How much does it cost to own a Basset Hound? The answer is quite relative to the breeder, but generally, they are inexpensive.
What you should really think about are the recurring costs of maintaining them, which include purchasing food, toys, and more.
Stick through the end of this article if you are interested to learn about the Basset Hound’s price and the actual costs of owning them.
There is also a rough estimate of their annual expenses so you can assess your financial readiness before buying one.
The Average Cost of a Basset Hound Puppy
Basset Hound puppies typically cost between $600 and $1,200. However, depending on the pedigree, the price can shoot up to $2,000. Other factors such as age, location, and the breeder’s reputation can also affect the puppy price.
You should expect to spend more on other upfront costs and required items for the Basset’s upkeep, including food, toys, grooming tools, and other expenses.
Every dog, especially puppies, will require a considerable initial investment along with ongoing and unexpected costs down the road. This is all part of dog ownership.
But if you can afford the Basset Hound’s price, do not let the recurring expenses put you off.
There are a lot of ways you can save on all those items and services if you are going to be strategic with your finances and if you consult fellow Basset pet owners.
I also shared some money-saving tips at the end of this guide to help you plan financially for your Basset Hound.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Basset Hound Puppy
Learning about what contributes to the Basset Hound puppy cost would determine if they are really worth purchasing in the first place.
Similarly, you won’t feel suddenly ripped off after buying because you know what you paid for.
The following is a list of factors that affect the cost of a Basset Hound:
Traits: A docile, stable, and healthy Basset is more in demand. On the same note, many prospective owners are after a Basset Hound that can serve as a family pet. Bassets exhibiting traits for companionship are often sold at a higher price point.
Bloodline and Breeder’s Reputation: If you buy a show-quality Basset Hound from a professional breeder, expect the price to be substantially higher. These reputable breeders invest more money than others to maintain the lineage of their Basset Hound puppies, so they also have a higher selling price for their litters.
Training and Socialization: Some reputable breeders will only sell their dogs after training and socialization. This gives you a better chance of obtaining a well-behaved dog that gets along with other animals, especially other dogs in the house.
Age: Since most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower as a dog gets older. For example, a 6-month-old Basset Hound puppy is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat Color and Markings: The trend of the Basset Hound’s coat color can change pretty fast. When the interest for a specific coat color becomes in demand, puppies who bear them get more expensive, leading to a higher market price. Moreover, coat color also determines AKC registration, so those who pass the standards have a higher price tag.
Size: The Basset Hound’s size and weight also affects the final price tag of this breed. A miniature Basset Hound is usually priced higher because of increased demand. However, not all miniature Bassets are bred ethically.
Aside from the factors mentioned above, the puppy’s gender, location, and the availability of a health certificate also affect their price.
Always remember that the price of a Basset Hound reflects its quality. Be skeptical of deals that look too good to be true.
Watch this video if you want to learn more about the Basset Hound breed and how to select a quality puppy:
Basset Hound | 10 Reasons YOU Need a Basset Hound<a href="https://youtu.be/AKc7YWQw1Ok" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAKc7YWQw1Ok%2F0.jpg" alt="Basset Hound | 10 Reasons YOU Need a Basset Hound" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Basset Hound From a Rescue?
Adoption fees for Basset Hounds are only around $300 to $800, and it already covers the rehabilitation, heartworm test, and other health screenings that the dog needs while still under the rescue or shelter’s care.
One great thing about adoption is that most Basset Hounds from animal shelters and rescues are already spayed or neutered. They also often have complete vaccine shots.
Initial Cost of Basset Hound Ownership
The spending doesn’t end after you purchase your Basset Hound puppy. There are a lot of items you need to buy as a Basset Hound owner to ensure that they transition smoothly to your home.
Knowing all of the initial costs right before purchasing would definitely prepare you financially.
The following are all the essential items you will need for your Basset Hound:
Food and Treats: You should provide your Basset with high-quality dog food to ensure that they’ll get enough nutrients for growth. Similarly, you can give them treats to munch on in between meals. These typically cost between $80 and $100.
Food and Water Bowls: You may think purchasing food and water bowls is easy and straightforward. But some puppies require specially designed food bowls for their size, eating style, and even medical needs. A good quality set of water and food bowls will cost $10 to $30.
Bed: Every new puppy needs a corner in your home where they can seek comfort and rest. A cozy and durable dog bed that can provide them with their safe space will run you between $40 and $180.
Crate: If you don’t want your Basset to intimidate your visitors with their size, you can hide them in a comfy crate. On another note, if you love traveling with your pooch, putting them in a crate is necessary. This will cost you $50 to $370.
Leashes and Collars: Choosing a suitable collar and leash for your new Basset Hound leads to safer and more enjoyable walks and training sessions. Collars and leashes will cost you $15 to $50.
Toys: There are plenty of toys on the market that can stimulate your dog’s mind. There are calming toys, puzzle toys, and chew toys, to name a few. These will cost you between $30 and $40.
Grooming Essentials: Although the Basset Hound is considered a low shedding breed, you must have a dog brush handy to maintain their smooth coat. Similarly, you should bathe them with organic shampoo, clip their nails, and clean their eyes and ears. High-quality grooming tools and other essentials usually cost $40 to $160.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: In many cases, deworming is administered alongside vaccine shots. If you got a Basset Hound puppy that isn’t dewormed yet, you have to spend for this procedure along with flea and tick medications which can run you from $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits: You need to bring your Basset to a veterinary clinic right after bringing them home to check for heartworms, Lyme disease, ear infections, and other health issues. Typically, the cost for initial consultations with a licensed veterinarian ranges between $100 and $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Depending on the breeder, you may or may not need to spend on shots for your new Basset Hound. If the breeder fails to vaccinate the pup, you will have to shell out between $75 and $200 for core shots, including the rabies vaccine.
Neutering or Spaying: If you don’t plan on breeding your Basset, you may want to consider spaying or neutering them. This can run you between $50 and $500, depending on the average cost of veterinary services in your area.
Dog License: A dog license along with an ID tag will help identify your puppy in case they escape or get lost. It contains valuable information about your dog’s name, your contact number, and your address. You can get this for around $10 to $20.
Microchip: Some rescues and breeders microchip their puppies before adoption for easy identification. If your breeder failed to do this, you would have to get your Basset Hound microchipped for $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: There are a lot of items that you may find useful in tending to your dog. Some of these are poop bags, poop scoopers, potty pads, odor remover, and a lot more. These items may cost anywhere from $15 to $30.
The following is an outline of all the initial expenses of owning a Basset Hound puppy:
If you already have some of the items mentioned above, the total initial expenses of tending to a Basset will lessen significantly.
You may also find that some breeders include freebies on every pet purchase, so you won’t have to include some expenses anymore in your list.
Annual Expenses of Owning a Basset Hound
Expect the annual cost of owning a Basset Hound to be very costly because of its size and maintenance requirements. Most owners often claim that they spend $1,760 to $3,740 for their Bassets the whole year.
Here is a detailed table showing the annual expenses of a Basset Hound:
Apart from the recurring items such as food and treats, any dog owner should set aside a portion of their budget for pet insurance, grooming, and routine veterinary care.
Pet insurance can save you a considerable amount of money down the road. You’ll be reimbursed for illnesses, preventative care, and many others by paying only $500 to $900 yearly.
On the other hand, you should also ensure that your dog receives routine veterinary care for $200 to $400.
If you fail to have them checked, they may develop health issues that can cause you headaches and even pocket aches later on.
Another thing that you shouldn’t miss is providing your Basset with regular grooming.
A clean and well-maintained dog means lesser chances of getting sick, so your $150 to $350 investment for a home grooming kit will be well worth it.
Other Potential Expenses
In the previous sections, we only discussed the basic needs of a Basset Hound. But it is crucial to factor in other potential expenses as your dog matures. Some of them are required, while others are optional.
Here’s a list of other potential expenses for Basset Hound puppies:
Training: Bassets must undergo private training to make them better companions. Also, some pups may develop behavioral problems during their lifetime, which may require professional management through training. The cost range for training classes is around $100 to $500.
Pet Boarding: You may also need to put aside money for boarding or dog sitting, especially if you need to leave your dog for work or when you go on a holiday. Fees for pet boarding services range between $25 and $50.
Dog Walkers: If you have a busy schedule, you will require the services of a professional dog walker to keep your dog active and healthy. This will incur around $15 to $30.
Kennel Club Registration: To make your Basset Hound eligible to join canine competitions and dog shows, you must register them in a kennel club such as the American Kennel Club. A full AKC Registration will cost you around $90 to $150.
Grooming Services: Basset Hounds shed moderately. It’s recommended to have them professionally groomed at pet salons a few times a year. This will ensure that they’ll have a healthy, short coat, well-trimmed nails, and clean teeth. Grooming services for medium-sized dogs like Basset Hounds can run you anywhere from $40 to $75.
Medical Treatment: Some medical emergencies become more frequent during your dog’s senior years. Some examples of these health conditions are hip dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), as well as bacterial and viral infections. Prepare around $800 to $1,500 to cover medical costs.
To avoid financial woes, it is recommended that you save up for the services listed above with due diligence. It is always better to prepare because you never know what kind of situation you’ll be in in a few years.
Places to Find Basset Hound Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The Basset Hound is a popular breed, so it should be easy for you to find a reputable breeder that can offer you one.
However, it is crucial to steer clear of puppy mills, pet shops, and backyard breeders in your search. Instead, opt for professional breeders or rescues.
Below are some reputable breeders that offer Basset Hound puppies for sale:
Corkey Basset Hounds – This kennel has been breeding Basset Hounds for over 26 years now. Their program is proven to meet breed standards in terms of temperament, health, and conformation. Corkey Basset Hounds invest much time and effort to ensure that the puppies they produce are healthy and high-quality.
Huggable Bassets – Huggable Bassets is a breeder with an excellent track record. They breed Basset Hounds with champion bloodlines and develop puppies for temperament, color, and markings.
Mountaineer Basset Hounds – Mountaineer Basset Hounds has a reputation for producing well-socialized puppies. They never sell to puppy farms, pet stores, and other breeders. They only look for pet owners with suitable homes for all their puppies.
If you want to adopt instead of shop for a Basset, listed below are rescues that put up Basset Hounds for adoption:
Daphney Land Basset Rescue – This Basset rescue network was founded in 2005. It is run by a group of volunteers that have come together to provide rehabilitation for Basset Hound puppies in the form of proper nutrition, veterinary care, and behavioral modification.
Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California (BHRSC) – The mission of this rescue is to give each Basset Hound a loving and forever home. This non-profit organization was established in 1997, and since then, they have already saved more than 2,100 homeless Basset Hounds.
Basset Rescue Across Texas (BRAT) – This organization houses Bassets that are either surrendered or abandoned in Dallas, Texas. The rescued dogs are placed in a foster home recognized by the organization before they are rehomed.
If you haven’t found your luck from the rescues above, our list of Basset Hound rescues may have the right match for you.
You can also join Basset Hound communities and groups on Facebook or Reddit for additional resources.
Moreover, veterinarians and pet enthusiasts in your area can give you helpful tips in your search for adoptable Basset Hounds.
Money-Saving Tips for Basset Hound Owners
To wrap up this article, I compiled some of the best hacks to help you save money as a Basset Hound owner.
These tips will help keep your budget to a minimum without neglecting any of your pet’s needs.
Here are some money-saving tips for Basset Hound pet ownership:
Do not overfeed your dog. Keep your Basset Hound’s weight within a healthy range. The Basset Hound tends to become obese because of its sedentary nature. Therefore, controlling their portion sizes has the added benefit of keeping them fit and at a lower risk of developing a wide range of diseases. A healthy Basset means you won’t be visiting the vet as often.
Exercise your dog regularly. A daily physical routine for your dog is important to keep them in the best health condition. With this, you can potentially avoid costly veterinary services. Also, playing with your dog can be a fun physical activity for you too.
Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Bring your pet to the vet for regular checkups to keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Animals exposed to certain diseases can suffer life-threatening effects and be very expensive to treat and cure when neglected initially.
Make your house a pet-safe zone. You have to ensure that your home is dog-proof to avoid the cost of treating unwanted injuries and accidents. For instance, toxic products must be stored where dogs cannot reach them, cords that might pose a strangulation and electrocution hazard must be safely stored and organized, and a lot more.
Try DIY alternatives. With a bit of imagination, you can try homemade alternatives instead of buying them. Leftover meat such as chicken and veggies make terrific treats for your Basset. Similarly, toys made from recyclable materials such as broken tires and ropes can also be enjoyable for your dog.
The tips above are just some of the things you can implement to be more cost-effective when owning a Basset.
There are many other ways to cut down on spending, but while applying them, make sure you are still providing a quality life for your beloved pooch.
Final Thoughts
Pet lovers will agree that the unconditional love of Basset Hound puppies or any dog breed for that matter is always worth the money.
Still, preparing for the actual cost of owning a Basset can prevent you from being financially restricted as they mature.
Even though Basset Hounds originated in France as hunting dogs, they are warm and laid-back companions and family pets. If you find that your lifestyle matches a Basset Hound’s temperament, they may be the right dog for you.
You will realize in the long run that your investment of a few thousand dollars for a Basset Hound is undoubtedly worth it.
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