Dachshund vs Basset Hound
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Multi-pet Homes, First-time Owners
Maintenance Level
Moderate
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Low
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Dachshund might be better if you:
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Basset Hound might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Dachshund
The Dachshund, also known as the 'wiener dog' or 'sausage dog,' is a small breed known for its long body and short legs. They are playful, curious, and courageous, making them popular family pets. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, and they can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Their unique appearance and lively personality make them a beloved breed worldwide.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a distinctive breed known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and sturdy build. They have a short, smooth coat that typically comes in a variety of colors, including tri-color, lemon, and red and white. Basset Hounds are characterized by their low stature and strong sense of smell, making them excellent scent hounds. They are generally friendly, affectionate, and good with children, but can also display a stubborn streak. Basset Hounds are known for their laid-back, calm demeanor, and they enjoy lounging around the house as much as they love exploring outdoors. Their sociable nature makes them great companions, though they thrive on human interaction and can become bored if left alone for long periods.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Good with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Light shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Moderate grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Moderately trainable
Energy Level
Moderately energetic breed
Relatively calm breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Dachshund
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Basset Hound
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Regular grooming, especially to manage their long ears and loose skin.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and weight.
Health Care
Schedule regular vet check-ups for vaccinations and health assessments.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat regularly to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Grooming
Regular grooming, especially to manage their long ears and loose skin.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their size and age.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for their age and weight.
Health Care
Check ears weekly for dirt and wax buildup; clean as needed.
Health Care
Schedule regular vet check-ups for vaccinations and health assessments.
Additional Care Notes
Dachshund
- •Ensure access to fresh water at all times.
Basset Hound
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds require consistent, positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Due to their independent nature, training sessions should be short and engaging to maintain their interest. Socialization is also crucial at a young age to ensure they are comfortable around other dogs and people.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and reluctance to follow commands
- •Distractibility, especially with strong scents
- •Tendency to follow their nose which can lead to wandering
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Limited interest in repetitive tasks or lengthy training sessions
Dachshund
Dachshunds respond well to positive reinforcement, so use treats and praise to reward good behavior. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Use short, consistent training sessions of 5-10 minutes to keep their attention. Socialization is key, so expose them to various environments, people, and other pets from a young age. Consistency is crucial; use the same commands and gestures every time.
Training Challenges
- •Separation anxiety - Gradually accustom your Dachshund to being alone by creating a safe space and using puzzle toys to keep them occupied.
- •Barking excessively - Identify triggers for the barking and train them to 'speak' and 'quiet' on command, rewarding them for the quiet behavior.
- •Stubbornness - Use patience and varied training methods to keep them engaged, and avoid repetition that leads to boredom.
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds require consistent, positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Due to their independent nature, training sessions should be short and engaging to maintain their interest. Socialization is also crucial at a young age to ensure they are comfortable around other dogs and people.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness and reluctance to follow commands
- •Distractibility, especially with strong scents
- •Tendency to follow their nose which can lead to wandering
- •Separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- •Limited interest in repetitive tasks or lengthy training sessions
Training Resources
Dachshund Training Guide
Basset Hound Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Dachshund Breeders
Find Basset Hound Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.