Basset Hound insurance
Discover the benefits of insuring your Bassett Hound with Agria
Basset Hound owner’s guide
With their droopy expressions, long ears and laid-back nature, Basset Hounds are an endlessly charming breed. They make loyal family companions, but their long bodies, short legs and sturdy build can make them more prone to certain health conditions as they get older. Some of these conditions may require ongoing treatment, regular vet visits or specialist care. Insuring your Basset Hound early can help you prepare for unexpected veterinary costs later in life.
Basset Hound quick facts
- Size: Basset hounds measure about 28-38cm at the shoulder (11-15”), with males being slightly larger and heavier than females
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Weight: 20-34 kg
- Colours: Usually tricolour (black, white and tan) or lemon and white
- Temperament: Affectionate, calm, stubborn streak and bursts of energy
- Common health issues: Eye issues; ear infections; intervertebral disc disease (IVDD); hip and elbow dysplasia
- Country of origin: France, then developed in Britain
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You can trust us with your Basset Hound
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*Based on Agria Pet Insurance's number 1 Trustpilot ranking in the category Pet Insurance, correct as of Feb 2026.
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Where do Basset Hound's come from?
Basset Hounds originated in France, where ‘basset’ translates to ‘low’. Their short legs and powerful noses made them ideal for hunting small game through dense woodland.
Later they gained popularity in England, where they were refined into the affectionate, affable scent hounds we know today. They were officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 1883.
Basset Hound temperament
Loving
Basset Hounds have a sweet, affectionate nature. They’re also calm and easy-going.
Friendly
Basset Hounds are friendly and sociable, getting along well with people – children included – plus other pets.
Playful
Bassett Hounds are always up for fun and have surprising bursts of athleticism.
Bassets are gentle, patient and quirky. They’re a delightful blend of couch-potato cuddler and determined tracker. They're also famously stubborn and independent thanks to being bred to follow scents without distraction.
Appearance and size
Bassets are instantly recognisable. They have very long, velvety ears and soft, droopy eyes, often giving a ‘sad’ expression.
Despite being low to the ground, Basset Hounds are medium-to-large-sized dogs. They get to around 28-38 cm in height, weighing between 20-30 kg when fully grown. Bassets are low, long-bodied and heavy-boned. Their unique shape is charming but also requires mindful care to protect their back and joints.
They have a smooth, short coat in tri-colour or bi-colour patterns. They come in a few colour combinations – usually lemon and white; black, white and tan; but can also be black and brown, black and white, red and white and so on.
Grooming a Basset Hound
Bassets are fairly low-maintenance. Here are a few tips to keep them in their best condition:
- Brush weekly to reduce shedding
- Their coat is easy, but those long ears need special attention. Clean them often to prevent infections
- Wipe skin folds and under the chin
- Get their nails trimmed regularly
- Be watchful for tear stains and droopy eyes
Basset Hound training
Basset Hounds are clever dogs with a strong independent streak, which can make training both entertaining and mildly exasperating. They were bred to follow scent trails for hours without human direction, so it’s in their nature to make decisions for themselves rather than look to their owner for constant instruction.
As such, you’ll get the best results by keeping training sessions short, consistent, and fun. High-value treats – we’re talking chicken cheese, or soft training bites – are especially motivating for Bassets. They also respond well to positive reinforcement rather than pressure or punishment.
It’s also important to remember that Bassets are easily distracted by smells. If they catch an interesting scent, their brain temporarily checks out of whatever lesson you were teaching.
Basset Hound health issues
Basset Hounds are calm, sturdy dogs, but like all breeds they can develop health issues during their lifetime. Their body shape can increase the risk of conditions affecting mobility, comfort and overall quality of life. Some may need ongoing medication, regular vet visits or specialist treatment, which can become costly over time.
Understanding the common health concerns in Basset Hounds can help you plan ahead and decide whether lifetime pet insurance is right for your dog.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Because Basset Hounds have long backs and short legs, they can be more prone to spinal problems such as IVDD. This condition can cause pain, weakness and difficulty walking. In more severe cases, surgery and ongoing rehabilitation may be needed.
Eye problems
Some Basset Hounds develop eye conditions linked to their loose facial skin and droopy eyelids. These issues may require regular monitoring, medication or corrective surgery.
Ear infections
Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and reduce airflow, making Basset Hounds more prone to recurring ear infections. Regular cleaning and ongoing treatment may be needed to help manage the condition.
Skin problems
A Basset Hound's loose skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria. This can lead to dermatitis or recurring skin infections, particularly around the mouth, neck and belly.
Digestive problems
Basset Hounds can be at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition that causes the stomach to twist. If you notice signs of abdominal discomfort or bloating, contact your vet immediately.
Choosing a healthy Basset Hound
When choosing a puppy, it’s worth knowing how a Basset Hound’s body shape can affect their spinal health. Use the free Innate Health Assessment tool to spot healthier features, ask breeders the right questions, and help protect animals from welfare issues caused by exaggerated breeding.
For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that Royal Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.
Things to consider before getting a Basset Hound
They’re excellent dogs but might not be the perfect fit for every lifestyle. Before committing to getting a Basset, there are a few things worth knowing:
- 1
They shed and have a natural doggy smell
- 2
They can be stubborn and slow to train
- 3
Back and joint issues can lead to higher vet bills
- 4
They may follow their nose into mischief
For more information on choosing the right dog for you, see our list of A-Z dog breeds.
What we love most about Basset Hounds
They’re charming and soulful
Basset Hounds have lovely soulful expressions, which matches their loyalty and affection. There’s just something irresistibly endearing about a Basset.
‘Comedian’ energy
Bassets are goofy, and natural entertainers.
Quirky mix
One minute they’re lazing about, the next they have a sudden burst of enthusiasm. They’re great both to chill with and have fun with.
Basset Hound insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Basset Hound's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance and Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance claims received between January 2025 and December 2025.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Basset Hound FAQs
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