Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Basset Hound
Droopy-eyed, long-eared, and impossibly charming, the Basset Hound is a low-key companion with one of the best noses in the dog world. They are patient, gentle, and stubbornly lovable.
VS
Boston Terrier
Nicknamed 'The American Gentleman' for their tuxedo-like markings, Boston Terriers are friendly, lively, and endlessly entertaining. They are compact, well-mannered city dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Basset Hound if you want a great companion. Choose Boston Terrier if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Basset Hound
Attribute
Boston Terrier
medium
Size
small
20–29 kg (44–64 lbs)
Weight
5–11 kg (11–24 lbs)
28–38 cm (11–15 in)
Height
38–43 cm (15–17 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
11–15 yrsBetter
2/5
Trainability
4/5Better
2/5
Energy
3/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
3/5
Shedding
2/5Better
2/5
Grooming
1/5Better
3/5
Apartment
5/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$500–$1,500
Price
$600–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Basset Hound and Boston Terrier Temperament: What to Expect
Basset Hound is calmer; Boston Terrier is more energetic.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Playfulness
3/5
vs4/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
2/5
vs3/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Basset Hound is typically patient, charming and low-key, making them well suited for families, seniors and first-time owners.
Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier: Energy and Exercise Compared
Boston Terrier needs more exercise; Basset Hound is lower-maintenance.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Energy Level
2/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
vs5/5Better
The Boston Terrier needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Basset Hound (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Boston Terrier.
Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier: Size and Coat
Basset Hound is the larger breed; Boston Terrier is more compact.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Weight (kg)
20–29
vs5–11
Height (cm)
28–38
vs38–43
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Basset Hound stands 28–38 cm (11–15 in) tall and weighs 20–29 kg (44–64 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Boston Terrier at 38–43 cm (15–17 in) and 5–11 kg (11–24 lbs).
Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier: Training and Intelligence
Boston Terrier is generally easier to train.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Trainability
2/5
vs4/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Boston Terrier's trainability score of 4/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Which Sheds More — Basset Hound or Boston Terrier? Grooming Compared
Basset Hound sheds more; Boston Terrier is easier to maintain.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Shedding
3/5
vs2/5Better
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs1/5Better
The Basset Hound sheds a bit more (3/5) than the Boston Terrier (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Boston Terrier has a slight edge.
Which Is Healthier — Basset Hound or Boston Terrier? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs11–15Better
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the Boston Terrier: 11–15 years versus the Basset Hound's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Boston Terrier.
Family and Social Compatibility: Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Basset Hound vs Boston Terrier: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Boston Terrier is less expensive to own annually.
Basset Hound
Avg. Purchase$1,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,200
Boston Terrier
Avg. Purchase$1,300
Annual Food$420
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,020 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $500–$1,500 for a Basset Hound and $600–$2,000 for a Boston Terrier. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary and Final Take: Basset Hound or Boston Terrier?
On balance, the Boston Terrier has the edge — it's easier to train (4/5 vs 2/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), less shedding (2/5). For most families, the Boston Terrier is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Basset Hound and Boston Terrier are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Boston Terrier is notably easier to train, Boston Terrier is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Basset Hound if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Basset Hounds tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Boston Terrier if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Boston Terriers adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 3/5 apartment rating).
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Basset Hound or Boston Terrier?
The Basset Hound scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Boston Terrier at 5/5. The Basset Hound is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Basset Hound or Boston Terrier easier to train?
The Boston Terrier is easier to train, scoring 4/5 versus the Basset Hound's 2/5. The Boston Terrier's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Basset Hound or Boston Terrier?
A Basset Hound puppy costs $500–$1,500 while a Boston Terrier costs $600–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,200 for the Basset Hound and $1,020 for the Boston Terrier. The Basset Hound is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Basset Hounds or Boston Terriers live longer?
The Basset Hound lives 10–12 years on average, while the Boston Terrier lives 11–15 years. The Boston Terrier tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Basset Hound or Boston Terrier live in an apartment?
The Boston Terrier adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Basset Hound (3/5). The Boston Terrier ranks among our best apartment breeds.