Basset Hound vs Yorkshire Terrier
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as: Yorkie, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is often mischaracterized as a mere lapdog accessory. In reality, this is a **terrier** first and a companion second. While affectionate and portable, their genetic heritage as vermin exterminators in textile mills drives a personality that is tenacious, vocal, and surprisingly intense. Often called 'the Yorkie', this breed packs big-dog attitude into a tiny frame.
Extra Small
Medium
13.56 yrs
17-20 cm
Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | Diligent owner with patience for house training and consistent grooming routine. Works from home or can provide frequent bathroom breaks. Understands this is a high-maintenance dog in a small package. |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Dealbreakers
- Families with toddlers - fragility makes this unsafe
- Full-time workers away 8+ hours - bladder cannot hold it
- Anyone wanting a 'low maintenance' dog
- Noise-sensitive neighbors in apartments
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | It won't stop peeing in the house (house training failure), It snapped at the baby (resource guarding/fear), The barking is driving neighbors crazy |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | High | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Moderate | Moderate |
Basset Hound Social Traits
None
Generally dog-friendly; thrives with other dogs to reduce loneliness
Yorkshire Terrier Social Traits
High - naturally suspicious, early socialization required to prevent fear biting
Often reactive to larger dogs - usually fear-based, not dominance
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Keep sessions SHORT (5 minutes max) - they bore easily
- High-value treats essential - they won't work just to please you
- Indoor pee pad system may be necessary permanent solution
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Considerations
This is the single most cited failure mode for the breed. Due to tiny bladders and terrier stubbornness, Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Many owners report accidents persisting well into adulthood, and some never become 100% reliable without indoor pads.
The 'watchdog' trait is hardwired. They will announce every delivery driver, neighbor, and squirrel with sharp, high-pitched barking. This can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction notices in apartments.
Yorkies often don't perceive their small size, leading to 'Napoleonic' aggression toward much larger dogs. This is usually fear-based reactivity, not actual courage, but can be dangerous.
A toddler falling on a Yorkie can kill the dog. They can be fatally injured by being dropped, stepped on, or sat upon. Not suitable for homes with young children.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - prey drive can trigger tracking behavior that stresses cats | Generally safe if raised together - but may harass a cat that runs |
| Small Mammals | Unsafe - rabbits are historical prey; hamsters/guinea pigs trigger tracking instincts | UNSAFE - the ratting instinct is alive. Dangerous to hamsters, gerbils, birds. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - scent of small animals causes obsessive whining and scratching at cages | Unsafe - predatory drift will trigger chase/kill |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Full (but slow) | Full |
| Biddability | Low | Moderate |
| 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).
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike a Cavalier where the sequence is eroded, the Yorkie retains the Kill-Bite part of the sequence for small vermin. High intelligence but asks 'Why?' before 'How high?' - less eager to please than a Poodle.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-18 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Hard | Very Hard |
| 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.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike larger breeds, you cannot simply 'crate and wait' - their bladders are too small. Expect accidents for the first year. The combination of extreme fragility, house training difficulty, and hypoglycemia risks makes Yorkie puppies very demanding.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 18 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-7 | 1.5-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 33-38 cm | 17-20 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 14 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 2-4 |
Basset Hound Coat
Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Trailing rabbits and hare through dense cover for hunters on foot | Vermin extermination in textile mills and coal mines |
| Origin | France, 16th century (name from 'bas' meaning 'low') | Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | High | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Hard | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Medium | Higher than average - fading puppy syndrome and hypoglycemia |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 0.9m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Basset Hound Health Issues
Yorkshire Terrier 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)
Yorkshire Terrier Suggested Tests
- Bile Acid Test (for Liver Shunt) - critical for puppies
- OFA Patella evaluation for breeding stock
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Medium | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Corn, Wheat, Soy | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Fast | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Common | Common - scooting indicates need for expression |
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Blindness (cataracts)
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease progression
Often sharp decline after 12 years. Long-lived breed (median 13.56 years) but quality of life compromised by dental and cognitive issues.
Grooming & Care
Basset Hound
high maintenanceYorkshire Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Basset Hound Daily Life
Yorkshire Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-2,500 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $150–$280 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $2,500–$3,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $70-140 | $35-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $50-100 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,500 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Basset Hound Lifetime Cost
$25,000-40,000
Yorkshire Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Basset Hound | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | None |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | None - hair doesn't hold oil/odor like double-coated breeds |
| Zoomies Frequency | Rare | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | 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
Yorkshire Terrier Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the throat/soft palate that sounds like a goose honking. Scary for owners but usually harmless.
The Yorkie Shake
Will violently shake toys - this is the motor pattern for breaking a rat's neck, their genetic heritage
Weather Diva
Often refuses to go outside in rain or cold - may require indoor pee pad system year-round
Velcro Mode
Will follow you to the bathroom, sit on your feet while you cook, and attempt to sleep on your head
Frequently Asked Questions
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