charming / patient / low. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 3/5, openness to st |
The differences that actually matter
- Basset Hound is the bigger dog. Adults run 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) against Standard 7–14 kg / Miniature under 5 kg for the Dachshund.
- Exercise needs are similar. Both are listed around 40–60 per day and 45–60 per day minutes a day — neither is a low-energy breed.
- Shedding: Dachshund is rated moderate (smooth) / high (long-haired), Basset Hound low-moderate. The Dachshund is the one that leaves more fur around the house.
- Lifespan: Dachshund 12–16 years vs Basset Hound 12-13 years.
- Trainability: Dachshund — Moderate — clever, food-motivated, negotiates rules. Basset Hound — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Dachshund — Yes, if back-safety rules are followed. Basset Hound — Possible with a training commitment from day one.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Dachshund if you want: Owners who will enforce ramp-living, lean weight, and gentle handling..
Pick the Basset Hound if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Dachshund: IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) — the big one: 1 in 4 affected; Obesity (compounds IVDD); Dental disease; Patellar luxation
Basset Hound: No single condition dominates the official health notes — ask your vet about breed-appropriate screening
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Dachshund and a Basset Hound?
Basset Hound is the bigger dog. Adults run 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) against Standard 7–14 kg / Miniature under 5 kg for the Dachshund. Exercise needs are similar. Both are listed around 40–60 per day and 45–60 per day minutes a day — neither is a low-energy breed. Shedding: Dachshund is rated moderate (smooth) / high (long-haired), Basset Hound low-moderate. The Dachshund is the one that leaves more fur around the house. Personality differs too: the Dachshund is curious, stubborn, spunky, alert to the point of alarm-barking. bond tightly to one person, while the Basset Hound is akc temperament summary: charming / patient / low. adaptability 3/5, affection with family
Which is bigger, a Dachshund or a Basset Hound?
Basset Hound is the bigger dog. Adults run 18–29 kg (40–65 lb) against Standard 7–14 kg / Miniature under 5 kg for the Dachshund.
Is a Dachshund or a Basset Hound better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Dachshund — Yes, if back-safety rules are followed. Basset Hound — Possible with a training commitment from day one.
Which sheds more, a Dachshund or a Basset Hound?
Shedding: Dachshund is rated moderate (smooth) / high (long-haired), Basset Hound low-moderate. The Dachshund is the one that leaves more fur around the house.