The Basset Retriever is a mixed-breed dog that is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Golden Retriever dog breeds. These pups have acquired some of the greatest characteristics from both of their parents, including being friendly, loving, and intelligent.
The Basset Retriever is an excellent choice when it comes to family dogs. He has a mild temperament, is eager to please, and is extremely affectionate and dedicated. The mixed breed is exceptionally friendly and gets along well with youngsters, yet, due to their hunting history, they will require a significant amount of activity in order to be healthy and content. These dogs thrive in households with energetic and busy families.
Despite the Basset Retriever’s status as a designer dog breed, many of them wind up in shelters. Therefore, consider contacting local rescue agencies and shelters if you want to adopt a Basset Retriever.
Generally, the Basset Retriever is regarded as a medium-sized short-legged dog. Although, as is typical with newly developed mixed dog breeds, specific size criteria may vary.
If you’re wondering how much a Basset Retriever costs, you’ve come to the right place. Throughout this guide, we will address the cost of a Basset Retriever puppy and the expense of raising one.
Finding a breeder for this particular dog breed might be difficult. Given that a large proportion of these dogs must be imported from Alaska, their expenses are likely to be higher than those of other canine breeds.
To save you time, the following is a quick overview of everything you need to know:
How Much Does a Basset Retriever Puppy Cost?
The Basset Retriever is a short-legged designer breed. This dog may reach a height of 10 to 14 inches and a weight of 40 to 70 pounds. The price of this dog will vary depending on the breeder, the area, and other factors.
As previously stated, the Basset Retriever’s cost is higher because of rising demand, mixed-breed, and challenges experienced during breeding two different parents/species.
Consider the following table, which details the price ranges for this dog species:
| The minimum price of a Basset Retriever puppy | $750 |
| Maximum price of a Basset Retriever puppy | $2000 |
| Price range | $750-$1500 |
| The average price of a Basset Retriever puppy | $1125 |
Factors Affecting Basset Retriever Cost
Multiple factors affect Basset Retriever pricing/cost:
Color
The main colors that the coat of the Basset Retriever comes in are chocolate, black, golden, and white. Golden color Basset Retriever is the most costly among all.
Breeders
Responsible breeders that care about the dog’s welfare will provide a caring, loving environment to the puppy until it reaches the age of at least 12 weeks. These breeders carefully examine prospective clients to ensure that they can offer a Basset Retriever with an appropriate environment and lifestyle. Along with health guarantees, properly screening their dogs before mating, and even making themselves available to the puppy’s owners if the puppy develops a health problem are all of these factors that may affect the price.
Lineage
Your Basset Retriever puppies will cost more if they come from champion studs and females than if they come from non-champion dogs.
Where to Buy your Basset Retriever From
There are very few Basset Retriever breeders in the United States. In order to get one, you can contact these breeders that keep these dogs. You can find multiple Besset Retriever breeders from the Besset Retriever Club of America. They have been training, showing, and breeding Basset Retrievers for over a decade.
You may also search for Basset Retriever pups on Facebook. O owners may learn a lot of info about the breed by visiting the Basset Retriever Facebook page. It has many members who have shared images of their Basset Retrievers on the group’s Facebook page. Owners can acquire information on the genetic heritage of their Basset Retriever from their breeders.
Let us now explore the necessary equipment and resources for your Basset Retriever once you have chosen a puppy and breeder.
Basic Supplies your Basset Retriever will Need and Approximate Costs
Collars, harnesses, and leashes
This energetic dog must be harnessed at all times while walking, and the nylon harness must be both waterproof and chew-proof. Select a harness that is suited for your pet’s current age. It costs no more than twenty bucks. In addition, collars and leashes would be required for the animals. If you go for leather, you should invest at least $28 for the collar and $35 for the lead or leash.
Grooming tools
If you have any questions about what grooming brushes and equipment to use for your dog, you should see your veterinarian or trainer. It is vital to keep a dog’s coat clean and free of moisture and bacteria in order to maintain its health.
Bathe your Basset Retriever once a month with a mild cleaning shampoo and pat him dry with a microfiber towel to keep him healthy and happy. In addition, a high-quality doggie toothbrush and paste, nail grinders/clippers, and ear-eye wipes are also excellent investments for your dog. The cost of this grooming equipment ranges between $100 and $150.
Bowls for food and water
You should make certain that the water and food bowls for your Basset Retriever are composed of durable stainless steel. These should be solid and spacious enough to accommodate your Basset Retriever’s needs. The cost is around $20.
Bed and crate
Look for a sturdy crate that will help you with your puppy’s potty training. Include a chew-proof bed inside for your Basset Retriever to ensure that he or she will be comfortable.
Basset Retriever dog supplies are included in the following table, along with an estimate of how much it will cost you to purchase them:
| Item | Cost |
| Collar-leash set, harness | $20-$50 |
| Food-water bowls | $8-$10 |
| Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house | $40 |
| Treat dispenser toys | $10 |
| Plush bed | From $25 |
| Collapsible crate | $55 |
| Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
| Kong toy | $10 |
| Grooming tools – wrinkle creams, antiseptic wipes, brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. | $150 |
| Poop bags | $10 |
| Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
Basset Retriever Training Costs
Training is essential if you want to prevent issues with your Basset Retriever, such as aggressiveness, fear, separation anxiety, and other behavioral difficulties.
Basic puppy training, obedience training, and anxiety reduction training are examples of the types of canine training that are easily accessible from some of the world’s most highly regarded professional dog trainers.
To find the top dog trainers in your region, conduct an Internet search for the best ones in your area. In addition, ideas from friends and neighbors are a viable alternative.
Ideas from friends and neighbors are also a viable alternative. Furthermore, you will have the choice of receiving individual instruction, participating in group training, or attending board-and-train events. Each of these has its own price.
Bringing your Basset Retriever to the trainer’s office or arranging for the trainer to come to your home or a dog park are both options for private training sessions. Prices for private dog training sessions may range anywhere from $45 to $120 per hour, depending on your location, the trainer’s ability, and various other factors.
Group programs are cheaper than private training for many reasons. One of them is that the presence of other dogs encourages your Basset Retriever to mingle with them.
The costs associated with various dog training methods are summarized in the table below:
| Group training (cost per class) | $15.00 to $50 per class |
| Private training (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp (cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Board-and-train | $2000.00 |
Basset Retriever Food Costs
In order to avoid skin problems, Basset Retrievers require premium dog food that is high in Omega essential fatty acids, proteins, and anti-oxidants to help them maintain their physical strength and immunity.
When you bring your pup home, continue to give the same food that was provided to it during its first few weeks of life, if possible. Later on, with the assistance of your veterinary doctor, you will be able to determine the exact dietary requirements of your dog. Basset Retrievers can weigh anywhere from 40 to 70 pounds at the withers and grow to be anywhere from 10 to 14 inches tall at the withers. So they must need a good maintenance protein diet.
Basset Retrievers are more prone to obesity than other dogs because of their Basset Hound lineage. Even a few lbs of weight gain can lead to several health problems in this medium-sized dog, so it is critical not to overfeed him.
Feeding your Basset Retriever should be done in accordance with the following instructions:
- Feed your Basset Retriever a high-quality kibble or dry dog food to keep him in good health. To maintain its 45-pound weight, an adult Basset Retriever requires two cups of food each day, divided into three meals.
- In the case of wet or canned food, feed it between 1.5 and 2.5 cups or three cans every day, depending on the size of your pet. Additionally, this meal may be divided into two or three smaller portions for convenience.
- Change the amount of food your pet consumes depending on his or her age, weight, overall health, and personal choice.
This table covers the estimated monthly expenditures of feeding Basset Retrievers in the United States and other countries:
| Type of food | Approx. monthly quantity | Approx. monthly price |
| Kibble/dry food | 90 lb. to 100 lb. | $30 |
| Wet/canned food | 115 lb. | $210 |
| Raw, freeze-dried food | Two thousand five hundred nuggets per month/50 bags of 14 oz. each | $500+ |
| Raw food | 32 lb. | $60 |
| Dog treats | $20 |
Comparison of Dog Food for Basset Retrievers
Basset Retrievers thrive on hypoallergenic, grain-free, or high-ingredient diets.
Numerous skin issues in Basset Retrievers may be prevented by giving them a balanced, high-quality diet that is gentle on their skin. To augment your dog’s diet, look for kibble made with chicken, turkey, fish, or lamb.
If your Basset Retriever develops a skin allergy to one or more of these foods, you may wish to consider including other foods into their diets, such as emu, duck, deer, bison, rabbit, and other game foods. Any new diet will take time to create apparent results, so be patient.
As previously said, you should routinely monitor your pet’s weight and overall health. If your veterinarian suggests it, switch to a different diet or change the portion sizes accordingly.
The following table compares the best dog foods for Basset Retrievers and their price.
| Name | Features | Cost |
| Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food | Triple-checked food, higher calories (so you can feed less), 5-star rated performance food, contains real meat as the first ingredient. | $2/lb. |
| Royal Canin Dog Food For Adult Breed
| Tailor-made kibble with brewer’s rice, oats, and real chicken. It contains essential oils and fats to maintain wrinkles. EPA and DHA to support joints | $2.85/lb. |
| Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Dog Food
| Natural ingredients, high-protein, freeze-dried turkey, ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Supports healthy skin and coat. Promotes leaner body and helps in weight loss. It also contains glucosamine for healthy joints. | $4.75/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
| Made with real lamb. Contains real vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids—the optimum fat-to-protein ratio for ideal weight. | $2.28/lb/ |
Basset Retriever Medical Costs
Basset Retrievers are known for being tough dogs. You will likely obtain health guarantees and other perks if you purchase your pet from a reputed breeder. Breeders who follow ethical breeding practices thoroughly test their Basset Retrievers before mating to ensure that they are a good match. The likelihood of puppies developing genetic or hereditary health problems is reduced due to this practice.
Despite this, every Basset Retriever owner will be required to contribute to the cost of certain medical bills for their canine friend. Several vaccines will be necessary for your young dog during his first year of life, including rabies and distemper. It is necessary to have core vaccines or required immunizations for dogs to prevent potentially fatal canine illnesses such as parvovirus, canine influenza, distemper, and other diseases that may be transmitted from one dog to another.
Your vet may recommend additional non-core vaccines such as the Lyme disease vaccine, rattlesnake vaccine, and similar vaccinations depending on where you reside.
In addition, you will need to follow a deworming regimen that is repeated every 2-3 months or as recommended by your veterinarian. It’s important to remember that fleas and ticks, which can carry potentially lethal parasites, should be avoided at all costs.
Following are the pricing of core and non-core vaccinations, together with the puppy ages at which they should be provided.
Core vaccine costs
| Core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Distemper | At least three doses are given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) | $15 to $25 |
| Parvovirus | Same as above | |
| Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) | The intranasal vaccine may be boosted at one year. Your Basset Retriever will also need a booster one year after completing the initial series, then again, every three years. | $15-$50 |
| Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least three doses. | $15-$50 |
| Rabies 1 and 3 years | It can be given as early as three months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine | $35 to $50 |
Non-core vaccine costs
| Non-core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Parainfluenza | Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every three years. | $15-$35 |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) | Two doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation | $15-$50 |
| Lyme disease | Given at nine weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks | $20-$40 |
| Leptospirosis | Two doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. The first dose is around eight weeks. | $15-$35 |
Most veterinarians anticipate that DAPP and rabies vaccines will cost between $75 and $100. These prices do not ensure that flea and tick treatment, deworming medicine, or non-core vaccine fees will be covered.
The following table estimates the cost of several flea/tick treatments depending on their active components.:
| Name | Cost per year |
| Shampoo + flea comb | $20-$40 |
| Weekly flea dip + flea and tick collar | $40-$150 |
| Spot treatment | $150-$200 |
| Additional costs like flea extermination of the house | $500 |
Some other routine medical costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
Emergency care costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $2000 |
Common Inherited Diseases in Basset Retrievers
Spinal Deformities
Basset Retrievers are more prone than other breeds to be born with spinal abnormalities (referred to as hemivertebrae), which can result in spinal cord injury, instability, or impairment. Surgery is the only cure for this condition which may cost up to $5000.
Bloat
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus, abbreviated GDV or Bloat, is a condition that typically affects dogs with deep, narrow chests. This implies that your Basset Retriever is genetically more susceptible to bloat than other breeds. Bloating occurs when a dog’s stomach turns in on itself and fills with gas. The twisting suffocates the stomach and, in certain cases, the spleen. Without treatment, the condition is rapidly lethal, sometimes within 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave (but produce little or no material), be restless, have an enlarged belly, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery is an alternative in which the stomach is tacked or sutured in place to make it less prone to twisting. Immediately get your pet to an emergency hospital if you see any signs! Its emergency treatment may cost up to $1000.
Neurological Disease
A neurological disorder that is genetically connected to your Basset Retriever might result in a shaky, drunken walk. This illness, referred to as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, occurs when the vertebrae in the neck narrow, pinching the spinal cord and accompanying nerves. If the nerves do not convey messages to the brain properly, your dog will lose sensation in his feet. The initial indicators are frequently shaky hind legs, stumbling, and perhaps falling. Treatment options include medication, neck braces, rehabilitative exercise regimens, and surgery. Its treatment may cost up to $5000.
Knee Complications
On occasion, your Basset’s kneecap (patella) may get dislocated (called patellar luxation). You may note that he sprints and then picks up one of his rear legs and skips or hops for a few steps. Then he kicks his leg out sideways to reposition the kneecap, and he’s back to normal. If your friend’s issue is minor and affects only one leg, he or she may not require much therapy beyond anti-inflammatory medicine. When symptoms are severe, surgery to realign the kneecap may be required to prevent it from popping out of position. Its treatment may cost up to $3000.
Cardiovascular Disease
Basset Retrievers are predisposed to a potentially fatal cardiac ailment called dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes enlarged, thin, and weak to the point of being unable to pump blood to the body adequately. As the condition progresses, he may appear weak or exhausted, faint or collapse, breathe laboriously, or cough. If this problem is discovered, it is treated with medicine and nutritional supplements, usually costing around $2000.
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s)
Addison’s disease is an endocrine system condition in which the adrenal glands generate insufficient hormones to maintain normal physiological function. Hypoadrenocorticism can be dangerous if left untreated, and its symptoms frequently resemble those of a variety of other disorders. Its treatment charges may go up to $5000.
Bleeding Disorders
Inherited bleeding diseases manifest themselves in a variety of ways in dogs. They are classified according to their intensity, ranging from very light to quite severe. Often, a pet appears normal until a catastrophic accident or surgery happens, at which point substantial bleeding can ensue. Von Willebrand’s disease is a common blood clotting problem in Basset Retrievers. These bleeding disorders can be treated to some extent, and their cost may go up to $2500.
Joint Disease
When Basset Retriever pups are allowed to grow excessively, the cartilage in their joints may fail to adhere to the bone properly. This condition is referred to as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to correct the issue, which usually costs around $1800.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Both the hips and the elbows are at risk for dysplasia, a genetic illness that causes the joints to grow incorrectly, resulting in arthritis. Stubbornness in your Basset’s elbows or hips may become an issue as he develops. You may notice that he develops limb lameness or has trouble rising from a reclining position. Hip and elbow Dysplasia treatment cost is up to $3000.
Pet Insurance for Basset Retrievers
As a good pet parent, you’ll want to ensure that it receives the best medical treatment available whenever the need arises.
As a Basset Retriever owner, you will face difficult decisions, but pet insurance can give you peace of mind if your dog becomes ill or injured.
Depending on the plan, certain pet insurance policies cover up to 80% of expenditures and eligible veterinarian fees. Additionally, multiple customizable plans are available to match your unique financial needs, as well as flexible accident, routine care, and sickness coverage for your Basset Retriever.
The following table summarizes the many forms of pet insurance available and their associated costs and benefits.
| Name of insurance | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Farmer’s Pet Insurance | Start at $16/month | Founded in 1928. Received excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. | Some users reported higher premium rates. |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Plans average at $1.50/day | Sometimes they give 100% reimbursement. The company offers three flexible plans | Your Basset Retriever might need an enrollment exam. |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Start at $10/a month | Hassle-free digital claims processing, lightning-fast claims payment powered by AI. | Pricing increases nearly five times over your pet’s lifetime. |
| Trupanion | $38/month for $1000 deductible. | 90% coverage, no payout limits | Requires a one-time fee for new members, does not cover pets over 13 years. |
Additional Costs of Raising a Basset Retriever
Travel costs
Boarding your Basset Retriever or hiring a pet sitter may easily cost up to $200-$500 per week, depending on your location, where you live, and the services you want. Boarding a pet is somewhat less expensive than hiring a pet sitter. Take notice that some boarding facilities require you to get your dog tested and vaccinated for kennel cough and other infectious diseases before allowing your pet to remain with them. If you choose to travel with your Basset Retriever, you should budget at least $125 to $250 for one-way airfare.
Walker/daycare for dogs
If you are unable to walk your Basset Retriever due to a lack of time, you may choose to consider hiring a professional dog walking service. This is crucial for the health and happiness of your energetic dog at all times. Additionally, if you will be away from home for an extended period of time (more than 4-6 hours), you can enroll your pet in daycare services. A 30-minute walk may cost between $10 and $20, while day-boarding may cost between $12 and $38 per day.
Grooming costs
Basset Retrievers must be groomed regularly to keep their bodies clean. Skin issues and irritation may occur if you do not follow grooming instructions. Use lotions, oils, and pastes to keep the skin free of debris and oil. Additionally, you may take your dog to a professional groomer for a haircut on a rare occasion. Depending on where you reside, groomers frequently charge between $30 and $50 for basic grooming procedures like washing, tail cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Basset Retriever Cost?
Here’s a quick rundown of the monthly and yearly costs associated with your Basset Retriever.
First-year cost
Due to breeder expenses, the costs of owning a Basset Retriever are nearly twice as expensive as the costs of owning a dog in the following year during the first year. A healthy Basset Retriever pup costs on average more than $1125 from a reputable breeder. Veterinary bills (such as regular checks, vaccines, and spaying/neutering) will cost you around $120 per year in addition to feeding. Dog toys and treats, as well as a dog license, microchipping, and health insurance for your dog, will all be additional charges for you. Consequently, the total cost of owning a Basset Retriever during the first year may be around $2000.
Annual costs
Dog food and treats are the most common expenditures for Basset Retriever owners. Other necessities include routine vet visits, flea and tick treatments, health insurance, dog walking services, deworming services, and other essentials for their animals. Every year, these expenditures equal $1000, which is nearly half of the total cost for the first year.
Lifetime cost
The Basset Retriever has a lifespan of 10-12 years normally. So, the total lifetime expenses for owning a Basset Retriever might therefore approach $12,000. If your Basset Retriever is in good health, this is a logical assumption to make. In the event of canine health concerns like cancer, skin or eye illnesses, joint troubles, or arthritis, you should plan on spending between $1500-$2000 per year for meds, surgery, and diagnostic tests, among other things.
Obtaining a Basset Retriever is a relatively costly task. Therefore, create a financial strategy to guarantee that you can provide your pet with the highest possible level of care.
