How Much Is A Basset Hound Puppy? [Average Price & Cost Guide]

Basset Hounds are adorable dogs, perhaps even cuter when they are puppies. They are also a wonderfully affectionate breed, friendly, gentle and sweet-tempered. It comes as no surprise to learn that they make wonderful companions and family pets. But how much do they cost to buy? More specifically, what kind of price can you except to pay to get them as a young puppy? I spent some time researching, collecting and summarizing the data. I will be sharing all of this here with you today.

So how much is a Basset Hound Puppy? Basset Hound puppies typically cost between $600 and $1200 on average, but they can go for more than $2000 depending on their pedigree. Owners typically pay a further $750-$1500 on all the other upfront costs, on required items for their dog, environment, and home. This includes food, dog beds, toys, grooming tools, etc.

All dogs, especially puppies, are expensive. They do require quite a bit of investment upfront, along with some ongoing and unexpected costs along the way.

This is unfortunately just part of dog ownership (or pet ownership for that matter).

But if you can afford it, do not let this put you off. Basset Hounds love to be part of the family and get along with pretty much everyone, especially children.

If purchasing a pedigree Basset Hound is just not an option from a financial perspective, you can consider adoption from a rescue or shelter.

Just bear in mind that there are other considerations to keep in mind such as the dog’s history and age.

Nevertheless, before getting a puppy, the most important thing you can do is your research!

Not just into the breeder themselves, but knowing exactly what you are getting yourself into.

You need to be aware of your ongoing commitments to be able to set your expectations right and be able to provide the best care and home for your dog.

For Basset Hounds are truly worth it; many owners will only offer high praise on this breed and what they have given back in terms of love and affection.

Let us now take a closer look at the main upfront costs you should expect with getting a Basset Hound puppy.

We will then be looking at some of the reasons for their expensive price, where you can look to buy one and then some other upfront and ongoing costs you will need to take into account.

So, be sure to keep on reading to get all the information you need regarding purchasing a Basset Hound!

How Much Does a Basset Hound Puppy Cost?

When it comes to how much a Basset Hound puppy costs, there isn’t one definitive answer as there are many factors that go into the purchase price of the puppy. We’ll look at different factors a little bit later on in the article.

However, if you’re looking to purchase a Basset Hound as a family pet, you can look to spend anywhere from $600 to $1200 on average. This is what most new owners end up paying.

That being said, if you’re looking to purchase a Basset Hound specifically for show competitions, then be prepared to fork over anywhere over $2000.

Depending on the bloodline, some Basset Hounds have even been sold for around $5000!

Why Are Basset Hounds So Expensive?

These days Basset Hounds are mostly known as family companions, however, there are still some that are bred for show competition as well as hunting and scent competitions.

Whatever your reason for wanting one of these adorable pups, you will find that they’re worth their price.

In many cases, the reason for the high cost of Basset Hound puppies has to do with their parentage, or bloodline. In other words, the dogs that were used to breed the litter and the generations that proceeded them.

When it comes to bloodline – it is not only important for winners of competitions, but also regarding the temperament.

For example, dogs that are extra docile along with other favorable characteristics are more sought after, and therefore there is a higher demand for them.

Families often want a dog to with specific qualities to make them a suitable pet, and thus, prices can go up in reflection of this.

Equally, specific traits can be bred into dogs over time – increasing the prices further. This is why you often see a range in prices, its a reflection of the heritage and lineage of the dog.

Factors That Influence Basset Hound Puppy Prices

Just like any breed, there are several factors that go into the pricing of Basset Hound puppies. Two of the biggest factors are where you get your Basset Hound puppy from and what their bloodline is.

As far as where you get your Basset Hound puppy from, it all comes down to ancestry.

For example, basset hounds that come from a line of winning champions will be more expensive than a dog from litters where the breeding dog lines are unknown or more ambiguous.

On the other hand your cheapest options will be from puppy mills and backyard breeders, or those who are just selling puppies out of their home.

It must be stated here however that these channels of getting a dog do not come recommended.

Not only are breeding practices typically less ethical, but dogs from these breeding practices are often more prone to medical issues and illnesses later in life.

Next will be pet stores and less reputable breeders. You can plan to spend the most money on a Basset Hound puppy from a reputable breeder, which, is actually advised.

Reputable breeders generally have better stock as their bloodlines can be traced and many of the Basset Hound puppies have grown up in good health and with more favorable characteristics.

Reputable breeders also tend to provide disease testing as well as initial veterinarian appointments and shots, and in some areas chipping and registration. These added services will cause the price to rise, but they are services that are needed, and the convenience is well worth it.

Another factor that influences price is you and your breeders location. For example, some areas are more expensive to raise and register dogs than others, plus the fact there may be travel involved to collect your pup.

From a sellers perspective, the size of the litter and demand for those dogs will also impact the sale price.

Moreover, any training, socialization or efforts to support the early life of the dog will be reflected in the breeders final price.

Where Can You Buy A Basset Hound?

Once you know that you want to purchase a Basset Hound puppy, you then need to consider where you will get one from. You have several options, including those listed above.

However, you may want to consider your local pet adoption or shelter.

While you may not know the back story of your Basset Hound, adopting one is one of the cheaper options, and you can feel good knowing that you gave an unwanted dog a home and a new chance at life.

The next recommended place to get a Basset Hound puppy is through a reputable breeder.

If you plan on showing your Basset Hound or want to enter them into a scent or hunting competition, you may want to look into breeders who are experienced in those areas. This way you can potentially find one with a bloodline similar to what you are looking for.

Of course, this isn’t the main reason to purchase from a reputable breeder. You’ll want to do so because of how well the dogs will be taken care of and how healthy the litters generally are.

In addition, reputable breeders know what they are doing and most often have a vet that sees all of their dogs.

These are not the only places that you can get a Basset Hound puppy, but they are the most recommended.

You can also look to pet stores, less reputable or unknown breeders, and private sales. Just remember, buyer beware at many of these places and you could unknowingly be purchasing a sick puppy, or one that has been neglected, mistreated or not brought into this world as humanely as possible.

Ultimately, wherever you decide to get your Basset Hound puppy, do your research ahead of time. You could even check in with some local authorities, look online and discuss your options with some professionals.

Vets for example may be able to point you in the right direction or even give you breeders contact details of those in the area.

Of course you can look online, but be extra careful and cautious here. It goes without saying but always visit the puppy in advance before you may any commitment or payment!

Cost of Owning A Basset Hound

Remember, owning a Basset Hound is much more than that initial cost of purchasing the puppy.

Basset Hounds live between 10 to 12 years and you will be spending money every month on them for that entire duration.

While it’s hard to give anyone an exact amount of how much it will cost to own a dog, it is a little easier to come up with an estimate.

There are a number of factors that go into determining an estimate, and each one will be personal to the dog and the owner, depending on even more factors.

There are a few basics that all dogs will need to have, some of which will be one-time purchase while others may be on-going annual purchases.

I will now illustrate some of these costs below. All prices below are in USD.

Initial Items To Purchase For Your Basset Hound

Item(s)Cost
Food and water bowls$25
Collar, ID tag and leash$40
Annual Vet checkups $85
Puppy pads for house training$20
Dog crate (large with divider
so your pup can grow into it):
$75
Dog Bed$70
Travel dog crate and
car restraint for safety:
$75
Basic grooming tools$60
Food$55 (per month)
Poop bags and holder$15 (per month)
Treats, training ads$25 (per month)
Puppy toys and teething aids$100
Required vaccinations and
boosters as needed
$85 (per year)
Flea/tick/heartworm control
treatments (as needed)
$35 (per month)
Dog license and annual renewals
(if applicable):
$20 (per year)
Total (for first time purchase)$785

Of course some of these are one time costs, some are monthly whereas others are annual. Some may even be required every now and again.

The monthly costs in the table alone calculate at $130, which is an ongoing expense you will need to consider.

Nevertheless, these items are all recommended when you bring your basset home puppy home and help ensure they have everything they need and their environment is set up optimally.

Additional Expenses For Your Basset Hound

From there, there are actually some more optional yet additional expenses that may not have initially crossed your mind. These are:

Item(s)Cost
Training classes (as needed)$125 (per level)
Spay/neuter (as desired)$400
Micro-chipping$45
Subscription Boxes
$35
Daycare/Boarding
$12-$25 (per day)
Grooming
$30 (per appointment)
Insurance$50-$100 (per month but
does depend on the plan)
Total$760

These amounts are just estimates, and depending on where you live, they could be higher or lower.

For things such as toys, beds, etc. I just estimated for the initial purchase, not taking into account any replacements.

If you’re anything like me, you also have more than one bed for your dog so that price can inflate quite easily.

This list also doesn’t take into account if you want to spoil your puppy with specialty foods, clothing, accessories, etc. These costs can really add up easily enough.

Your Basset Hound puppy’s first year will most likely be their most expensive, especially right upfront. In addition to paying between $600 and $1200 for your pet, you can also expect to spend between $1200 and $1500 for initial costs.

After the initial year, the average cost of having a Basset Hound is about $1000 USD a year.

However, plan for there to be exceptions and unexpected costs such as emergency bills, or if they develop an ongoing medical condition, both of which will increase your annual costs.

In Summary

Basset Hounds are very laid back, never letting anything bother them, which makes them perfect family companions and great with kids.

They are more likely to get up and leave if they are bothered by something than they are to become aggressive or assertive.

As this makes them a popular breed, as you can imagine, the demand is relatively high. There is only so much supply – especially from favored lines.

While you can never predict exactly how much a Basset Hound will cost, you can come up with a pretty good estimate, and it never hurts to save a little extra just in case of emergency bills that may pop up.

Initially, you can expect to spend between $600 and $1200 for the purchase of the Basset Hound puppy, plus an additional $1200 to $1500 in first-year costs. Every year after that you can expect to spend around $1000.

Where you purchase your Basset Hound puppy will be the biggest factor when it comes to your purchase price.

The most recommended places to purchase your puppy would be to adopt or purchase from a reputable breeder.

Another factor that will determine costs is the bloodline of the puppy you purchase. If you are looking for a puppy that comes from an award-winning bloodline, you can expect to pay even more.

While it can be tempting to look at cheaper options you always need to consider the long term implications of your decision.

Your dog may encounter health issues later in life which are not only disheartening but can be very costly! Any saving you may have made when getting your dog can soon be wiped out, and then some, with a serious health condition.

Ultimately, we do not want to support illegitimate or unethical breeding practices. If money is tight, then its much better to adopt!

Always remember that once you have your Basset Hound puppy, the amount you want to spoil them could also be a factor in your final costs!

But, of course, they’re worth it!