Given good care, the Basset can lead a very active 10 years and be active as a stud dog up to 12 years. (AKC will not register puppies sired by a dog over 12 years of age without written permission of AKC and certification from a veterinarian.) Bassets enjoy their food in old age and, if allowed, become fat and lazy. The Basset is an easy keeper and a steady hound and usually lives 8 to 12 years, although there are many that live beyond, to 14,15,16 or even up to 17 years.