When considering owning a Basset Hound, it’s important to understand the differences between male and female Basset Hounds.
While Basset Hounds make excellent companion dogs, gender can significantly affect certain aspects of their personality and behavior.
In general, male Basset Hounds have larger builds and are more playful, active, and affectionate than female Basset Hounds. In comparison, female Basset Hounds are independent and focused, making them easier to train. Female Basset Hounds are also more protective and gentle than males.
This article will guide you in discovering the perfect gender of Basset Hound for you. We will discuss in-depth the characteristics where male and female Basset Hounds primarily differ. So, keep reading to find out more!
Physical Differences
Male Basset Hounds
Appearance-wise, there aren’t many noticeable differences between male and female Basset Hounds. They bear the same variety of colors and markings and only differ slightly in stature.
Like most male dogs, male Basset Hounds are a bit taller than their female counterparts. They have an average height of 12 to 15 inches at the withers when fully grown, which is only a one-inch difference from females’.
Although known for having short legs, Basset Hounds, in general, are considered medium to large-sized dogs.
In fact, male Basset Hounds weigh between 54 and 64 pounds, making them a few pounds heavier than females.
In terms of build, male Basset Hounds are more muscular, which makes them appear to be a bit bulkier than female Basset Hounds.
Female Basset Hounds
Female Basset Hounds have similar looks to male Basset Hounds. They both have that signature droopy face, extremely long ears, and loose skin. Both genders also share the same low-maintenance short and smooth coat.
However, similar to other female dogs, female Basset Hounds are slightly smaller. They are less buff as they have less muscle mass compared to male Basset Hounds.
In terms of size, female Basset Hounds stand about 11 to 14 inches on average. They also weigh between 48 and 59 pounds upon reaching maturity.
These physical distinctions are so subtle that it’s hard to distinguish when you look at them separately. It can only be noticed when they stand next to one another.
Temperamental Differences
Male Basset Hounds
Regardless of gender, Basset Hounds are friendly dogs. They are highly sociable in general and get along well with anyone.
In fact, male Basset Hounds are affectionate toward children, other dogs, and strangers. This natural personality can be enhanced by engaging them in puppy socialization while they are still young.
Male Basset Hounds are more happy-go-lucky and fun-loving than females. They even retain this personality upon reaching maturity. Displaying silly behaviors, they are seen as puppies trapped in the body of adult dogs.
Additionally, male Basset Hounds like to run around and play with their human friends rather than being left alone. They are considered the more active gender. Therefore, it’s easier to prompt them to do daily exercise.
As dogs that like to be the center of attention, male Basset Hounds tend to be clingier to their owners than female Basset Hounds. They desire quality time and snuggle sessions all the time.
Female Basset Hounds
Unlike their male counterparts, female Basset Hounds are more independent. They are comfortable being left alone for long hours without needing affection and attention from their owners.
Despite this, female Basset Hounds are friendly dogs and welcoming to all, including children, other dogs, and strangers. Similar to males, it’s also better to socialize them at an early age to help strengthen their social behavior.
Female Basset Hounds are protective, gentle, and sweet. They are caring for their owners, especially with children, due to their mother-like nature.
Moreover, female Basset Hounds are very serious, discreet, and mellow compared to carefree and goofy males.
Behavior and Training
Male Basset Hounds
Despite their loving nature, male Basset Hounds tend to display dominant personalities. They are also prone to have high testosterone levels, resulting in aggressive tendencies when provoked.
Male Basset Hounds may also exhibit territorial marking behavior, especially in the presence of other males. It’s a common behavior of unneutered male dogs wherein they intentionally leave small amounts of urine in various locations.
These unwanted behaviors can be eliminated by the combination of neutering and behavioral training of the pup.
Since male Basset Hounds are clingy dogs, they are prone to separation anxiety when left alone for too long. Because of this, they are likely to commit excessive barking tendencies, which can be addressed by crate training.
Male Basset Hounds can be a bit harder to train than females in terms of obedience training. Their playful and energetic personality causes them to have very little focus.
However, their attention can be held longer by turning training sessions into games, especially while they are still young. In addition, they respond well to positive reinforcements rather than punishment.
The fact that male Basset Hounds are food-motivated helps as well, so better prepare some treats for rewards.
Female Basset Hounds
Female Basset Hounds can also exhibit aggressive tendencies and territorial marking like males. However, these unwanted behaviors mostly happen when they are in heat due to the hormonal changes that take place.
A female Basset Hound’s first heat cycle can occur at around six months old. Each cycle can last up to three weeks and may happen twice a year.
During this period, female Basset Hounds may experience vaginal bleeding, swollen vulva, and frequent need to urinate. This can be prevented by spaying the pups before they go into their first heat cycle.
In terms of training, female Basset Hounds are easier to train as they learn faster. Due to their serious and mellow personality, they have a stronger ability to focus. Positive reinforcements using treats work with them as well.
However, both male and female Basset Hounds are known to be difficult to housebreak. Because they are originally bred to hunt and follow scents single-mindedly, they get distracted by any interesting smells they catch.
This behavior gets in the way of potty training. So it’s important to have great patience, consistency, and unlimited praise once they get it right.
Health Differences
Male Basset Hounds
With an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, Basset Hounds are generally prone to several health issues. Because of their short and long body structure with large bones, most of their illnesses are related to mobility, like hip dysplasia.
However, there are illnesses specific to male Basset Hounds, particularly those that are intact. These illnesses involve cryptorchidism, testicular tumors, and prostatic disease.
To prevent the male Basset Hound from acquiring these, neutering is recommended to remove both testicles of the pooch.
Thus, neutered dogs are less likely to be affected by these diseases, especially if the procedure is done while they are still young.
Female Basset Hounds
Apart from health complications common to both genders, female Basset Hounds, especially unspayed ones, are predisposed to developing reproductive-related medical conditions.
Some of these are life-threatening, such as mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancers, and pyometra. These diseases can be prevented by spaying female Basset Hound pups.
In addition to this, Basset Hounds, in general, can also acquire genetic disorders like Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD).
To ensure that your Basset Hound is free from genetic disorders, you should ensure that you get your pooch from a reputable breeder.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Basset Hounds
Male Basset Hounds are friendly dogs. Provided that they are socialized properly early in their lives, male Basset Hounds can live harmoniously with any other pet in the household.
This includes other dogs, cats, and even smaller pets. Because of their naturally slow movements, male Basset Hounds don’t intimidate other pets.
When it comes to other dogs, they mostly get along well with females. They are more interested in socializing with the opposite sex rather than their fellow males.
With this, it’s important to note that male Basset Hounds tend to be territorial and prone to inter-dog aggression, especially with other male dogs. In fact, this behavioral issue was consulted to me by one of my clients who owns a male Basset Hound but also got a male Beagle puppy from the kennel.
When he brought his Beagle puppy home, his Basset Hound became quite aggressive and unaccepting of the new pup. We had to separate the dogs until we could apply the necessary behavior correction and socialization training for his male Basset Hound.
This mostly happens when one or both males are unneutered. Otherwise, they can live together with no problem at all.
Female Basset Hounds
Similar to males, female Basset Hounds have a friendly and sociable nature. Although independent, they don’t usually mind the presence of other pets in the household, such as other dogs, cats, and smaller pets.
Other pets often perceive female Basset Hounds as gentle due to their slow-moving nature. With this, they don’t frighten other pets, and they usually get along well.
However, female Basset Hounds might exhibit seasonal dominance when they are undergoing a heat cycle. During this period, they can be less friendly and might show aggressive tendencies.
If they have just given birth, it’s when they are most protective as their maternal instincts kick in. Although this only happens to unspayed ones. Otherwise, they get along well with everyone all the time.
With Children
Male Basset Hounds
Considering they are playful and happy-go-lucky dogs, male Basset Hounds are good with children. With their tirelessness, they enjoy spending time and playing games with kids.
However, it’s important to note that male Basset Hounds have energetic traits and large bodies. These might lead to unintentionally hurting themselves or your children, especially if unsupervised.
So to ensure the safety of both of them, it’s recommended to train male Basset Hounds not to play too roughly. Moreover, kids must be constantly reminded to be gentle when playing.
Female Basset Hounds
Like their male counterparts, female Basset Hounds are generally good with children. In fact, they do better with kids younger than ten years old as they are more careful and calm to play with.
However, it’s still best to teach children how to behave when playing with female Basset Hounds. These dogs are mellow and not always available for fun and games.
Because of their independent personality, female Basset Hounds like their alone time. Though mostly patient, they might be provoked by kids when they constantly disturb them.
To witness a female Basset Hound’s temperament with children, check out this video:
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Basset Hounds
Male Basset Hounds
Owning male Basset Hounds comes with several pros and cons. Male Basset Hounds are friendly and affectionate dogs.
They make great companion pets for families with older children. They are happy-go-lucky ones that enjoy their owners’ presence and attention.
However, their friendliness is not only exclusive to their owners. They are also welcoming to strangers thanks to their highly social traits.
They won’t have problems interacting with other pets, provided they are socialized early. If they are neutered, they can also coexist with other male dogs in the household.
Their tireless and fun-loving personality makes male Basset Hounds easy to keep active. It won’t be hard to stimulate them to do daily exercise.
Because of this, they are considered suitable for first-time pet owners. Their short and smooth low-maintenance coats are a plus, too!
Furthermore, male Basset Hounds’ food-motivated characteristics can make training a little easier, considering that it’s hard for them to keep their focus during obedience training. They can also be difficult to housebreak.
Since male Basset Hounds require constant attention, they are prone to separation anxiety which further results in excessive barking. Luckily, this can be resolved through proper training.
Apart from this, male Basset Hounds are susceptible to various diseases, making their lifespan a little shorter than other dog breeds. However, some illnesses, like reproductive disorders, can be prevented by neutering.
Here is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a male Basset Hound:
| Pros | Cons |
| Friendly and affectionate | Easily gets distracted |
| Good with other pets | Difficult to housebreak |
| Energetic and playful | Needs constant attention |
| Suitable for first-time pet owners | Prone to separation anxiety |
| Food-motivated | Susceptible to various health issues common to this breed |
Female Basset Hounds
Likewise, female Basset Hounds have their own pros and cons.
Similar to their male counterparts, female Basset Hounds are friendly and sociable. They are welcoming to strangers and other pets alike, especially when socialized early. There won’t be a problem mixing them with other dogs.
As independent pets, they don’t really require constant attention. They like having their alone time. Because they mature early, they are mellow, serious, and less energetic.
These characteristics fit perfectly well with younger kids, as female Basset Hounds tend to be gentle and discreet when playing with them.
Aside from this, their easygoing personality makes them possess a stronger ability to focus compared to males and, therefore, easier to train.
However, like their male counterparts, female Basset Hounds can also be difficult to housebreak.
Furthermore, they are prone to have seasonal dominance during their heat cycle, wherein they tend to be aggressive and less friendly. This can be prevented when these female dogs are spayed.
Spaying also greatly decreases the risk of reproductive-related conditions that female Basset Hounds are susceptible to. However, they may still acquire other health complications that are common to this breed.
Additionally, female Basset Hounds may cost a bit more than their male counterparts due to their ability to produce puppies.
Listed below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of owning female Basset Hounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Friendly and sociable | Less energetic |
| Independent | Likes some alone time |
| Serious and mellow | Difficult to housebreak |
| Gentle with younger kids | Prone to seasonal dominance when unspayed |
| Stronger ability to focus | Susceptible to various health issues common to this breed |
Should You Get a Male or Female Basset Hound?
Deciding between getting a male and a female Basset Hound will depend on several factors, such as members of the household, your lifestyle, and preferences.
If you have older children, consider getting a male Basset Hound. They are fun-loving and energetic, so they can play with kids all the time.
However, if you have kids younger than ten years old, a female Basset Hound is the better choice since older children are more gentle. You can let them play with your kids without worrying too much about possible accidents.
If there’s already a male dog in the household, it’s better to have a female Basset Hound. Males are prone to inter-dog aggression with other male dogs, especially when unneutered.
Furthermore, if you prefer a clingy pet, you should get a male Basset Hound. It’s an affectionate dog that craves cuddles and attention most of the time.
However, it’s important to note that male Basset Hounds tend to suffer from separation anxiety because of this. Excessive barking may occur, and it may become troublesome because they have loud and rich-sounding barks.
Hence, they are a perfect fit for owners who are often at home. Otherwise, this issue can still be resolved through crate training.
Overall, male Basset Hounds are sweet dogs that never get tired of showering you with love.
However, if you are a busy person or someone who values your own space, a female Basset Hound is the one for you. This pooch doesn’t require much attention from its owners since it is an independent dog.
All things considered, both genders make wonderful pets. There’s no better gender, and it’s just a matter of which pup is the perfect match for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Basset Hounds Calmer?
As the less energetic gender, female Basset Hounds are calmer than males. They are gentle and caring. Females tend to mature early, resulting in a mellow and serious disposition.
On the other hand, male Basset Hounds are goofy and playful, so they are more energetic.
Are Male or Female Basset Hounds More Affectionate?
Male Basset Hounds are more affectionate compared to their female counterparts. They are owner-focused and like getting snuggles most of the time. They also love being the center of attention.
Female Basset Hounds, however, are independent. Though they occasionally hang out with their owners, they prefer spending time with themselves.
Are Male or Female Basset Hounds Easier to Train?
Because of their serious and less energetic personality, female Basset Hounds tend to focus better. Hence, they are easier to train than males. Male Basset Hounds need food just to feel motivated in training.
Final Thoughts
Many potential Basset Hound owners wonder whether a male or a female Basset Hound is better. However, through this article, it can be concluded that there is no better gender.
In general, both male and female Basset Hounds are delightful to own. They make great companions that will surely bring life to any household.
The ideal one for you only depends on different factors that should be considered. Cautiously weigh the pros and cons of each gender and match them with your preference.
Keep in mind that every dog has individual traits and personalities of its own. Regardless of gender, your dog’s traits may greatly differ from what is discussed in this article.
Hopefully, this guide helped you out one way or another. Let us know your thoughts about the topic of male and female Basset Hounds in the comment section below!
