Basset Hound vs Irish Wolfhound
Hound · Medium vs Hound · Giant
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
Irish WolfhoundGiant
A courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound.
Weight: 120 lbsLifespan: 6–8 years
Quick take
- • Irish Wolfhound is the larger breed at 120 lbs (males) vs 40–65 lbs for the Basset Hound.
- • The Basset Hound typically lives longer (12–13 years).
- • The Irish Wolfhound has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Irish Wolfhound sheds less.
- • The Irish Wolfhound is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Basset Hound | Irish Wolfhound |
|---|---|---|
Group | Hound | Hound |
Size | Medium | Giant |
Origin | France | Ireland |
Height (male) | 14–15" | 32–34" |
Height (female) | 14–15" | 30–32" |
Weight (male) | 40–65 lbs | 120 lbs |
Weight (female) | 40–65 lbs | 105 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 12–13 years | 6–8 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | High (4/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | wirehaired |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
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 Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a courageous, dignified, calm gentle giant — the tallest of all dogs, ancient Celtic war and hunting hound. Originally from Ireland, this giant hound breed typically weighs 120 lbs and lives 6–8 years. Breeders describe them as courageous, dignified, calm.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Basset Hound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bloat
- • Ear infections
- • Glaucoma
- • IVDD
- • Obesity
Irish Wolfhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bone cancer
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia