Which is Better Between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

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Basset Hound Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Basset Hound and for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Basset Hound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are Hound Dogs. This means both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Hound to the Rhodesian Ridgeback based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

FactorBasset HoundRhodesian Ridgeback
General Health1/54/5
Life Span10 to 12 years10 to 12 years
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Easy To Train2/52/5
NOT Rambunctious4/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/51/5
Potential For Playfulness2/55/5
Tolerates Being Alone3/52/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Does NOT Drool2/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/55/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Dog Friendly5/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight1/53/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/51/5
Weight50 to 65 pounds70 to 85 pounds
HeightUp to 14 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan11.0 years11.0 years
Average Price$1410$1620
Price Range$1000 – $1500$1250 – $1900
Temperament Score86.5 percent84.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Thrombopathia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)7152

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basset Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Basset Hound is 76 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basset Hound is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. So, you should get the Basset Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Below is a list of where the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:

    • Basset Hounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Basset Hounds have low exercise needs. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Basset Hounds not very playful. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very playful.
    • Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Basset Hounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Basset Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most similar:

    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not easy to train.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Basset Hounds weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Basset Hounds are Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The lifespan of Basset Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basset Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Versus the Basset Hound

    The Basset Hound has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    This is because the temperament score for the Basset Hound is 86.5 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 86.5 percent, the Basset Hound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 37 Basset Hounds and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Price of Basset Hound versus Price of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The average price of the Basset Hound puppy is $1410. The price of the Basset Hound typically ranges from $1000 – $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 343 Basset Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy is $1620. The price of the Rhodesian Ridgeback typically ranges from $1250 – $1900. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 175 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more expensive than the Basset Hound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basset Hound and Rhodesian Ridgeback. For different price points, the charts show how many Basset Hound puppies or how many Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basset Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basset Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    A breakdown of the prices of Rhodesian Ridgebacks

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basset Hound puppy or the Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Intelligence of the Basset Hound versus the Intelligence of the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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    Basset Hound Rhodesian Ridgeback
    Intelligence Rank 71 out of 130 dog breeds 52 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Basset Hound has an obedience intelligence rank of 71 out of 130 dog breeds. The Basset Hound belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Basset Hounds tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an obedience intelligence rank of 52 out of 130 dog breeds. The Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Rhodesian Ridgebacks tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Rhodesian Ridgeback is more intelligent than the Basset Hound.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Health Problems of Basset Hound versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Basset Hound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Basset Hound.

    1 health tests are recommended for Basset Hound while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basset Hounds and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Basset Hound Health Problems

    Basset Hounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basset Hound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Basset Hound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basset Hound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Basset Hounds for:

  • Thrombopathia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basset Hounds here.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Rhodesian Ridgebacks here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Basset Hounds can be left alone only for a short time.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basset Hounds shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Basset Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basset Hound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basset Hound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds are very easy to groom.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basset Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Basset Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Basset Hounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Hound vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Basset Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basset Hounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basset Hound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Basset Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basset Hounds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Basset Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basset Hound Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds are not easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Basset Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basset Hound or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Basset Hounds are very good for new dog owners.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basset Hound versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Basset Hound and the Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.