Basset Hound vs Harrier
Compare two breeds
Pick two breeds to see them compared side by side.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound originated in France, developed in the nineteenth century to hunt hare at a walking pace so hunters on foot could keep up, though it was later refined and popularised further in Britain. The short, bowed legs come from chondrodysplasia, the same genetic trait behind the wrinkled skin, and it's a feature rather than a flaw: it keeps the dog moving slowly but tirelessly over hours on a trail. Its sense of smell ranks second only to the Beagle's among all breeds. An adult male can weigh up to 29 kilograms despite the low stance, with a long, heavy body. The long, drooping ears help funnel scent particles toward the nose but need regular cleaning to avoid infection. Temperament is calm and stubborn, hard to motivate without food as an incentive. Back problems are a real health concern given the ratio of long body to short legs. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.
Harrier
The Harrier was used in England to hunt hare for hunters following on foot, smaller than a Foxhound but fast and tireless enough to run quarry down across open fields for hours. The name comes from an old French word for hare, which describes its sole historic purpose precisely. The short, dense coat needs minimal grooming. A male weighs up to 27 kilograms, muscular and high-energy, at its best with a job or at least a long daily run. The breed tends to hunt by scent even in a domestic setting, so a leash outdoors is close to essential. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.
At a glance
| Basset Hound | Harrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 33.0–38.0 cm | 48.0–55.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 23.0–29.0 kg | 20.0–27.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 yrs | 10–12 yrs |
| Coat | short, smooth | short, dense |
Temperament & Family Life
| Basset Hound | Harrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Basset Hound | Harrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Basset Hound | Harrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Basset Hound | Harrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.