Breed guide
Basset Hound
Iconic droopy-eared scent hound. Mellow, charming, stubborn. Daily care centers on ears, back, and weight.
AKC Rank
#36
Size
medium (40-65 lbs)
Life Expectancy
12-13 yrs
Activity
low
Feeding a Basset Hound
Famously prone to obesity — low activity + food-motivated. ~1,000-1,300 kcal/day for adults. Split meals to reduce bloat risk.
Key nutrients
- •lean protein
- •glucosamine
- •chondroitin
- •omega-3
Watch out for
- •high-fat foods (pancreatitis risk)
- •excessive treats
Portion notes: Two measured meals daily. Free-feeding is the fastest path to a fat Basset.
Fresh food picks for Basset Hounds
Our recommended fresh-food subscriptions for medium dogs.
The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog
- •Human-grade fresh food
- •Portioned per dog
- •Vet-developed recipes
- •50% off first box
Ollie
Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes
- •Fresh and baked recipes
- •Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
- •Custom portions
- •60% off first box
Nom Nom
Restaurant-quality fresh food with microbiome testing
- •Pre-portioned pouches
- •Vet-formulated
- •Microbiome testing available
- •50% off first order
Spot & Tango
Fresh or UnKibble — whole-food nutrition, your choice
- •Fresh or UnKibble options
- •Human-grade ingredients
- •Shelf-stable storage option
- •50% off first order
First-year cost
What a Basset Hound actually costs year one
Breed-specific estimate based on size, health concerns, and grooming needs. Excludes purchase/adoption fees (highly variable).
First-year total
$3,050-$6,730
Ongoing years run $2,330-$5,220 (no gear + training one-times).
Food (year one)
Fresh food subscription
$1,450-$2,400
Gear (one-time)
Crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys
$320-$460
Vet care
Wellness + breed-specific
$780-$1,700
Grooming
moderate grooming needs
$100-$400
Training
Puppy class + supplies
$150-$500
Supplements
Breed-matched, optional
$0-$720
Other first-year
Vaccines, neuter, DNA test
$250-$550
Pet insurance (estimate)
Not included above — shown for planning. Breed-risk adjusted.
$754-$1,320/yr
Estimates based on US market averages for medium dogs. Your costs will vary with lifestyle and region.
Supplements for Basset Hounds
Matched to this breed's common health concerns. All NASC-sealed.
Cosequin (Nutramax)
The #1 vet-recommended joint supplement
- •#1 vet-recommended
- •NASC Quality Seal
- •Glucosamine + chondroitin
- •Clinically studied
Zesty Paws Allergy & Immune
Seasonal allergy + immune support chews
- •NASC Quality Seal
- •Seasonal allergy support
- •Salmon oil for skin
- •Chewable, dogs love them
Supplements support — they don't treat or cure disease. Talk to your vet for anything clinical.
Health concerns to watch
Weekly ear cleaning is non-negotiable — long droopy ears trap moisture and breed yeast/bacterial infections.
IVDD risk from long back + short legs — no jumping off furniture, strict weight control.
Bloat risk from deep chest — split into 2 meals daily, avoid exercise right after eating.
Skin fold dermatitis around face — wipe folds clean.
Is your Basset Hound scratching?
Basset Hounds are prone to skin and allergy issues. Take our 2-minute itch triage quiz.
Gear for Basset Hounds
Breed-size-appropriate picks. Links go to Amazon.
Crate
for Basset Hounds
Harness
for Basset Hounds
Bed
for Basset Hounds
Collar
for Basset Hounds
Leash
for Basset Hounds
Slow feeder bowl
for Basset Hounds
Chew toy
for Basset Hounds
As an Amazon Associate, Barkly earns from qualifying purchases.
Training for Basset Hounds
Matched to Basset Hound temperament (easygoing, charming, loyal).
GoodPup
1-on-1 virtual dog training with certified trainers
- •1-on-1 live video sessions
- •Certified trainers
- •Custom per-dog plan
- •Weekly structure
BAXTER & Bella
Online puppy training program, lifetime access
- •Lifetime membership
- •Self-paced video lessons
- •Puppy + adult content
- •Behavior troubleshooting
Dogo
App-based training with daily structure
- •App-based daily plans
- •AI-guided feedback
- •Affordable monthly cost
- •Trick training library
GPS trackers for Basset Hounds
Size-appropriate picks for tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts.
Fi
Smart collar with GPS + activity tracking
- •Real-time GPS
- •Activity + sleep tracking
- •Escape alerts
- •3-month battery
Tractive
Affordable GPS tracker with unlimited range
- •Attaches to any collar
- •Worldwide GPS coverage
- •Activity monitoring
- •Budget-friendly
Curious about their DNA?
Confirm breed mix, check for genetic health risks, and get actionable insights.
Embark
The most comprehensive dog DNA test
- •350+ breeds identified
- •250+ health conditions screened
- •Cornell-partnered science
- •Relatives finder
Wisdom Panel
Breed identification + health screening
- •350+ breeds
- •Genetic health insights
- •Budget-friendly option
- •Fast results
Common symptoms in Basset Hounds
What to watch for, what causes it, and when to worry.
Basset Hound questions, answered
How long do Basset Hounds live?▾
How big do Basset Hounds get?▾
How much exercise does a Basset Hound need?▾
What health problems do Basset Hounds commonly have?▾
Are Basset Hounds hard to groom?▾
What should I feed a Basset Hound?▾
Are Basset Hounds good for first-time owners?▾
Ask Barkly about your Basset Hound
Get personalized answers about food, health, and care.