Basset Hound
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Basset Hound. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ear infections | high | Extremely long ears block airflow; weekly cleaning is mandatory. |
| Obesity | moderate | Low exercise drive plus a heavy frame stresses the back and joints. |
| Bloat (GDV) | moderate | Deep-chested despite short legs; torsion is a recognized breed risk. |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | moderate | Heavy bone on short legs predisposes to joint disease. |
| Glaucoma | moderate | Painful eye-pressure disease occurs at elevated rates in the breed. |
Pet insurance for a Basset Hound
Insurers price a Basset Hound from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Ear infections. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Basset Hound is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 40–65 lbs and a grooming score of 2/5, the Basset Hound sits below the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a French scent hound built low and slow to trail rabbits, with arguably the best nose after the Bloodhound. It is patient, sociable, and famously tolerant with children and other dogs — and famously stubborn, following its nose over its handler every time. Exercise needs are low, but the long back means weight control matters, the long ears need weekly cleaning, and the baying voice carries. Suits relaxed households that want an easygoing, comical companion and can accept selective hearing.
Origin: France / Belgium
Temperament
Related reading for Basset Hound owners
Basset Hound FAQ
How long do Basset Hounds live?
The typical Basset Hound lifespan is 10–12 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Basset Hound?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Basset Hound carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Basset Hound policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Basset Hound a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 2/5 and a medium build, the Basset Hound adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Basset Hounds prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Ear infections, Obesity, Bloat (GDV). Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.