Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever
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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Basset Hound if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Basset Hound
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
medium
Size
large
20–29 kg (44–64 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
28–38 cm (11–15 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
Better3/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
Better$500–$1,500
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Exercise Needs: Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Basset Hound is lower-maintenance.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
2/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
Better3/5
vs2/5
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Labrador Retriever (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Temperament: Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever
Basset Hound is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
2/5
vs5/5
The Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever bring very different personalities to the table. Basset Hounds are patient, charming and low-key, while Labrador Retrievers tend to be friendly, outgoing and active.
Which Is Easier to Train — Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Which Costs More to Own — Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?
Basset Hound 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 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $500–$1,500 for a Basset Hound versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; Basset Hound is more compact.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
20–29
vs25–36
Height (cm)
28–38
vs55–62
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The Labrador Retriever (25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Basset Hound (20–29 kg (44–64 lbs)).
Grooming Differences: Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Basset Hound is easier to maintain.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Basset Hound (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Basset Hound has a slight edge.
Family Fit: Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
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.
Health Profile: Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–12 years for the Basset Hound and 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Summary: Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?
The Basset Hound comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (3/5), lower exercise needs (2/5), less shedding (3/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the Basset Hound is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Basset Hound if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Basset Hounds are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Labrador Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?
The Basset Hound scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Basset Hound is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Basset Hound's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?
A Basset Hound puppy costs $500–$1,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,200 for the Basset Hound and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do Basset Hounds or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Basset Hound lives 10–12 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Basset Hound is better suited for apartments (3/5) compared to the Labrador Retriever (2/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.