Australian Shepherd vs Basset Hound
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent and energetic herding breed known for its striking multicolored coat and distinctive eyes. Originally developed in the United States, this versatile and agile dog excels in various canine sports and makes a devoted companion for active families.
Large
High
12-15 years yrs
N/A
Basset Hound
Also known as: Basset, Hush Puppy Dog
The Basset Hound is a charming dog breed known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and distinctive short-legged, long-bodied appearance. With a gentle demeanor and a keen sense of smell, they make excellent companions and are often used as scent hounds in hunting. However, their stubborn nature and specific health needs make them best suited for experienced owners.
Large
Medium
10-12 yrs
33-38 cm
23-30 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | Medium | High |
| Trainability | Easy | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Australian Shepherd. | Patient owner with a sense of humor who works from home or can provide companionship. Has a securely fenced yard. Tolerant of mess and 'hound odor.' Prepared for higher-than-average vet bills. |
Australian Shepherd Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Basset Hound Dealbreakers
- Cannot tolerate drool, shedding, and hound smell
- Live in apartments or have close neighbors
- Want a running or hiking partner
- Expect quick obedience or easy training
- Not prepared for chronic ear and eye care
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Neighbors complaining about howling/baying, Owners giving up on potty training after months of accidents, Unexpected veterinary costs for ears, eyes, and back problems, Expecting a Golden Retriever personality in a stubborn hound |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Australian Shepherd Social Traits
Low
Selective
Basset Hound Social Traits
None
Generally dog-friendly; thrives with other dogs to reduce loneliness
Training
Australian Shepherd
- ** They thrive on positive reinforcement (clicker training). Harsh methods often backfire, causing the dog to shut down or become defensive.
Basset Hound
- Food is king - always have high-value treats ready
- Keep sessions short (5-10 min) to prevent boredom
- Never use harsh methods - they shut down completely
- Accept that perfect obedience is not in their DNA
Australian Shepherd Considerations
Aussies control movement by nipping at heels. In a family setting, they often attempt to "herd" running children, bicycles, or cars. This is not aggression, but a hardwired instinct that can be terrifying for toddlers and a liability for owners.
This breed has an intense need to be with their people. They do not tolerate isolation well. Leaving an Aussie alone for 8+ hours a day frequently leads to severe separation anxiety and destructive chewing.
Unlike the "love everyone" Golden Retriever, the Aussie is naturally reserved with strangers and protective of their territory. Without extensive socialization, this reserve can escalate into fear-based reactivity or aggression toward guests and strangers.
Basset Hound Considerations
Bassets were bred to track scent trails independently for miles. They have selective hearing and will ignore commands if they don't see value in them. Food motivation is essential for any training success.
As pack animals, Bassets have a profound need for companionship. Left alone, they produce a loud, mournful bay that penetrates walls and travels long distances - a serious liability in apartments or close-neighbor situations.
Notoriously difficult to housebreak - their independent nature and physical structure make this a multi-month (6-12 months) battle. Accidents may persist into adulthood.
When they catch a scent, their ears literally fold forward to block sound, focusing entirely on the smell. Recall is non-existent - they will wander into traffic without a secure fence.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Full (but slow) |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Basset Hound: Predatory sequence is present (orient-eye-stalk-chase-grab) but slow. They are hunting dogs, not companions in mindset. High adaptive intelligence (food problem-solving) but low working intelligence (obeying commands).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Australian Shepherd: Australian Shepherd puppies require consistent training and patience.
Basset Hound: Unlike eager-to-please breeds, Basset puppies are heavy, stubborn, and extremely difficult to housebreak. The 'flat Basset' maneuver (lying down and refusing to move) is common. Patience is essential.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 18 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 33-38 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Large |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 6-8 |
Australian Shepherd Coat
Basset Hound Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | conformation and coat | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot |
| Origin | Australia—hence the misnomer [cite: 18 | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Medium |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.2m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Medium |
Health & Common Conditions
Australian Shepherd Health Issues
Basset Hound Health Issues
Australian Shepherd Suggested Tests
- MDR1 Testing
- Annual Eye Exams by veterinary ophthalmologist
Basset Hound Suggested Tests
- Gonioscopy testing (for glaucoma)
- Thrombopathia DNA test
- Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) DNA test
- Annual Ophthalmologist Exam
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Medium |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Corn, Wheat, Soy |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Common |
Senior Care & Aging
Australian Shepherd Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Basset Hound Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis (often early onset)
- Mobility decline
- Cognitive decline with increased anxiety
- Vision loss from glaucoma
Many seniors need help standing up or navigating stairs. Ramps become essential. Arthritis management is critical. Cognitive decline can worsen separation anxiety and night howling.
Grooming & Care
Australian Shepherd
medium maintenanceBasset Hound
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Australian Shepherd Daily Life
Basset Hound Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | High | None |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | $1,000-2,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$175 | $150–$280 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$2,100 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Food / Month | $50-100 | $50-80 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-75 | $70-140 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | $500-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Australian Shepherd Lifetime Cost
N/A
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Australian Shepherd | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Moderate |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Medium |
Basset Hound Quirks
The Hound Smell
A distinct musky, yeasty odor from coat oils (sebum) that returns days after bathing and transfers to furniture
The Bay
A loud, mournful howl (not a bark) that carries for long distances and penetrates walls
The Flat Basset
When bored with training, they simply lay down and refuse to move - this is passive resistance, not obedience failure
Scent Deafness
Their ears literally fold forward when tracking to block sound, making them completely unresponsive to recall
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Australian Shepherd or Basset Hound, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Compare Australian Shepherd with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.