Basset Hounds originated from France. Their name came from the French word “bas”, meaning “low”.
The French used them as hunting dogs for rabbits and hares. Famous for being short-legged and small, this dog breed surely is bulky and heavy.
The Basset’s sagging skin around its mouth, together with its large and velvety ears and mournful eyes make a complete sad face which most people find very adorable and charming. But in the back of this sad expression, a real clown is hiding.
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Cost of Purchasing a Basset Hound
The Basset Hound price differs depending on the type of registration. A pet-quality Basset Hound with a limited AKC registration will cost $950, while a show-quality Basset Hound with a full AKC registration will cost $1,500 but it could easily go up to $3,000 or more depending on the rarity and where you purchased it.
Just like any other dogs, there are Basset Hounds that are also up for adoption. Adoption fees are as follow:
- $750 for puppies below 1 year old
- $500 for puppies 1-2 years old
- $350 for puppies 3-5 years old
- $300 for puppies 6 years old and over
- $350 for Basset mixes under 4 years old
- $300 for Basset mixes over 4 years old.
What Items are Included in the Purchase Price?
The Basset Hound puppy price inclusions depend on the source of the pet. Reputable breeders offer Basset Hound already with an AKC registration (limited or full), health certificate, and vaccination record.
Shelters and rescue facilities most often enlist this breed for adoption already spayed/neutered and microchipped but the costs for these extra services are typically charged to the prospective owners. While you might not have any savings for these but the convenience of not having to worry about searching for service providers is definitely a good thing.
On the other hand, pet stores may include a starter kit, sample dog food, a leash, and a collar; although freebies may vary depending on the pet store.
Basset Hound One-Time Expenses
Shelter – although Bassets can be lazy sometimes, they are really playful dogs. Trailing and sniffing is what they love to do. They might find it hard to stay still. Bringing home a crate with you would help. The ideal size of crate for a Basset is 36 inches in length.
A double door crate that measures 36”L x 23”W x 25”H will cost $41.99.
Training – Basset Hounds are intelligent dogs. But because they are stubborn, giving them instructions can sometimes be a problem. There are a wide variety of training programs that you can choose from that will suit your budget.
- In-Kennel Dog Training – this is best for busy pet owners or for those who are in a vacation or trip. Price ranges from $1,150 to $2,400 for three weeks.
- In Home Dog Training – this is ideal for pet owners who want their dogs to be trained outside a kennel and in the comfort of their home. Price ranges from $549 to $1349 for three weeks.
- Private Lesson Training – this training is done once a week within six weeks at the pet owner’s home. Lessons will last for one hour. Price ranges from $499 to $799.
- Group Class Dog Training – this training is best if you want your dog to be sociable and meet other animals. Every lesson is done once a week for six weeks wherein every meeting will last for one hour. Price ranges from $129 to $229.
Shipping – buyers that can’t go directly to the breeder and needed their puppy to be shipped will be charged an additional $400 for the shipping fee. But you may be able to reach out to reputable pet shipping companies which offer cheaper transport service for your dog especially if you are not too far from the breeder’s place; sometimes, even almost half the price that the breeders charge.
Recurring Cost of Owning a Basset Hound
- Food
Basset Hounds are short in height but have long bodies. They surely weigh much more than they look. When overfed, obesity can be a serious problem. Basset Hounds consume an average of 2-3 cups of food per day.
Pawster.com has recommended the 3 best dog foods to feed your Basset Hound with costs ranging from $2.19 to $3.16 per pound.
- Grooming
Grooming a Basset Hound is important as it is for any other dogs. Although Bassets have a short coat, they shed too. Brushing their hair once a week will help minimize their shedding. Bath them only when they got smelly and dirty. Check and clean their ears on a regular basis. Trim their nails if necessary.
But the cost of grooming isn’t much as it seems. Some pet salons like Paw Spa will charge you $30 to $40 for a service that includes a bath, blow dry, ear cleaning, and nail trim of your dog.
- Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can be a bit costly especially for puppies. A regular visit to a veterinary clinic is a must.
Vaccinations will cost $22 for one year and $48 for three years for the Rabies Vaccine (RV), $28 for DHLPP, $24 for Lyme Disease, and $25 for Bordetella/Kennel Cough.
Other test like Fecal will cost $58 and Heartworm Test will cost $50.
Dog spay for those under 40 lbs. costs $77 and for dogs 40 to 70 lbs., it costs $109. Dog neuter for under 40 lbs. on the other hand, costs $64 and for dogs 40 to 70 lbs., it costs $89. So, the prices really depend on the dog’s weight.
- Accessories
A Basset Hound has an extraordinary smelling ability. Using a leash and collar will prevent it from going to places you don’t want it to go. A leash price ranges from $4 to $70 and a collar price ranges from $3 to $60.
Bed and mats will help your dog have a comfortable sleep. At PetSmart, you can choose from different variety of beds that will suit your dog’s size and needs. The bed price ranges from $7 to $260.
Feeding your dog anywhere can cause many diseases. Getting it some water and food bowls will not cost so much, with a price starting from $2.
The Factors Affecting the Price of a Basset Hound
The quality of the Basset greatly affects its price. You will have to pay more for a show-quality dog than a pet-quality one.
Another factor is the pet owner’s location. The cost of owning a dog differs depending on the place you live due to the cost of living and the cost of doing business in your area. It also depends on the supply and demand for that particular breed.
Also, buying a puppy costs less than buying a mature dog mainly due to the expenses and the responsibility being passed on to you if you acquired it really young.
Is a Basset The Right Dog For You?
Bassets are generally good-natured, playful, and friendly; too friendly even with strangers and other animals. They know how to use their pleading look to their advantage.
But it can be really stubborn at times. Because of its strong sense of smell, it can go off tracking things with their scents which the Basset finds to be interesting. And you might end up losing your way following this dog around.
If you want a stable and healthy Basset, we suggest you find a reputable breeder.
