How Big Will My Basset Hound Get? Average Weight & Growth Chart (Vet-Reviewed)

When you have a Basset Hound puppy, one of your main concerns may be how big they’ll get. Basset hounds are medium sized dogs, but they do vary somewhat in size. Sometimes you can predict how big a particular puppy will get by looking at their current age and size, and by knowing their parents.

For instance, if a puppy is at the upper end of the weight scale for their age, then they may turn out to be larger into adulthood. At the age of 2 years, a full grown Basset Hound can weigh between 40–65 pounds.

Below, we’ll take a look at how big Basset Hounds get, including a growth chart.

Basset Hound Breed Overview

Basset Hounds are originally from France and Belgium, where they were bred as a hunting breed. They have adorably floppy ears, short legs, and a long nose. Their ears help keep their ear canals as clean as possible as the dog “sweeps up” the scent from the ground, which helps them follow trails a bit easier. Plus, their short legs also make them closer to the ground, which helps with scent work.

These adorable dogs are very affectionate and playful. They’re rather friendly with other people and animals, making them good pets. However, they are true hounds, which makes some of them stubborn—they aren’t always the easiest animals to train, but this will also greatly depend on their individual personalities.

Basset Hound Size and Growth Chart

Please note that these weights are approximations and may vary greatly between individual dogs, due to many factors.

When Do Basset Hounds Stop Growing?

Basset Hounds typically slow down their growth at around 12 to 16 months.

With that said, dogs may continue to “fill out” and fully develop until they’re 2 years old. Dogs tend to gain their full height and then gain some extra muscle mass. Sometimes, some Basset Hounds may reach their full height and length at around 10-12 months, taking several more months to gain body mass.

Factors Affecting a Basset Hound’s Size

There are many factors affecting the size of the Basset Hound. One of the biggest factors is genetics. Basset Hounds with bigger parents will typically be bigger. If you know how big your Basset Hound’s parents were, you’ll have a better idea of their final expected size. Gender can also play a role. Males tend to be a bit bigger than females. However, this isn’t always the case.

Your Basset Hound needs to eat a proper diet to grow to their full size. Otherwise, they may not grow correctly—no matter what their genetics say. Therefore, you should feed your puppy appropriate puppy food. Avoiding overfeeding or underfeeding, as both of these can cause health problems.

Exercise can also affect how much an adult Basset Hound weighs. Those who aren’t kept fit may be obese, meaning they’ll weigh more than they’re meant to. You should provide adequate exercise to your Basset Hound based on their age and strictly follow your vet’s instructions especially when exercising them during their first year of life, as too much early on can put a lot of strain on their developing joints and leave them with long-term consequences.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

You should feed your Basset Hound an appropriate food for their life stage. Puppies need specially formulated puppy food, as they require different nutrients, and adults need adult food. Senior Basset Hounds often need senior dog food, while some dogs may require a prescription diet if they are suffering from a particular health issue.

Basset Hounds that are gaining too much weight should be placed on a diet dog food. Diet dog foods are restricted in calories but nutrient-rich, helping ensure your dog is getting everything they need while eating fewer calories. However, always remember to consult a vet before you switch your dog's diet.

How to Measure Your Basset Hound

To measure your Basset Hound’s height, place the dog against a door frame. Put your hand about where the dog’s shoulders are, and then measure the difference between your hand and the floor. Having an extra person to help can be extremely useful.

To measure your dog’s weight, it’s often best to measure yourself first. Then, weigh yourself holding your Basset Hound. The difference between the weights is how much your canine weighs. You can also use a pet scale. However, many owners don’t have these scales lying around, and it can be hard to get your dog to stand on a small bathroom scale.

• Related Read: How to Measure a Dog’s Height: Key Tips

Conclusion

Your Basset Hound likely won’t get very large. They’re medium-sized dogs. However, they do vary a bit in size. Some of them are larger than others. You can somewhat tell how big your dog may get based on where they fall within their age group.

If you feel like your Basset Hound is falling out of the weight range, then you should speak to your vet. Sometimes, Basset Hounds may grow too slowly, which can sometimes indicate an underlying problem.

See also:

• Miniature Basset Houndog Breed Info: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

• European vs. American Basset Hound: Main Differences (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock