Basset Hound vs Chihuahua

Which dog breed is right for you?

Basset Hound

Size
40–65 lbs, 11–15 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Patient Easygoing Devoted Stubborn

Chihuahua

Size
3–6 lbs, 5–8 in
Lifespan
14–16 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Charming Alert Devoted

About the Basset Hound

The Basset Hound was developed in France — the name comes from the French word "bas" meaning low — as a scent hound bred to track rabbits and hare through dense underbrush. Standing just 11–15 inches tall but weighing a substantial 40–65 pounds, the Basset is a heavy-boned, low-slung dog with the second-best nose in the canine world, surpassed only by the Bloodhound. Their short, smooth coat comes in classic tri-color, red-and-white, and lemon-and-white patterns, and while easy to brush, they are moderate shedders.

Temperament & Personality

Basset Hounds are famously easygoing, patient, and gentle — their laid-back demeanor makes them wonderful family dogs who get along with virtually everyone, including children and other pets. They are pack animals at heart and dislike being left alone for long periods, often expressing their displeasure with mournful howling. Despite their placid appearance, Bassets can be surprisingly stubborn, especially when they've caught an interesting scent.

Pros

  • Gentle, patient temperament — excellent with children and other animals
  • Low exercise requirements compared to most hound breeds
  • Friendly and sociable with strangers, other dogs, and even cats
  • Charming, expressive face and endearing personality that wins hearts easily

Cons

  • Prone to obesity without careful diet management due to their low activity level
  • Loud, deep bay and howl that can disturb neighbors
  • Ears require frequent cleaning to prevent chronic ear infections
  • Susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, bloat, and glaucoma

A Basset Hound's soulful eyes and gentle heart might be exactly what your family needs — find adoptable Basset Hounds on Puplister.

About the Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the world's smallest dog breed, originating from the Mexican state of Chihuahua where ancestors of the breed were kept by the ancient Toltec civilization. Standing just 5–8 inches tall and weighing a mere 2–6 pounds, these tiny dogs come in smooth-coat and long-coat varieties with virtually every color and pattern combination imaginable. Despite their diminutive size, Chihuahuas carry themselves with a bold, terrier-like confidence that belies their fragile frame.

Temperament & Personality

Chihuahuas are fiercely devoted to one person — often forming an almost obsessive bond with their chosen human. They are alert, spirited, and surprisingly courageous, frequently standing up to dogs many times their size without hesitation. While they can be wonderful companions for older children who handle them gently, their small size and tendency toward snappiness make them a poor match for households with toddlers.

Pros

  • Perfect apartment dogs — minimal space and exercise requirements
  • Exceptionally long lifespan of 14–18 years, among the longest of any breed
  • Portable size makes them easy travel companions for on-the-go owners
  • Low food costs and minimal grooming needs — especially the smooth-coat variety

Cons

  • Prone to patellar luxation, heart murmurs, hydrocephalus, and dental overcrowding
  • Fragile bones — easily injured by falls, rough play, or being stepped on
  • Notoriously difficult to housebreak due to tiny bladders and stubborn temperament
  • Tendency toward excessive barking and aggression toward strangers if not properly socialized

Discover your perfect pint-sized companion — explore Chihuahuas looking for forever homes right here on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Basset Hound and a Chihuahua?
The Basset Hound is 40–65 lbs, 11–15 in sized while the Chihuahua is 3–6 lbs, 5–8 in sized. They differ in size (40–65 lbs, 11–15 in vs 3–6 lbs, 5–8 in), lifespan (12–13 years vs 14–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Basset Hound or Chihuahua?
Basset Hound is generally good with kids. Chihuahua is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Basset Hound or Chihuahua?
The Basset Hound has a lifespan of 12–13 years while the Chihuahua has a lifespan of 14–16 years.

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