Basset Hound vs Great Pyrenees
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
Great Pyrenees
Also known as: Pyr, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic livestock guardian weighing 38-72 kg, bred to work independently in the Pyrenees Mountains. While gentle with family, their nocturnal barking, roaming instinct, and independent nature require experienced owners with secure fencing. Not recommended for apartments or first-time owners.
Extra Large
Medium
10-12 yrs
65-82 cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Acreage |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| 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. | Experienced owner with acreage or large securely fenced yard, tolerant of nocturnal barking, understanding of independent working breeds, possibly with livestock to guard. Patient with training and comfortable with a dog that thinks for itself. |
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
Great Pyrenees Dealbreakers
- Live in an apartment or rental
- Have close neighbors sensitive to barking
- Want a dog that obeys commands instantly
- Don't have a secure physical fence
- Want a pristine, fur-free home
- Need a running or high-intensity exercise partner
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | High |
| 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 | Nocturnal barking - owners get a fluffy puppy that starts barking all night at 1 year old, Roaming/escape - jumping fences to expand territory, Resource guarding - growling over food scares families who expected Golden Retriever temperament, Size underestimated - 120lb dog that refuses to move and may growl when asked to get off couch |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Basset Hound Social Traits
None
Generally dog-friendly; thrives with other dogs to reduce loneliness
Great Pyrenees Social Traits
High
Same-sex aggression common, especially females. Keep opposite-sex pairs for peace.
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
Great Pyrenees
- Must convince them your request is worth their effort
- Harsh corrections cause shutdown or defensive behavior
- Focus on management over strict obedience
- Accept that recall will never be 100% reliable
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.
Great Pyrenees Considerations
The #1 complaint from suburban owners. Pyrs are genetically hardwired to patrol and bark at night - they were bred to ward off wolves and bears. This instinct cannot be trained out, only managed. Expect deep, booming barks at 2 AM when a leaf blows across the driveway.
Great Pyrenees do not believe in property lines. Without a secure 5-6 foot physical fence, they will expand their territory to include the entire neighborhood. They are notorious escape artists and will take the shock from invisible fences to pursue threats.
Adult Pyrs often exhibit severe aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly females. This usually manifests around social maturity (18-24 months). Opposite-sex pairs are generally recommended.
Pyrs are not dumb - they are independent. When called, they evaluate whether coming is more important than what they are currently doing (usually guarding). If they decide it isn't, they will ignore you completely.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats | Excellent - bred to protect vulnerable animals, views cats as part of the flock to guard |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts | Good - low prey drive, protective instinct toward smaller animals in their family |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages | Good with supervision - generally safe due to arrested predatory sequence |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full (but slow) | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
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).
Great Pyrenees: Predatory sequence arrested early - may chase predators to drive away but lack dissect/consume drive. Brilliant problem solvers but low 'working intelligence' (willingness to follow commands). Bred to work without humans so don't look to humans for answers.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Hard | Medium |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| 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.
Great Pyrenees: Pyr puppies are large, stubborn land sharks. A 6-month-old is the size of a German Shepherd but has the brain of a toddler. Critical socialization window 8-16 weeks - must expose to strangers, other dogs, and strange noises or natural guarding instinct can turn into fear-aggression.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 18 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 10-24 |
| Adult Years | 2-7 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-2 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 33-38 cm | 65-82 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 6-10 |
Basset Hound Coat
Great Pyrenees Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot | Autonomous livestock guardian - protecting sheep from wolves and bears in the Pyrenees Mountains without human guidance |
| Origin | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') | Pyrenees Mountains (France/Spain), ancient breed |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | High | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Hard | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Medium | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | High |
Health & Common Conditions
Basset Hound Health Issues
Great Pyrenees 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)
Great Pyrenees Suggested Tests
- Gastropexy (stomach tacking) - recommended during spay/neuter
- Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) DNA test
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Elbow Evaluation
- Patella Evaluation
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | High (osteosarcoma) |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Medium (NDG) |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Food Allergies | Corn, Wheat, Soy | Generally robust |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Medium (entropion risk) |
| 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.
Great Pyrenees Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/mobility decline
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Vision decline
Mobility slows around 8+ years. Arthritis management becomes primary focus. Ramps for cars and stairs become necessary.
Grooming & Care
Basset Hound
high maintenanceGreat Pyrenees
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Basset Hound Daily Life
Great Pyrenees Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | None | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | None |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $1,800-4,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$280 | $180–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $2,500–$3,500 | $2,160–$3,600 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $70-140 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $100-200 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,500 | $600-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Great Pyrenees Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Basset Hound | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Rare | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | High |
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
Great Pyrenees Quirks
The Pyr Paw
Will forcefully paw at you to demand attention - can be painful given their size and claw strength
The Pyr Lean
Shows affection by leaning their entire 100lb+ weight against your legs
Mud Magnet
White coat is surprisingly self-cleaning (mud dries and falls off) - but the mud falls off onto your floor
Selective Deafness
Will evaluate your command, decide if it's worth their effort, and ignore you if it isn't
Snow Obsession
Will refuse to come inside during snowstorms - thrive in freezing temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
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