Basset Hound vs German Shepherd
Hound · Medium vs Herding · Large
Basset HoundMedium
A charming, patient, low-key scenthound on stubby legs — Hush Puppies mascot, second-best nose to bloodhound.
Weight: 40–65 lbsLifespan: 12–13 years
German ShepherdLarge
A confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed.
Weight: 65–90 lbsLifespan: 9–13 years
Quick take
- • German Shepherd is the larger breed at 65–90 lbs (males) vs 40–65 lbs for the Basset Hound.
- • The Basset Hound typically lives longer (12–13 years).
- • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Basset Hound sheds less.
- • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Basset Hound | German Shepherd |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Herding |
Size | Medium | Large |
Origin | France | Germany |
Height (male) | 14–15" | 24–26" |
Height (female) | 14–15" | 22–24" |
Weight (male) | 40–65 lbs | 65–90 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–65 lbs | 50–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 9–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | medium |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a charming, patient, low-key scenthound on stubby legs — Hush Puppies mascot, second-best nose to bloodhound. Originally from France, this medium hound breed typically weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 12–13 years. Breeders describe them as charming, patient, low-key.
About the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.
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Basset Hound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bloat
- • Ear infections
- • Glaucoma
- • IVDD
- • Obesity
German Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Degenerative myelopathy