Australian Terrier vs Basset Hound
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Australian Terrier
Also known as: Aussie, Australian Rough
The Australian Terrier is a small, robust breed known for its spirited personality, intelligence, and loyalty. Originally bred to hunt vermin and guard homes, this terrier is both a devoted companion and an alert watchdog, characterized by its distinctive rough, weather-resistant coat and keen expression.
Small
Medium
11-15 yrs
25-28 cm
6.8-9.1 kg
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 Terrier | 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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | Medium | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner (with conditions) | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Confident beginner or experienced owner willing to train consistently. Works from home or has flexible schedule. Single-dog household preferred, or with opposite-sex passive dog. No small prey animals. Comfortable with managing barking through training. | 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 Terrier Dealbreakers
- Want a silent dog
- Have pocket pets (hamsters, rats) that roam
- Want a dog that can be off-leash in unfenced areas
- Unwilling to manage potential dog-aggression
- Passive or permissive owner (if you treat them like a baby, they will become a tyrant)
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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Barking complaints from neighbors, Incompatibility with other pets (chasing cats, fighting dogs), Owners buy thinking they are low-maintenance small dogs and are overwhelmed by their big-dog energy and tenacity | 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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
Australian Terrier Social Traits
Medium
Often bossy and may spark fights with much larger dogs, refusing to back down. Same-sex aggression is a known trait.
Basset Hound Social Traits
None
Generally dog-friendly; thrives with other dogs to reduce loneliness
Training
Australian Terrier
- Harsh methods trigger their 'terrier grit,' causing them to shut down or fight back
- Use high-value rewards (food/toys)
- Keep training sessions short and varied
- Practice 'Nothing in Life is Free' to maintain household boundaries
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 Terrier Considerations
Bred to alert settlers to snakes and intruders, they score 5/5 on watchdog ability. In modern settings, this means barking at delivery trucks, hallway footsteps, and leaves blowing across the patio. Often a dealbreaker for renters with noise restrictions.
Documented risk of aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly between two females. This often emerges at sexual maturity (18-24 months) and can escalate from posturing to serious fighting. They generally do best as the only dog or with a companion of the opposite sex.
Their prey drive is not a game; it is a job. They were engineered to kill rats and snakes. They cannot be trusted with hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs, and they may harass cats that run. This is a Full Predatory Sequence breed—they do not just chase; they grab and shake.
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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - safe only if raised together and the cat does not run | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - high risk for hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, rodents | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - high risk | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full | Full (but slow) |
| Biddability | Medium | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | N/A |
Australian Terrier: Full Predatory Sequence: Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab-Bite → Kill-Bite. Bred to kill snakes and rats. You cannot 'train out' the desire to shake a rat; you can only manage it. Not 'will to please' dogs - they are 'what's in it for me?' dogs.
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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Hard |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Australian Terrier: While small and portable, they are intense. House training is moderately difficult (terriers can be stubborn), and their sharp puppy teeth are used freely during play. Critical socialization window is 8-16 weeks - must socialize to handling and strangers to prevent natural wariness from turning into defensiveness.
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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 18 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-28 cm | 33-38 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 11–15 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 6-8 |
Australian Terrier Coat
Basset Hound Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Kill rats and snakes in gold mines and sheep stations, tend sheep, and alert owners to intruders | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot |
| Origin | Australia, 19th century | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Medium |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.2m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | High | Medium |
Health & Common Conditions
Australian Terrier Health Issues
Basset Hound Health Issues
Australian Terrier Suggested Tests
- Annual blood glucose and urinalysis (starting at age 5)
- OFA Patella Evaluation
- CERF Eye Examination
- Family history of Diabetes inquiry
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 Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Medium |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | General environmental allergens | Corn, Wheat, Soy |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | High |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Common |
Senior Care & Aging
Australian Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Diabetes Mellitus (watch for excessive thirst/urination)
- Cataracts
- Joint stiffness
Mobility usually remains good until very late life. Primary concern in seniors is monitoring for diabetes symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss despite normal eating).
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 Terrier
medium maintenanceBasset Hound
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Australian Terrier Daily Life
Basset Hound Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | None |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,200-2,500 | $1,000-2,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $120–$200 | $150–$280 |
| Yearly Range | $1,440–$2,400 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Food / Month | $30-50 | $50-80 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $70-140 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-80 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-600 | $500-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Australian Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Australian Terrier | Basset Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Moderate |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Weekly | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | High | Medium |
Australian Terrier Quirks
The Ruff
Distinctive ruff of hair around the neck (like a lion's mane) which was historically protective against snake bites
The Topknot
The soft, silky hair on their head contrasts with the wire body coat and needs gentle combing
Digging for Fun
They don't just dig to escape; they dig for fun. Provide a designated sandpit and bury toys in it to save your flowerbeds.
Bossiness
They will attempt to run the household. 'Nothing in life is free' training is recommended to maintain boundaries.
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 Terrier 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 Terrier with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.