Basset Hound vs Epagneul Breton
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Epagneul Breton
Also known as: French Brittany, Brittany Spaniel, Breton
The Epagneul Breton, commonly known as the French Brittany, is a versatile and energetic hunting dog originating from the Brittany region of France. With its compact, cobby build and striking coat patterns, this breed excels as both a tireless bird dog and a devoted family companion. They are known as 'Velcro dogs' for their intense bonding with their humans.
Medium
High
12-15 yrs
47-51 cm
13-18 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | challenging | Easy |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | High | Medium |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Highly active individual or family (runner/hiker) committed to training. Works from home or can provide midday activity. Has secure fenced yard. Tolerant of a shadow dog that wants to touch you constantly. |
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
Epagneul Breton Dealbreakers
- Sedentary lifestyle - if you want a couch dog with 20-minute walks
- Long work hours away from home without dog walker/daycare
- No secure fenced yard
- Want a reliable off-leash dog without extensive training
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | 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 | He's too hyper - owner underestimated exercise needs, He destroys everything - result of boredom/anxiety, He runs away - recall failure due to prey drive |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | High |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Moderate | Low |
Basset Hound Social Traits
None
Generally dog-friendly; thrives with other dogs to reduce loneliness
Epagneul Breton Social Traits
Low
Generally very dog-friendly - bred to work in packs or alongside other dogs without aggression
Training
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
Epagneul Breton
- Keep sessions short, fast-paced, and high-reward
- They are 'soft dogs' - harsh corrections damage the bond
- Channel their natural pointing instinct into structured activities
- E-collar training may be necessary for reliable recall in the field
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.
Epagneul Breton Considerations
These 'Velcro dogs' bond intensely with their humans. Left alone for 8+ hours, they often devolve into panic, resulting in destruction of door frames, excessive vocalization, and self-harm.
Their prey drive often generalizes to squirrels, rabbits, and neighborhood cats. They will ignore recall commands if a scent or movement triggers their predatory sequence, making them a flight risk in unfenced areas.
This is a 'pocket rocket' that needs 60-120 minutes of intense daily activity. Without it, they become restless pacers and destructive redecorators.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats | Generally safe if raised together - may just point at indoor cats |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts | Unsafe - unfair to keep a bird dog with free-roaming birds/rodents |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages | Unsafe - stress for both animals is too high |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full (but slow) | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 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).
Epagneul Breton: Predatory sequence is Eye -> Stalk -> Point. Chase and Grab-Bite inhibited in well-bred dogs (they hold the point). However, with non-bird prey (squirrels), full sequence including chase may engage.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 6-10 |
| House Training | Hard | Easy |
| Crate Training | Medium | High |
| Adolescent Regression |
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.
Epagneul Breton: High energy + sharp puppy teeth. 'Busy' puppies that do not self-settle easily. If bored, they will 'redecorate' your home (chewing drywall, digging sofas).
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 12-24 |
| Adult Years | 2-7 | 2-9 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~10 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 33-38 cm | 47-51 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 12–15 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 5-7 |
Basset Hound Coat
Epagneul Breton Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot | Versatile pointing and retrieving of upland game birds - the poacher's dog of choice |
| Origin | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') | Brittany region of France (Callac), 19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | High | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Hard | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Medium | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Medium |
Health & Common Conditions
Basset Hound Health Issues
Epagneul Breton Health Issues
Basset Hound Suggested Tests
- Gonioscopy testing (for glaucoma)
- Thrombopathia DNA test
- Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) DNA test
- Annual Ophthalmologist Exam
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
Epagneul Breton Suggested Tests
- Hip Dysplasia (OFA/PennHIP)
- Eye Certification (CAER) for PRA
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Low |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Food Allergies | Corn, Wheat, Soy |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Common | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
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.
Epagneul Breton Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Hip dysplasia complications
- Hypothyroidism
- Vision/hearing loss
They age gracefully but arthritis is the main enemy. Significant slowdown at 10+.
Grooming & Care
Basset Hound
high maintenanceEpagneul Breton
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Basset Hound Daily Life
Epagneul Breton Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | 25-50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | None | Low |
| 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 | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $1,500-2,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$280 | $120–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $2,500–$3,500 | $1,440–$2,400 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $50-70 |
| Insurance / Month | $70-140 | $40-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $40-60 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,500 | $350-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Epagneul Breton Lifetime Cost
$18,000-35,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Basset Hound | Epagneul Breton |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | None |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Rare | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | 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
Epagneul Breton Quirks
The Happy Pee
Many Bretons are submissive urinators when excited or greeted
The Brittany Smile
Some Bretons bare their teeth in a submissive grin when happy
The Whine
Vocal communicators who whine to tell you about their feelings, boredom, or a ball under the couch
The Point
Will freeze and point at birds, squirrels, and sometimes even indoor cats
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Basset Hound or Epagneul Breton, 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 Basset Hound with:
Compare Epagneul Breton with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.