The Basset Hound is a French-origin scent hound — typically 40 to 65 pounds standing only about 14 inches at the shoulder — and that combination of a heavy, long body on short, dwarfed legs is the key to understanding the entire breed. The Basset is a chondrodysplastic (achondroplastic dwarf) breed: the short legs are a deliberate genetic dwarfism, and that conformation, plus the long back, long ears, droopy eyes, and loose skin, is the source of nearly every breed-specific health and care issue. This is a calm, affectionate, famously good-natured family dog with one of the most powerful noses in the canine world — second only to the Bloodhound — but the nose, the back, the ears, and the appetite each carry a predictable cost. Temperament is the easy part. Bassets are patient, low-key indoors, tolerant, and excellent with children and other dogs. They are pack hounds, so they generally like company and dislike being alone. They are also stubborn and scent-driven: a Basset on a trail is effectively deaf to recall, which is why off-leash freedom is rarely safe and a securely fenced yard is close to a requirement. Many are vocal, with a deep bay and a tendency to 'talk.' The trade-offs follow the body. The long spine and dwarfed frame make them prone to disc disease, so jumping off furniture and stair-running must be limited for life. The long ears trap moisture and cause chronic ear infections that need lifelong weekly maintenance. The deep chest creates a real bloat risk. And the breed's enormous food motivation makes obesity the default outcome without strict portion control — and obesity worsens the back, joint, and bloat problems all at once. Who the Basset is right for: a patient owner who wants a gentle, low-energy, sociable hound and will commit to weight discipline, weekly ear care, back protection, and a fenced yard. Who it is wrong for: anyone wanting a trainable off-leash companion, a tidy non-drooling dog, or a breed that self-regulates its eating.
Origin
🇫🇷 France
Life Span
10–12 years
Weight
18.1–29.5 kg
Height
33–38.1 cm
low
Exercise
moderate
Grooming
moderate
Shedding
Yes
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Friendly
Apartment
The Basset Hound was developed in France — 'bas' meaning low — where short-legged scent hounds were bred from at least the 1500s to trail rabbit and hare on foot, letting hunters follow without horses. The breed descends from French scent hounds, including ancestors linked to the St. Hubert Hound (the Bloodhound's forerunner), with the short, dwarfed legs deliberately selected so the dog moved slowly and methodically and kept its nose close to th…
Basset Hound relaxing in typical laid-back style
Close-up showcasing the Basset Hound's characteristic long ears
Adorable Basset Hound puppy with outsized paws and ears
The Dukes of Hazzard
Television series featuring Flash, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane's lazy Basset Hound.
Fred Basset
Long-running comic strip featuring a Basset Hound named Fred and his daily adventures.
Hush Puppies
The Basset Hound became the iconic mascot for Hush Puppies shoes, appearing in their advertising for decades.
Basset Hounds have over 220 million scent receptors, second only to the Bloodhound among dog breeds.
Their long ears actually serve a purpose—they help sweep scent particles from the ground toward their nose.
Despite their short stature, Basset Hounds are surprisingly heavy, weighing up to 65 pounds due to their dense bone structure.
The Basset Hound became the first breed to serve as a commercial mascot when it was chosen for Hush Puppies shoes in 1958.
Their howl is remarkably loud and resonant for their size, carrying for long distances—a trait valued during hunting to help handlers locate them.
Purchase Price
600–2000 USD
Monthly Cost
~$100 USD
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A Basset Hound costs $600–$2,000 to purchase from a reputable breeder, plus roughly $100/month in ongoing expenses — food, veterinary care, grooming, and insurance. Over a 10–12-year lifespan, total lifetime ownership cost runs $12,000–$14,400. Adopting from a rescue ($50–$500) reduces the upfront cost significantly. The first year is always the most expensive due to initial setup costs ($300–$800) on top of the purchase price.
Prices vary based on lineage, breeder reputation, location, and whether the Basset Hound is pet-quality or show-quality. Adopting from a rescue or shelter typically costs $50–$500 and gives a Basset Hound a second chance at a loving home.
| Expense | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Food & treats | $35–$45/mo |
| Veterinary care (wellness) | $20–$30/mo |
| Grooming | $10–$15/mo |
| Pet insurance | $30–$70/mo |
| Toys, supplies & misc | $8–$12/mo |
| Total monthly estimate | ~$100/mo |
Purchase
$600–$2,000
Initial setup
$300–$800
crate, bed, bowls, collar, leash
12 months care
~$1,200
This estimate includes routine food, veterinary wellness visits, grooming, insurance, and supplies — but does not include emergency veterinary care, boarding, or specialized training. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle choices, and your Basset Hound's individual health needs.
All costs are approximate U.S. averages and vary by location, breeder, veterinary clinic, and individual needs. Updated March 2026.
Basset care is about protecting the back, the ears, and the waistline — in that order. Weight: this is the single highest-leverage thing you control. Bassets are relentless eaters and gain weight easily, and every excess pound multiplies disc, joint, and bloat risk on an already-vulnerable frame. Feed two measured meals, keep treats under 10% of calories, keep ribs easily felt, and weigh monthly. If the waist disappears, cut portions 10% and recheck in four weeks. Back protection: the long spine plus dwarf legs means intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a lifelong risk. Discourage jumping off sofas and beds (use ramps), limit stair running, and support the rear when lifting. Sudden back pain, wobbling, dragging a leg, or refusal to move is a same-day vet emergency. Ears: the long, heavy ears block airflow and trap moisture, causing chronic infections. Check and wipe the ear canals weekly with a vet-recommended cleaner, dry them after baths and swims, and treat any odor, head-shaking, or discharge promptly — this is recurring lifelong maintenance, not optional. Exercise: 30-45 minutes of moderate, low-impact walking daily — enough to keep weight down, not enough to stress the back. Always on leash or in a secure fence; a scenting Basset will follow its nose into traffic. Skin and eyes: clean facial folds and the droopy lower-lid area as needed to prevent irritation. Decision rule: any sudden back pain, hind-limb weakness or dragging, an unproductive retching with a swelling abdomen, or a painful red ear with head-shaking is a same-day vet visit — early IVDD, bloat, and ear care are dramatically cheaper and kinder than the late versions.
Dive deeper into everything Basset Hound — costs, care, and expert insights.
How Much Does a Basset Hound Cost?
Purchase price, monthly costs, and lifetime expenses
Basset Hound Care Guide
## Basset Hound Care Overview This Basset Hound care guide gives owners a practical plan for daily...
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