The Dog Codex

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Side by side

Choose two breeds. You’ll see the same strip of citeable traits — not a winner, and not kids / apartment / shedding scorecards.

Temperament lines are short plate excerpts, not a verdict. Open each plate for the full entry.

Basset Hound

Basset Hound

Hound · France

  • AKC group

    Hound

  • Size

    Medium

  • Height

    33–38 cm; AKC standard should not exceed 35.6 cm, with >38.1 cm disqualified

  • Weight

    18.1–29.5 kg (AKC overview); CKC overview 27–31.5 kg; major standards do not set adult weight

  • Energy

    High

  • Energy notes

    High: this is a working scent hound, not a sprinting athlete. FCI describes a strong, active dog capable of great endurance in the field and lists a working trial; The Royal Kennel Club calls it a working hound, while AKC recommends regular, moderate exercise.

  • Trainability

    Moderate

  • Coat

    A hard, smooth, short, close coat with enough density for difficult weather.

  • Origin

    France

  • Temperament

    The core standard temperament is mild and steady: AKC says mild, never sharp or timid and describes extreme devotion, while FCI and The Royal Kennel Club describe a placid, affectionate hound that is never aggressive or timid. The calm surface should not be confused with passivity.

Bloodhound

Bloodhound

Hound · Belgium / France / United Kingdom

  • AKC group

    Hound

  • Size

    Large

  • Height

    58–69 cm

  • Weight

    36–50 kg

  • Energy

    Moderate

  • Energy notes

    Moderate but purposeful. They were bred to trail for miles at a walk or slow trot, not to sprint.

  • Trainability

    Moderate

  • Coat

    Short, hard, and weather-resistant over an extraordinary amount of loose skin, especially on the head and neck.

  • Origin

    Belgium / France / United Kingdom

  • Temperament

    Gentle, dignified, and famously stubborn on a scent. Bloodhounds are typically good with people and children who treat them respectfully; they are not sharp.