Basset Hound vs Newfoundland
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
Newfoundland
Also known as: Newf, Newfie, Gentle Giant
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle breed renowned for its impressive strength, thick water-resistant coat, and remarkable swimming ability. Bred to haul fishing nets and pull carts in the freezing North Atlantic, they're often called 'gentle giants' and are famous as 'nanny dogs' for their patient nature with children. But be prepared: a 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall in minutes, and the slobber reaches ceilings.
Extra Large
Medium
9-10 yrs
66-71 cm
55-80 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | Low |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner (temperament) but Advanced (logistics/finances) |
| 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. | Someone with a house and yard, works from home or flexible schedule, tolerant of slobber/hair/mess, financially prepared for giant breed costs, has or can get large vehicle for transport, and ideally has mentor or professional trainer for first-time giant breed ownership. |
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
Newfoundland Dealbreakers
- Tight budget - if $3,000 vet bill is a disaster
- Clean freak - cannot have pristine home with a Newfie
- Tiny living space - they take up physical floor space
- Hot climate without AC
- Unable to physically manage a 150lb dog
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 got too big' - owners underestimate reality of 150lb dog in a hallway, Medical costs - giant breed vet bills are shocking to unprepared owners, Grooming/mess - drool and hair become unmanageable for some |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Newfoundland Social Traits
None
Generally low - tolerant of other dogs. Same-sex aggression rare but can occur in intact males.
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
Newfoundland
- Start training early while they're still manageable size
- Use social connection and food as motivators
- Harsh methods cause them to shut down completely
- Be consistent - a giant dog that ignores commands is dangerous
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.
Newfoundland Considerations
Newfoundlands were bred to work closely with fishermen and do not tolerate isolation well. A 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes. They need someone home most of the time.
This is non-negotiable. Loose jowls trap saliva - when they shake their heads, 'slobber strings' reach ceilings, walls, and guests. If you're house-proud or easily grossed out, this breed is incompatible with your lifestyle.
Between 6-18 months, they're large, clumsy, and energetic with no body awareness. They accidentally injure children or elderly owners simply by bumping into them. A puppy growing 10lbs/month is logistically immense.
Everything costs 2-3x more: $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, medications priced by weight. If a $3,000 vet bill is a disaster, do not get this breed.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats | High safety - one of the safest giant breeds for multi-pet homes. Drive is 'chase to play' not 'chase to kill.' |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts | Generally safe, but supervise due to size difference |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages | Generally safe with livestock but may accidentally squash chickens trying to play |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full (but slow) | Arrested |
| Biddability | Low | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| 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).
Newfoundland: Predatory sequence arrested at Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are largely inhibited - they may chase a cat but usually just want to sniff or lick it. They are 'protection by presence' dogs - more likely to hold an intruder down or block them than bite. They assess before acting ('Newfie time') rather than responding robotically.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Hard | Easy |
| 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.
Newfoundland: Temperamentally sweet but logistically immense. Puppy grows 10lbs/month. 'Land shark' biting on a giant breed HURTS. Joint protection is demanding - no stairs, no jumping until 2 years. Must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 24 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-7 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~7 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 33-38 cm | 66-71 cm |
| Weight | 23-30 kg | 55-80 kg |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years | 9-10 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 6-10 |
Basset Hound Coat
Newfoundland Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot | Hauling fishing nets in freezing North Atlantic waters and pulling carts of catch - the 'St. Bernard of the Water' |
| Origin | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') | Newfoundland, Canada - bred for immense strength, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and gentle disposition |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | High | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Hard | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Medium | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Basset Hound Health Issues
Newfoundland 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)
Newfoundland Suggested Tests
- Cardiac (Cardiologist Echo) - CHIC required
- Hips (OFA or PennHIP) - CHIC required
- Elbows X-rays - CHIC required
- Cystinuria DNA test - CHIC required
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Very High |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | High |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Very High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Corn, Wheat, Soy |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Common | Occasional |
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.
Newfoundland Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Hind-end weakness (mobility issues)
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
Decline can be rapid. Be prepared to assist a 150lb dog who cannot stand up - harnesses and ramps become daily tools. Quality of life decisions are complex due to physical impossibility of managing an immobile giant dog.
Grooming & Care
Basset Hound
high maintenanceNewfoundland
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Basset Hound Daily Life
Newfoundland Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Very High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | None | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$280 | $250–$500 |
| Yearly Range | $2,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $70-140 | $100-250 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,500 | $800-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Newfoundland Lifetime Cost
$30,000-60,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Basset Hound | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | Heavy |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Rare | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | Low |
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
Newfoundland Quirks
The Newfie Lean
Will lean their entire weight (up to 150lbs) against your legs to show affection - can knock you off balance
Ceiling Slobber
Slobber strings can reach ceilings, walls, and unsuspecting guests when they shake their heads. Non-negotiable.
Water Magnet
They will try to enter ANY body of water - mud puddles, decorative ponds, kiddie pools. Also submerge their muzzle when drinking, dripping water across kitchen floors.
Lap Dog Delusion
A 150lb dog who believes they should sit in your lap. They will try.
Frequently Asked Questions
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