Senior confirmed
Senior Basset Hound dogs
Senior Basset Hound dogs for adoption
Meet 30 adoptable senior Basset Hound dogs (age 7+) from shelters and rescues across the country. Older dogs are often calm, house-trained, and ready to love from day one.
About adopting a Basset Hound
Low to the ground, long in the ear, and unbothered by hurry, the Basset Hound ages into a dog that seems designed for a quiet home. Senior Bassets tend to be affectionate, a bit stubborn, and deeply attached to routine. The famous nose stays sharp, so slow walks with plenty of sniffing remain a highlight of the day.
The long back and short legs bring some senior themes. Disc problems and arthritis are commonly seen, so ramps to furniture and limits on jumping help. Those heavy ears trap moisture and need regular cleaning, and loose skin folds can harbor irritation. Bassets gain weight easily, which strains the spine and joints, so portion control matters more with age. Ask the shelter and your veterinarian about ear, back, and eye history.
Older Bassets are often skipped because they look sad and move slowly, yet what they offer is a mellow, comical, food-motivated friend who mostly wants company and a soft bed. Before deciding, ask for the shelter's notes and go over them with your veterinarian.
Last updated October 18, 2026 at 8:44 AM EDT. Listings refresh throughout the day. Always confirm a dog’s availability with the shelter or rescue before making plans.
Available senior Basset Hound dogs
30 senior Basset Hound dogs available.
Senior confirmed
Hannah
Meet Hannah – The Gentle Matriarch Hannah is a beautiful 8-year-old Hound mix with a heart as big as her floppy ears! She’s a calm, well-behaved girl …
Rose Acres Rescue • Attalka, AL
Senior confirmed
Bobo
LOCATION: TULSA, OK ADOPTABLE ANYWHERE IN THE USA Bobo is nine years old, fifty-five pounds, and has spent the last four and a half years as a beloved…
Helpless Hounds Rescue • Tulsa, OK
10+ years
Tobias
11 years old and blind, but does not miss a beat getting around his foster home and out in the yard. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued…
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
10+ years
10+ years
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie! I’m 11 years old, which means I’ve had plenty of time to perfect the art of being practically perfect in every way. I’m a Beagle/Bass…
Greater Derry Humane Society, Inc. • East Derry, NH
Senior confirmed
Senior confirmed
Walter
Walter is a handsome hound with a sweet, loving personality and a nose that seems to control everything! He’s got plenty to say and isn’t shy about be…
Dumb Friends League • Denver, CO
10+ years
Heron
Looking for a silly, outgoing, spunky and fun-loving Basset Hound and Boston Terrier mix to brighten your days? Then Heron may just be your guy! Heron…
The Barking Lot • San Diego, CA
10+ years
10+ years
Mini
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
10+ years
Cookie Dough
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
10+ years
Coal
10 years old. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Basset Hound! We ask all potential adopters to complete our application and approval p…
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
Senior confirmed
Brad
Best Friends Animal Society — Sanctuary (Kanab) • Kanab, UT
Senior confirmed
Chad
Best Friends Animal Society — Sanctuary (Kanab) • Kanab, UT
Senior confirmed
Buzz
Buzz is a 9-year-old neutered male basset hound with a loving playful personality. Buzz's foster home has helped Buzz shed a few pounds, so he is more…
Golden Gate Basset Rescue • Petaluma, CA
Senior confirmed
Skeeter
Skeeter is an 8 year old male basset hound .Friendly and sweet , loves kids,teens &adults, gets zoomies with other dogs,loves toys , doesn't bark much…
Buckeye Basset Hound Rescue • Columbus, OH
10+ years
Vader
Wanted: to meet my furever family. Are you looking to open your home to a new pet? Learn more about this pet and others near you looking to find their…
Woodstock Animal Foundation • Lexington, KY
Senior confirmed
Frank
Ohio Basset Hound Rescue. Inc • Brookville, OH
10+ years
Theodore
North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. • Grapevine, TX
10+ years
Petunia
11 years old and I would like to spend my senior years as an only dog, so that I get all the attention that I deserve. Thank you for your interest in …
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
Senior confirmed
Thorin
Hazel and Thorin are a sweet senior duo - Hazel is Thorin mom, so they have been together his whole life. They are doing well and very sweet. They lov…
North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. • Grapevine, TX
Senior confirmed
Hazel
Hazel and Thorin are a sweet senior duo - Hazel is Thorin mom, so they have been together his whole life. They are doing well and very sweet. They lov…
North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. • Grapevine, TX
Senior confirmed
Rosey
Meet Rosey! This sweet older gal is looking for a new home through no fault of her own. There were changes in her owners life and they were not able t…
Ohio Basset Hound Rescue. Inc • Brookville, OH
10+ years
Archie
Archie ended up back with us when his dad could no longer care for him. He is such a sweet boy and a little confused on what is going on. Archie does …
North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. • Grapevine, TX
10+ years
Huckleberry
10 years old. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Basset Hound! We ask all potential adopters to complete our application and approval p…
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
10+ years
Senior confirmed
Doc
North Texas Basset Hound Rescue, Inc. • Grapevine, TX
Senior confirmed
Gilbert
8 years old. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Basset Hound! We ask all potential adopters to complete our application and approval pr…
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
Senior confirmed
Croissant
8 years old. Thank you for your interest in adopting a rescued Basset Hound! We ask all potential adopters to complete our application and approval pr…
Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue • Milmay, NJ
Senior Basset Hound dogs by state
Other breeds
Adopting a senior Basset Hound — FAQ
Are senior Basset Hounds lazy?
Not so much lazy as unhurried. Older Bassets enjoy leisurely walks, especially with time to follow scents, but they are not built for speed or long distances. Most are content to nap between outings. Regular gentle exercise still matters to keep weight down and joints moving.
What health issues should I ask about with an older Basset Hound?
Ask the shelter and your veterinarian about back and disc problems, arthritis, ear infections, and eye conditions, all of which are commonly seen in older dogs of this breed. Weight is another key topic. The shelter's records will show what has been noted for the individual dog.
Do older Basset Hounds bay or howl a lot?
Many do, though seniors are often quieter than young dogs. Bassets were bred to vocalize while tracking, and the habit may show up when they are excited, lonely, or hear something interesting. Ask the shelter what they have observed and consider whether your neighbors will mind.
What counts as a senior dog?
Most shelters and vets consider a dog "senior" around age 7, though large breeds often age sooner and small breeds a little later. Every dog listed here is 7 years or older.
How do I adopt a senior Basset Hound?
Open a dog's profile to see the shelter or rescue caring for them, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization.
Are senior Basset Hound dogs a good fit for first-time adopters?
Often, yes. An older Basset Hound is usually past the high-energy puppy stage and may already know basic commands, which can make ownership easier to ease into. Each profile and shelter can tell you about that dog's individual personality and needs.
Why adopt a senior dog instead of a puppy?
Senior dogs are calmer, usually house-trained, and let you skip the chewing and sleepless nights — and because they are the hardest to place, adopting one can quite literally save a life that might otherwise run out of time.
Are senior Basset Hound dogs good with children or other pets?
It depends on the individual dog more than the breed alone. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, or other dogs. Senior dogs are often calmer and more predictable than puppies, which can make reading compatibility easier before you commit.
How much does it cost to adopt a senior Basset Hound?
Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue, but senior dogs are frequently discounted or even sponsored — because they wait the longest, many organizations offer reduced fees or cover initial vet care. Open a dog's profile and ask the organization directly for their current fee and what it includes.
Can I foster a senior Basset Hound instead of adopting?
Many shelters and rescues offer a foster program, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering a senior Basset Hound gets them out of a kennel and into a calm home — which is especially beneficial for older dogs who find shelter life stressful. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is an option.
Guides to help you decide
Getting started
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? 7 Reasons Older Dogs Make Wonderful Companions
Senior dogs are often calm, house-trained, and overlooked at shelters. Here are seven honest reasons an older dog may be the best companion you ever bring home.
6 min readUnderstanding ageHow Old Is a "Senior" Dog? Senior Age by Breed and Size
A dog is not "old" at the same age across the board — size and breed change everything. Here is how to tell when a dog becomes a senior, and what it means for care.
5 min readCare & healthCaring for a Senior Dog: Health, Diet, and Everyday Comfort
How to keep an older dog healthy and comfortable — vet care, senior-appropriate diet, joint and dental health, exercise, and simple home adjustments that make a big difference.
8 min readKnow a senior dog who needs a home?
Shelters and rescues can list adoptable senior dogs for free.