Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Becky Roberts
*. Although they may look very different, the Basset Hound and Beagle are easily recognized as hunting hounds. Both are excellent hunters and their noses are so impressive that they listen to their owners more than they do. They are very similar in temperament. Both make great family pets but can make quite a bit of noise. Although the Beagle is slightly older and costs less to purchase, he requires more exercise than the Basset Hound.
There are pros and cons for each breed. Let’s take a closer glance at these and maybe it will help you decide which puppy is right for you.
Breed History
It’s important to mention that the American Kennel Club recognizes two versions of the Beagle ,. Many people refer to them as the “pocket beagle”, but they are identical in size.
Beagle
The history of the Beagle is somewhat hazy. The name ‘Beagle” could be derived from the Gaelic term ‘beag, which means little, or from the French word “be’geule”, which refers to the sound hunting dogs make during hunts.
It is believed by the majority of fanciers that the Beagle, as we know him today, originated from England in the 18th Century; however, his ancestors date as far back as 55 B.C. Like most hunting dogs, he is thought to be related the St. Hubert Hound. The Beagle was popular amongst English Gentlemen, who used packs of them to hunt hare.
Beagles began to arrive in America during the middle to late 19th Century. They became a hit with hunters, who believe their amazing tracking skills, gifted nose and love of hunting made them the best hunting dog. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has currently ranked them as the 6th most popular dog breed in America. Most famously, the Beagle is known as Snoopy, a cartoon dog.
Beagles have been a popular breed to crossbreed with other dogs as “designer dogs.” Some popular mixes are the Aussie-Beagle mix and mixing a Beagle with a Corgi.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound’s origins lie in France, with the word ‘Bassett’ meaning low in French. His ancestors are believed to be St. Hubert Hounds. However, he is the result of breeding those hounds who suffered from dwarfism.
Despite the genetic mutation, the hound’s shorter stature track in the underbrush was deemed advantageous to hunters and they were therefore selected with care. Basset Hounds were popular among French Aristocracy ,, but they gained popularity after the French Revolution. The Basset is easy to walk with and was affordable for hunters.
The Basset Hound became popular in America during the 20th Century when the magazine, Time, featured him on the front page with an accompanying story, and furthermore when he famously became the icon of the footwear brand ‘Hush Puppies.’ He has been ranked by the AKC as the 39th most popular dog in America.
Appearance
Although the Basset Hound and the Beagle have different structures and measurements, they look very similar because they both descend from the same dog , St. Hubert Hound.
The Beagle is the smaller pup of the two, with the standard variety of the Beagle weighing 20 to 30 pounds and the Basset Hound weighing 40 to 65 pounds. Yet, they are similar in their height, with the standard Beagle measuring between 13 to 15 inches tall, from paw to shoulder, and the Basset Hound measuring up to 15 inches tall.
Despite being similar in height, the Beagle is shorter and has a longer body. The Basset, on the other hand, has shorter legs, a deeper chest, and a longer body. The shortness of his legs is a result of breeding specimens with dwarfism, and their legs are very similar to that of the Dachshund. They are often compared to foxhounds as well.
The most distinctive feature of the Basset Hound are his ears. They are very long and cover the nose easily when pulled forward. They have a velvety texture and are placed far back on the head.
The Beagle also has long ear , which is a proportion of the size of his head. However, they are not nearly as long as the Basset’s. Another distinguishing feature of the Basset is his large paws and short legs. Generally, the Beagle is a well-proportioned dog, whereas the Basset is not with his droopy (but adorable) features.
Their coat colors are identical in that both have the traditional hunt colors ;. This is a mixture of different colors of brown, black, and white. The distribution of color and markings can be irregular. The Basset Hound is more slender with darker features than the Beagle, which has a brown-brown face and ears.
Temperament
The Basset Hound and the Beagle are hunting dogs that come from the same breed. This means they have a similar temperament. Both are friendly, sociable dogs and love to be part of a traditional pack. They love to be part the human pack.
Neither of these men do very well on their individual and are known to have separation anxious . If you give them the care they require, they can make wonderful family friends.
They both enjoy being around children but their hunting instinct means they don’t like small furry animals.
The Basset Hound and the Beagle love to howl , especially when they hear a siren, a piano or other tuneful sounds. Boredom can also cause it.
The Basset barks more than the Beagle. If you live in an apartment, or have noise restrictions, either of these dogs would make a good choice. They are equally clumsy, and both are class clown , that will provide laughter for you and your family.
However, despite their great sociability, fun-loving nature, there is a drawback. They are very stubborn canines that are very independent and have the ability to go deaf whenever they like. This can be frustrating for novice dog owners.
As history would indicate, they are both great hunting dog .. Which hunter is better? Well, the Basset Hound has the second-best nose in the canine kingdom after the Bloodhound, so he will latch onto scents quicker. The Beagle however is faster and has more stamina. This is a question that remains unanswered, though both dogs make great hunting dogs.
Exercise
The Beagle is a high-energy dog and the Basset Hound is a medium-energy dog, so this is an important factor if you are trying to decide between the two. The Beagle will need at least 60 minutes of intense exercise a day, whereas the Basset will be happy with 30 minutes a day.
It is recommended that neither one of these dogs let off-leash be seen in public. They will run faster than a toupee on windy days if they smell something. Both breeds have owners who believe that their instincts will prevail no matter how well-trained and obedience is.
Keep in mind that Beagles are more energetic than other dogs. You can rent a training yard or field to allow high-energy dogs off the leash.
Training
Beagles and Basset Hounds are independent and stubborn, so training them can be difficult. This is not something that a novice owner should attempt. It is important to start training early in order to have a more obedient dog later on. Both respond well to positive reinforcement , training. Training sessions should be short and informative.
Early socialization is crucial, especially for these guys, in order to make them feel at ease in all situations and to teach them that dogs and other animals are not to chase or hunt!
Health
The Basset Hound and the Beagle are both healthy dogs. They have a long life expectancy ,, with the Basset living slightly longer. They have very different health issues.
The Beagle National Breed Club suggest that his parents should be tested for the following issues:
- Hip Dysplasia – This usually develops in later life, and this is caused by an abnormal formation of the hip joints which can cause painful arthritis.
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation – This screening is required for a list of eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
- Musladin-Lueke Syndrome – This is a genetic mutation, specific to Beagles, that prevents the normal formation of the skin.
The Basset Hound National Breed Club suggest that his parents should be tested for the following issues:
- Thrombopathia – This is an inherited bleeding disorder that means that his blood cannot clot properly, and he is at risk of losing significant amounts of blood if not treated.
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma – This causes gradual pressure in the eye which eventually causes blindness. Owners should also be aware that there are many other health issues. As such, further research should be done to ensure their health.
Nutrition
The Beagle will eat half the amount than the Basset, with the Beagle eating 1.5 cups of food a day, and the Basset Hound eating three cups a day. Both dogs love snacks and treats, which is great as training aids. However, it’s important to keep an eye on their food intake to prevent them from becoming obese .
Grooming
The grooming requirements of the Basset Hound and the Beagle are different. They both have a short coat; however, the Basset Hound requires more brushing as they shed more heavily when compared to the Beagle. While the Basset should be brushed twice a week, the Beagle needs to be brushed two to three times per week.
They should be washed each 4 to six weeks ; but the Basset has a stronger odor so it is better to wash him once every four weeks.
They both have long ears so extra care must be given to them. Regular cleaning should also be a regular habit. This is especially important for the Basset! The Basset also has wrinkles, skin folds , which is not the case with the Beagle. It is therefore important to take extra care and dry them well to prevent dampness and sores.
Unlike the Beagle, the Basset Hound is a bit of a slobberer, so be prepared for a bit of drool around the house. The Basset Hound is known for his flatulence. This is more than any other dog. If you’re considering welcoming a Basset to your home, be open-minded to both of these gifts.
Puppy Price
The Beagle will start out around $1,000 for a purebred puppy. The Basset Hound costs about $1,000 and up. The cost of a Basset Hound will depend on the breeder and the lineage of the puppy. A Beagle with a more superior lineage can cost $1,500 or more. A Basset Hound with exceptional pedigree can go up to $2,000.
It is very common for the Basset Hound or Beagle to be found in rescue or shelters. There are many dogs in need of a home. The adoption process is easier and less costly than buying puppies from a puppy store. Start by looking for local shelters and adoption centers.
Final Thoughts
Although the Basset Hound and the Beagle are very different in appearance, they look almost identical as they both descend from the same hunting dog. They also have very similar temperaments. Their appearance is the common factor that distinguishes them.
The Basset Hound and Beagle are great hunting dogs and make wonderful family pets. They are a great family pet, despite their few flaws, like being stubborn and barky. However, their endless energy, unrelenting love, and hours of entertainment make up for their shortcomings.
So, now you should have all the information that you need to make a decision about whether Snoopy is your favorite or Droopy!
