# How Long Do Basset Hounds Live? Lifespan and Longevity in the Beloved Breed

- Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/how-long-do-basset-hounds-live-lifespan-and-longevity-in-the-beloved-breed/
- Published: 2024-05-03
- Author: Savanna Read
- Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/)

---

As a basset hound lover, there‘s nothing quite like gazing into those soulful eyes, stroking those velvety ears, and receiving slobbery kisses from your devoted hound. Bassets are known for their gentle, comical nature and fierce loyalty to their families. So of course, we want to enjoy their delightful companionship for as many years as possible.

If you‘re considering adding a basset to your family, or are already a proud basset parent, you may wonder about the **typical basset hound lifespan**. How long can you expect your droopy-faced friend to be by your side? And what can you do to give them the best chance at a long, healthy life? Let‘s dig into the data and explore some expert tips.

## What‘s the Average Lifespan of Basset Hounds?

According to a [2010 study by the UK Kennel Club](https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/16342/basset%20hound.pdf), the **median lifespan of basset hounds is 11.29 years**. This means that half of the bassets in the study lived longer than 11.29 years and half lived shorter lives.

Compared to other breeds in the study, bassets fell roughly in the middle of the pack for lifespan. The oldest basset hound in the survey lived an impressive 16.7 years!

Here‘s a look at how basset hound lifespan compares to some other popular breeds:

| Breed | Median Lifespan (Years) |
| --- | --- |
| Chihuahua | 12.67 |
| Labrador Retriever | 12.25 |
| Basset Hound | 11.29 |
| Golden Retriever | 11.08 |
| German Shepherd | 10.33 |
| Rottweiler | 8.92 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 8.00 |

_Data from UK Kennel Club 2010 Breed Health Survey_

As you can see, small breeds like Chihuahuas tend to live longer on average, while giant breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs have shorter lifespans. Basset hounds fall somewhere in the middle.

Of course, these are just averages and every dog is an individual. Some basset hounds may enjoy 12-14 years or more with their families, while sadly others may pass away much younger.

## Basset Hound Health and Longevity

One major factor that impacts basset hound lifespan is **their overall health**. As a breed, bassets are prone to certain health conditions that can affect their quality of life and longevity.

According to the [Basset Hound Club of America](https://basset-bhca.org/health-research/), the most common health issues seen in the breed include:

- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
- Glaucoma and other eye problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Obesity

Many of these issues are related to the basset‘s unique build, with their short legs, long backs, and excess skin. For example, IVDD occurs when the cushioning disks between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, which can cause pain and even paralysis. Bassets‘ long spines make them more susceptible to this debilitating condition.

Obesity is another major concern. Those big, pleading basset eyes are hard to resist, but excess weight takes a major toll on their joints, heart, and overall health. In a [2005 study of 21 basset hounds](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1985.tb02091.x), 45% were considered obese. Obesity can shorten a basset‘s lifespan by increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, joint problems, and certain cancers.

The good news is that many of these health issues can be managed or even prevented with proper care. Feeding a healthy diet, keeping your hound at a lean weight, providing regular low-impact exercise, and staying on top of vet care can all **help your basset live their best life**.

## Bassets Through the Years: Puppy, Adult, and Senior

As your basset hound grows and ages, their needs will change. Understanding what to expect at each life stage can help you provide the best care for your unique pup.

### Puppyhood (0 to 1 Year)

Basset puppies are adorable balls of energy with clumsy paws and minds of their own. During this crucial developmental period, focus on:

- Feeding a high-quality large breed puppy diet to support steady growth
- Socializing your puppy to new people, places, and experiences
- Starting positive reinforcement training to build good manners and a strong bond
- Allowing supervised play and exercise, but avoiding stairs and high-impact activities that could damage growing joints

### Adulthood (1 to 7 Years)

As your basset reaches their full size and settles into adulthood, it‘s all about **maintaining health and happiness**. Keep them fit with:

- A balanced, portion-controlled diet to avoid excess weight gain
- Daily walks and play sessions for physical and mental exercise
- Weekly brushing and ear cleaning to prevent skin and ear infections
- Annual vet check-ups to catch any developing health concerns

### Senior Years (7+ Years)

With a little extra TLC, many basset hounds **thrive well into their teens**. To help your senior hound age gracefully:

- Switch to a senior dog food and/or add supplements for joint, brain, and immune health
- Adapt exercise routines to your dog‘s changing energy and mobility levels
- Schedule twice-yearly vet visits to monitor age-related health concerns
- Provide extra creature comforts like soft bedding, raised food bowls, and ramps if needed

No matter your basset‘s age, **the key is to cherish every stage and every moment together**. Laugh at their silly antics, marvel at their incredible sniffers, and give them all the ear rubs, belly scratches, and love they deserve.

## How to Help Your Basset Hound Live Longer

While we can‘t stop the march of time, there are steps you can take to **stack the odds in your basset‘s favor** for a longer, healthier life:

1. **Choose a reputable breeder.** Look for a breeder who does extensive health testing on their dogs and stands behind the health of their puppies. Avoid pet stores, puppy mills, and backyard breeders.
2. **Feed a high-quality diet.** Work with your vet to choose a dog food that meets your basset‘s nutritional needs. Measure portions carefully and limit treats to 10% of daily calories.
3. **Keep your hound lean.** Excess weight is a major health risk for bassets. Aim for a body condition score of 4-5 out of 9, where you can easily feel (but not see) the ribs.
4. **Stay active.** Provide at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise through walks, play, and mental stimulation. Avoid high-impact activities and hot weather.
5. **Don‘t skip check-ups.** See your vet annually (or more often for seniors) for wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental care. Address any health concerns promptly.
6. **Groom regularly.** Brush your basset weekly, clean their ears and skin folds often, and trim nails monthly. This prevents uncomfortable and infection-prone problems.
7. **Protect the joints.** Provide a supportive bed, use ramps instead of stairs, and ask your vet about joint supplements like glucosamine as your dog ages.
8. **Be a lifelong learner.** Stay educated on basset hound health and care. Partner with your vet, connect with other basset owners, and advocate for your dog‘s wellbeing.

## The Forever Friendship

One thing all basset hound lovers know is that **the bond with these special dogs is unbreakable**. They may test our patience (especially when following their noses!), but they reward us with unwavering devotion, contagious joy, and constant emotional support.

The time we have with our bassets is never long enough. But by understanding their unique health needs, providing a basset-friendly lifestyle, and savoring every silly, slobbery, snuggly moment, we can help them live their very best lives by our sides.

As veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker puts it, "Dogs‘ only fault is that their lives are too short. We are the lucky ones that get to love them." Hold your basset hound close and cherish the love you share today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.

### References

- Adams, V.J., et al. (2010). Methods and mortality results of a health survey of purebred dogs in the UK. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 51(10), 512-524. [https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/16342/basset%20hound.pdf](https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/16342/basset%20hound.pdf)
- Basset Hound Club of America. (n.d.). Basset hound health issues. [https://basset-bhca.org/health-research/](https://basset-bhca.org/health-research/)
- Kronfeld, D.S., Donoghue, S., & Glickman, L.T. (1985). Body condition of Basset Hounds. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 26(12), 749-756. [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1985.tb02091.x](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1985.tb02091.x)
- Ward, E. (2021). Obesity in pets. VCA Animal Hospitals. [https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-dogs](https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/obesity-in-dogs)

---

Source: [How Long Do Basset Hounds Live? Lifespan and Longevity in the Beloved Breed](https://33rdsquare.com/how-long-do-basset-hounds-live-lifespan-and-longevity-in-the-beloved-breed/)