Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Basset Hound | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $37,407 | $41,265 |
| First year | $5,511 | $6,016 |
| Monthly average | $249 | $263 |
| Puppy price | $900 to $2,000 | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,687 | $2,792 |
| Documented conditions | 7 | 28 |
| Median lifespan | 12.5 yrs | 13.1 yrs |
| Adult weight | 40 to 65 lb | 55 to 80 lb |
| Daily food | 3.2 cups | 3.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $214 | $250 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | Moderate |
| Biggest single risk | Hip dysplasia | Degenerative joint disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 40%screened dogs | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative joint disease | 6%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Overweight/obesity | 9%1-yr clinical | $168–$452 |
| Obesity | 9%1-yr clinical | $168–$452 |
| Dental disease | 76%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection (US) | 14%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Dog bite (US) | 10%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Osteoarthritis (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Giardia (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Seasonal allergies (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Dental calculus (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Fractured teeth (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Cruciate ligament rupture (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Lipoma | 6%owner survey | not priced |
| Extracted teeth (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Bordetella and/or parainfluenza (US) | 5%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Arthritis | 4%owner survey | $281–$756 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 3%owner survey | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Hip dysplasia | 2%owner survey | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 2%owner survey | not priced |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 2%screened dogs | not priced |
| Otitis externa | 2%owner survey | $100–$270 |
| Skin cancer/tumor | 2%owner survey | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Patellar luxation | 1%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0%screened dogs | $534–$1,438 |
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | n/a | $2,291–$6,169 |
| Cancer | n/a | $3,415–$9,194 |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
Expected vet costs are $0 for the Basset Hound and $922 for the Labrador Retriever. Every policy excludes anything already diagnosed, so this is worth sorting out before you pick either dog.
Common questions
Is a Basset Hound or a Labrador Retriever more expensive?
The Basset Hound is cheaper by about $3,858 over a lifetime. Basset Hound: $37,407. Labrador Retriever: $41,265. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a Basset Hound or a Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever has the longer typical lifespan. Basset Hound: 12.5 years. Labrador Retriever: 13.1 years.
Which is healthier, a Basset Hound or a Labrador Retriever?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Basset Hound's biggest single risk is hip dysplasia, seen in 40% of the breed. For the Labrador Retriever it is degenerative joint disease, at 6%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.