How Much Does a Basset Hound Cost?

Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff
Last Updated:  August 15, 2018

The basset hound, descended from the old St. Huburt hounds, is part of the hound family and is known to hunt rabbits because of their amazing scent.  In fact, it’s so good, it is one of the best out of all dog breeds on the market today.

Mr Fülöp by Laszlo Nagy HU, on Flickr
Mr Fülöp” (CC BY 2.0) by  Laszlo Nagy HU

How much does a basset hound cost?

A purebred basset hound that comes from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, and this will depend on the breeder, the location, the age of the dog, quality and its bloodline.  A basset hound that has show potential or AKC registration can cost $800 to more than $1,700.

For instance, many of the listings on AKC.org charge about $1,000 to $1,400 for their puppies.

Older basset hounds, commonly found in shelters older than two years, can cost $50 to $350, depending on the adoption fees.

K9web.com says a purebred, quality basset hound will cost $350 to $700, depending on the part of your country.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Any reputable breeder will include a health certification from a licensed vet, a health guarantee, up to date vaccinations and a travel crate if it’s going to be shipped. If the basset hound is an AKC breed, breeders will include the official paperwork to note its certification as well.  Some breeders and shelters may also include a start pack that includes food, toys, coupons and various supplies.

What are the extra costs?

Registration and licensing fees will vary depending on your city and county laws.   Check with your local city to see how much they will charge for registration fees.  Most of the time, it will be less than $40.

Recurring dog expenses, with any dog, will include the food, supplies, routine and surprise vet visits.  It’s best to budget at least $50 per month to take care of your dog.

If the dog has to be shipped via an airline, it can cost anywhere from as little as $150 to more than $350, depending on the airline and the distance being traveled.

This breed is known to be trained well as long as you’re patient and consistent.  It’s highly advisable that you take them to obedience classes when they are young to properly crate train and housebreak them.  These dogs are hard to potty train in some cases.  Obedience classes can cost less than $150 at most centers.  Expect at least four to six months for proper training.

Tips to know:

Basset hounds can live up to 12 years if taken care of properly.  Since this breed is known to be lazy, it is best to provide them with the healthiest diet available to prevent obesity, which can lead to back and skeletal problems.

Basset hounds are known to gain weight rather fast because they love to eat.  Because of this, always make sure that you feed your dog in moderation.  This means avoid feeding them table scraps as well as a countless handful of treats.

This breed won’t require a lot of exercise, but they can get excited if they are taken outdoors.  Try your best to take them on shorter walks or allow them to roam around in a fenced in yard.

These hounds are susceptible to GDV, which is bloat from excessive gas.  To avoid this, spread out the meals throughout the day and try not to overfeed.  They are also prone to Von Willebrand’s disease, panosteitis, glaucoma, allergies, patellar luxation, thrombophilia, eyelash problems, intervertebral disc disease, ear infections and hip dysplasia.

As for temperament, these hounds can get along great with other animals and children, but since they are very social, they don’t like to be left alone and will start to howl if left alone for extended periods of time.

Due to the longer ears, you will have to clean the ears every week to avoid infection.

With close to 70 percent of the weight in the front, it’s highly advisable you don’t let your dog swim.  Due to their size, they are only able to swim short distances and will have a lot of difficulties.  Sadly, this can lead to potential problems.

This dog is ideal for those who want a short and sturdy breed; a good-natured dog; and is sociable with just about everyone.  On the flip side, this dog isn’t recommended for those who wants a dog that snores, sheds a lot, runs away with every scent, is slow to be housebroken and drools.

The basset hound is known to be sociable, calm, playful and extremely easygoing.  These dogs can be a bit stubborn, but most owners will tell you about how loyal they are to their owner and family.  They will have a deep bark and may be hard to take off a walk if they are on a scent trail.  For this reason, it’s always best to keep them on a leash when outdoors to avoid any potential dangers.

The cost is dense, smooth, shiny and short and the colors can include white with brown and/or black markings, known as the tri-color; this will be the most common color found.

The dog measures about 11 to 15 inches high and can weigh 45 to as much as 70 pounds, depending on their diet.  Females, on average, will weigh about 10 pounds less than a male.  They are a big dog but will have shorter legs.

How can I save money?

Older dogs can be found at local shelters such as the Humane Society and rescue groups that focus on the specific breed.  Many people give up these dogs because they find they drool too much due to the loose skin around their mouths.  They also tend to make quite a mess when they drink.  For a smaller fee of around $75 to $250, a dog can be adopted with all the appropriate paperwork and vet checkups.  It’s always best to adopt from a local rescue group or shelter instead of adopting from a breeder who’s in it for the money.  Regardless of what any breeder says, even if they are the most reputable breeder in the state, their main motivation is for profit, not having puppies,



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