Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Basset Hound | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $39,082 | $39,348 |
| First year | $5,645 | $7,125 |
| Monthly average | $261 | $309 |
| Puppy price | $900 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,821 | $3,251 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 7 | 18 |
| Median lifespan | 12.5 yrs | 10.6 yrs |
| Adult weight | 40 to 65 lb | 80 to 135 lb |
| Daily food | 3.2 cups | 5.4 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $318 | $250 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, mid life |
| Biggest single risk | Hip dysplasia | Digestive disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | 40% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 12% | $281–$756 |
| Skin disease | 11% | $252–$679 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Cancer | 8% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Ear disease | 6% | $100–$270 |
| Cruciate disease | 5% | $2,468–$5,640 |
| Arthritis | 4% | $281–$756 |
| Lipoma | 4% | not priced |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3% | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 3% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Hip dysplasia | 3% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 2% | $169–$455 |
| Otitis externa | 2% | $100–$270 |
| Bone cancer/tumour | 2% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0% | $534–$1,438 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 0% | not priced |
| Bloat | n/a | $3,709–$9,986 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Common questions
Is a Basset Hound or a Rottweiler more expensive?
The Basset Hound is cheaper by about $266 over a lifetime. Basset Hound: $39,082. Rottweiler: $39,348. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Basset Hound or a Rottweiler?
The Basset Hound has the longer typical lifespan. Basset Hound: 12.5 years. Rottweiler: 10.6 years.
Which is healthier, a Basset Hound or a Rottweiler?
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 Rottweiler it is digestive disease, at 30%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.