Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Basset Hound |  Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | France | Developed in medieval Europe by monks for tracking game by scent, the Bloodhound was refined in Britain and later used by law enforcement worldwide for man-trailing, thanks to a sense of smell so reliable it is accepted as evidence in some courts. |
| Group | Hound | Hound |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Coat | Short, smooth, tricolour or lemon and white | Short, dense, weather-resistant coat in black and tan, liver and tan, or red. |
| Weight | 18 to 29 kg | 36 to 50 kg |
| Height | 33 to 38 cm | 58 to 69 cm |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 yrs | 7 to 10 yrs |
| Exercise need | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Grooming needs | 3/10 | 3/10 |
| Barking | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Trainability | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Prey drive | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Shedding | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Flat fit | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Running cost | €102 / month | €185 / month |
Basset Hound verdict
A short legged French scenthound with a powerful nose, a deep bay and a stubborn streak worth respecting.
Get one if
- · Families with children wanting a calm, affectionate companion
- · First time owners prepared to train with patience rather than quick results
- · Households able to commit to careful weight and back care for life
Think again if
- · Owners wanting an athletic hiking companion with reliable recall
- · Households with close neighbours who are very sensitive to noise
- · People unable to manage food intake and weight carefully
Bloodhound verdict
The world's best nose on four legs: a gentle giant built entirely for the trail.
Get one if
- · Owners interested in scent work, tracking or man-trailing as a hobby
- · Households with secure, fully fenced gardens
- · People who do not mind drool on walls and furniture
Think again if
- · Anyone wanting a dog reliably off-lead in open or unfenced spaces
- · Flats or homes with close neighbours sensitive to baying and howling
- · Owners hoping for a highly obedient or quickly trainable dog