Breed matchup

Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever

Interactive head-to-head—swap sides, filter traits, and see who edges each lifestyle score before you read the full guides.

Basset Hound

Labrador Retriever

Basset Hound

medium · France

Labrador Retriever

large · Canada

Head-to-head

Basset Hound vs Labrador Retriever

Derived comparison from breed profiles: Basset Hound runs low to moderate energy vs Labrador Retriever's very high. Kids compatibility is close (5/5 each). Labrador Retriever sheds more (4/5). Medium-sized hound with short legs and long ears. America's most popular dog breed.

Derived from breed profile scores—not a substitute for meeting dogs or consulting professionals.

medium vs large

Energy 2 vs 5

short vs short

12-13 years · 10-12 years

Biggest differences

Weight

40-65 lbs

55-80 lbs

Height

14 inches

21-24 inches

Lifespan

12-13 years

10-12 years

Monthly cost*

$70–$130

$80–$150

*Typical ownership cost band estimate—not a quote.

Lifestyle scores

Tap a trait for context. Filter by what matters most to you.

Temperament

Typical breed leanings—individuals vary.

Basset Hound

Medium-sized hound with short legs and long ears. Overall, Basset Hounds are described as gentle, friendly, patient, devoted. Trainability sits around 3/5 and bark tendency around 3/5, so patience and clear boundaries matter more than force.

Gentle

Friendly

Patient

Devoted

Labrador Retriever

America's most popular dog breed. Overall, Labrador Retrievers are described as outgoing, even-tempered, gentle, agile. Trainability sits around 5/5 and bark tendency around 2/5, so consistent positive training usually pays off quickly.

Outgoing

Even-tempered

Gentle

Agile

Care side by side

Grooming, exercise, and training at a glance.

Basset Hound

Low energy requiring moderate daily exercise.

Labrador Retriever

Highly energetic breed requiring 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily.

Who should choose which?

Use this as a shortlist—then meet dogs and read full guides.

Choose Basset Hound

Choose a Basset Hound if you want a medium dog with low to moderate energy, kids fit excellent, and apartment fit moderate. Temperament leans gentle and friendly.

Choose Labrador Retriever

Choose a Labrador Retriever if you prefer large size, very high energy, kids fit excellent, and apartment fit limited. Traits include outgoing and even-tempered.

Still deciding?

Take the lifestyle match quiz or open both breed guides for first-year costs, health screening, and adopter questions.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever?

Which is better for apartments, Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?

Basset Hound is the stronger apartment candidate (3/5).

Which is better with kids, Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever?

Both rate 5/5 with children when supervised and socialized.

How do Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever compare on energy?

Basset Hound: 2/5 (low to moderate). Labrador Retriever: 5/5 (very high). Match the higher-energy breed only if you can meet exercise needs daily.

References

This comparison summarizes publicly available breed-standard and veterinary education sources. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care, and meet dogs in person before deciding.