Breed Comparison
Basset Hound vs Bloodhound
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle — with honest UK context.
Basset Hound
Permanently sad-looking but utterly content. The Basset is slow, droopy, and imp…
Bloodhound
The world's greatest nose attached to a gentle, slobbery body. Once on a scent, …
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized breed while the Bloodhound is large. Basset Hounds are low-energy, Bloodhounds are moderate-energy. Puppy prices: Basset Hound £700–£1 800, Bloodhound £800–£1 800 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Basset Hound | Bloodhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Weight | 18–27 kg | 36–50 kg |
| Lifespan | 10–12 yrs | 10–12 yrs |
| Shedding | Moderate shedding | Moderate shedding |
| Barking | Vocal breed | Vocal breed |
| Trainability | Challenging | Challenging |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Good with cats | Yes | Chases cats |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| UK puppy price | £700–£1 800 | £800–£1 800 |
| Insurance/month | £30–£65/mo cheaper | £45–£95/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Basset Hound
Bloodhound
Which should you choose?
Both the Basset Hound and Bloodhound have their merits — the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Basset Hound if…
- You already have a cat and need a dog that will coexist peacefully
- Their temperament — patient, devoted, stubborn — matches what you are looking for
Choose the Bloodhound if…
- Their temperament — gentle, stubborn, tenacious — matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
The Bloodhound is the higher-energy breed here — Bloodhounds need 90–120 minutes of exercise daily, while the Basset Hound is more manageable at 60–90 minutes per day. This difference matters significantly if you have a small home, work long hours, or aren't an active exerciser.
Cost comparison
Buying a Basset Hound costs £700–£1 800 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £800–£1 800 for a Bloodhound. Insurance is another key variable: Basset Hounds run £30–£65/mo monthly versus £45–£95/mo for Bloodhounds. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price — factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
Energy level is the dominant practical difference here. Both breeds have moderate exercise needs that most owners can meet comfortably.
The honest summary
On balance, the Basset Hound edges ahead on the metrics that matter most to the majority of UK dog owners — but "better" is always personal. If the Bloodhound's specific traits match your situation, go with the Bloodhound.
Both the Basset Hound and Bloodhound can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone — make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock — not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Basset Hound, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Bloodhound. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person — at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.