Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Basset Hounds Live. Basset Hound Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Basset Hound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Basset Hound, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Basset Hounds
- How Old is Your Basset Hound in Human Years
- How Long Do Basset Hounds Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Basset Hound Live Long
- Conclusion on Basset Hound Life Expectancy
How Long Basset Hounds Live. Basset Hound Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Basset Hound is from 10 to 12 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Basset Hound. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 142 pet Basset Hounds lived.
From the study, it was found that Basset Hounds have a average lifespan of 11.2 years. Furthermore, the study found that Basset Hounds can live for as long as 16.6 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Basset Hounds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Basset Hounds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Hematopoietic Disease: Problems having to do with platelets, blood vessels, or clotting factors.
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Basset Hound to make your Basset Hound live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Basset Hound have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Basset Hound is in human years? Then, check out our Basset Hound age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Basset Hound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Basset Hound compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Toy Poodle Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Canaan Dog Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Papillon Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Bichon Frise Lifespan | 12.90 |
| Manchester Terrier Lifespan | 12.80 |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Keeshond Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Golden Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Large Munsterlander Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Basset Hound Lifespan | 11.20 |
| Pug Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Boston Terrier Lifespan | 10.90 |
| Alaskan Malamute Lifespan | 10.70 |
| German Longhaired Pointer Lifespan | 10.50 |
| Havanese Lifespan | 10.20 |
| German Wirehaired Pointer Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Irish Water Spaniel Lifespan | 9.33 |
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Lifespan | 8.00 |
| Pyrenean Shepherd Lifespan | 5.79 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux Lifespan | 3.83 |
Common Causes of Death in Basset Hound, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Basset Hound, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Basset Hound.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Basset Hounds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 37.8 percent of all deaths in Basset Hounds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Basset Hound
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Basset Hounds
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Basset Hounds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Basset Hounds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Basset Hounds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Basset Hounds is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Basset Hounds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Basset Hound. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Basset Hound`s gums look pale.
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Neurologic Disease in Basset Hounds
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 15.2 percent of all deaths in Basset Hounds.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Basset Hound
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Basset Hounds
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Basset Hounds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 12.5 percent of all deaths in Basset Hounds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Basset Hound
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Basset Hound eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Basset Hound stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Basset Hound is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Basset Hound has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Basset Hounds
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Basset Hound`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Hematopoietic Disease in Basset Hounds
Normally, the body can regulate its own blood pressure and fluid volume without outside help. However, issues in hematopoesis can cause high or low blood pressure, blood clots, edema (fluid where it`s not supposed to be, like in the lungs), and even shock.
Hematopoietic Disease is responsible for 12.2 percent of all deaths in Basset Hounds.
Causes of Hematopoietic Disease in Basset Hound
The causes of hematopoietic problems usually involve inflammation and immune responses gone wrong. This can cause congestion, hemorrhage, and many more problems.
How to Prevent Hematopoietic Disease in Basset Hounds
Talk to your veterinarian if your dog`s gums or skin look very pale or very red. It`s also a good idea to talk to your vet if your dog is experiencing exercise intolerance. Many parasites can cause internal bleeding, so you should have your dog on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives all year round. Here is a good flea and tick prevention medication (buy the box associated with your pet`s weight!).
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Urogenital Disease in Basset Hounds
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 8.5 percent of all deaths in Basset Hounds.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Basset Hound
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Basset Hounds is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Basset Hound`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Basset Hound is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Basset Hounds is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Basset Hound from urinating. If you see your Basset Hound lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Basset Hounds, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Basset Hounds, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Basset Hounds
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Basset Hound spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Basset Hound is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Basset Hound will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Basset Hound is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Basset Hounds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Basset Hound is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Basset Hound`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Basset Hound`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Basset Hound offsprings by only breeding Basset Hound that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Basset Hound puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Basset Hound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Basset Hound has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Basset Hound for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Basset Hound a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Basset Hounds for:
How Old is Your Basset Hound in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Basset Hound. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Basset Hound is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Basset Hound is 11.2 years.
Basset Hounds are medium-sized dogs. Basset Hounds weigh 50 to 65 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Basset Hound in converting Basset Hound age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Basset Hound`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Basset Hound`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Basset Hound`s human age. If you do not know your Basset Hound`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Basset Hound is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Basset Hound`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Basset Hound`s up-to-date human age.
Basset Hound Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Basset Hound age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Basset Hound`s human age based on your Basset Hound`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Basset Hound`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Basset Hound Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 26 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 37 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 46 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 9 | 54 |
| 10 | 58 |
| 11 | 62 |
| 12 | 66 |
| 13 | 71 |
| 14 | 75 |
| 15 | 80 |
| 16 | 85 |
How Long Do Basset Hounds Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Basset Hound is 11.2 years. In human years, the Basset Hound lives for 63 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Basset Hound in Human Years?
A 2-year old Basset Hound is 21 years old in human years.
How Old is 3-year-old Basset Hound in Human Years?
A 3-year old Basset Hound is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Basset Hound in Human Years?
A 7-year old Basset Hound is 46 years old in human years.
How Old is 10-year-old Basset Hound in Human Years?
A 10-year old Basset Hound is 58 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Basset Hound Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Basset Hound live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Basset Hound fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Basset Hound does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Basset Hound will have a shorter lifespan than a Basset Hound that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Basset Hound high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Basset Hound. Check out our Basset Hound feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Basset Hound from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Basset Hound existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Basset Hound has access to clean water whenever your Basset Hound needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Basset Hound. See our Basset Hound water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Basset Hound.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Basset Hound might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Basset Hound.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Basset Hound is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Basset Hound’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Basset Hound teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Basset Hound Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Basset Hound`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.