Beagle vs Basset Hound: cost, health and care compared
The Beagle and the Basset Hound side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Beagle | Basset Hound | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Hound Group [2] | Hound Group [3] |
| Weight | under 20 pounds (13 inches & under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches) [2] | 40-65 pounds [3] |
| Height | 13 inches & under, 13-15 inches [2] | up to 15 inches [3] |
| Life expectancy | 10–15+ years [2] | 12–13+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 7 [4] | No. 34 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella, Glaucoma… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $8,800–$20,700 | $10,500–$17,600 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Beagle health problems and costs and Basset Hound health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Beagle or the Basset Hound?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Beagle ($880–$1,400 vs $880–$1,400), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Beagle or the Basset Hound?
The AKC gives the Beagle a life expectancy of 10–15+ years and the Basset Hound 12–13+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Beagle and Basset Hound have?
Beagle: Hip dysplasia, Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease and Heart disease. Basset Hound: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella and Glaucoma.
Which is better with kids, the Beagle or the Basset Hound?
The AKC rates the Beagle 5 of 5 and the Basset Hound 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.