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View 8 More +The Ba Shar dog is a cross between the floppy-eared Basset Hound and the wrinkly-faced Shar Pei. With their stout appearance, large head, and brown, wrinkly skin, it is no wonder that Ba Shar dogs are also called “walrus dogs”!
Breed Overview
Height:
10—13 inches
Weight:
30—60 pounds
Lifespan:
9—12 years
Colors:
White, tri-colored, tan, fawn, patchwork, piebald, black
Suitable for:
Active individuals, homes with lots of outdoor space, families with older kids
Temperament:
Reserved, loyal, intelligent, alert, affectionate
Walrus dogs can be playful, stubborn, and alert. They are also incredibly loyal to their owners and can be lovable family pets. They tend to always know what’s going on in their surroundings, so they make great watchdogs too.
Ba Shar Characteristics
Ba Shar Puppies
Ba Shars are relatively healthy, but not much is known about the extended health outcomes of this mixed breed. They need a moderate amount of exercise, but they are also plenty happy just lying around on your couch. Ba Shars can be leery of strangers if not trained well from the get-go, but if you get good training for your pup, they will go running to see what’s up when guests show up at your house.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Ba Shar
Since this hybrid is not that popular, it is not easy to know the exact intelligence level and temperament of a Ba Shar. They are at least known for their loyalty and watchful disposition. If we look closer at these aspects of the parent breeds (Basset Hound and Shar Pei), we may find out more about Ba Shars.
Shar Pei have a tough-dog appearance and usually behave as such. They are super smart and are always watching what’s going on. Due to their apprehension toward strangers, it’s best that an experienced dog owner handles them and that they get lots of socialization when they are young. Shar Pei are great guard dogs that can be good for families but might not be the best for families with small kids.
Conversely, Basset Hounds have a more playful personality overall and can be great for families with kids. They are social and love to spend time with all kinds of people, even though they remain watchful the whole time. A Basset hound’s intelligence can get them into trouble when left alone for too long.
As you can see, these breeds differ greatly, so it’s hard to know what you’re going to get in a Ba Shar puppy. There’s no doubt that your Walrus will be smart but also a little stubborn. These pups need consistent training and a lot of puppy socialization to familiarize them with strangers.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?🧑🧑🧒
They can be, if trained well. However, in their natural state, they don’t care for the boisterous nature of kids and don’t like to be teased. They do best in families with older children who understand the dog’s independent and stubborn streak.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Ba Shars come from Basset Hounds, which love to track and hunt small animals. Keep this in mind when bringing an adult walrus dog into a household of pets. When they’re raised with the other pets as a puppy, though, there shouldn’t be conflicts between Ba Shars and other pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Ba Shar
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Any dog deserves high-quality dog food, and the Ba Shar is no exception. Talk with your vet first, but generally, your Walrus dog will need food that’s high in fiber and protein. Go for food with at least 24% protein and 5% fiber content.
Exercise 🐕
If left to their own devices, a lazy walrus dog might become as big as a walrus (sort of)! To keep your Ba Shar from gaining weight, you will need to exercise them. The daily exercise requirements are not too demanding, though, and they will love to spend the extra time with you. Aim for walking your walrus dog for 30 minutes to an hour a day. This can be split up into two walks if it works better. Keep in mind that Ba Shars like to roam around independently, so a fenced-in yard is essential.
Training 🎾
Being consistent is the key to successful Ba Shar training. They sometimes do well in group training classes, but we’ve got tips for you if you plan to do it yourself. Keep it positive with positive reinforcement with treats, and they will thrive. If you are training her yourself, make sure to maintain a confident stance; otherwise, the Shar Pei in them will sense a weak spot and try to take advantage of you.
If group classes and/or self-training are not going well, we recommend switching to one-on-one training with a pro.
Grooming ✂️
Your walrus dog will do well to have their thick double-coat brushed two times a week. This will keep their coat in top condition and excess shedding down. As fun and exciting as bath time is, don’t bathe your Ba Shar too often, or their is skin will get too dry. Trim their nails around every 3 weeks, and brush their teeth regularly.
- You might also want to check out: Best Dog Wipes
Health and Conditions 🏥
Since the Shar-Pei and Basset Hound breeds are both hearty, this breed tends to be too, though we don’t know much about their total health history due to how short it is. As long as you walk your Ba Shar dog regularly and take them to the vet annually, he should stay in good shape. However, here’s a list of a few serious and minor conditions to look out for in Ba Shars:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Digestive problems
- Patellar luxation
- Bloat
- Hyperthyroidism
- Obesity
Male vs. Female
The only big difference between male and female Ba Shars is in their size. Males tend to be slightly bigger than females in size and stature, but not by much. Male walrus dogs can also be more stubborn than females. When you’re trying to make this decision, be sure to talk to the dog breeder, as they will have the most experience with size and behavioral outcomes of both sexes.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Ba Shar
1. They were first bred in the United States in the 1990s.
The Basset Hound has been around for centuries, but the Shar Pei wasn’t brought to the U.S. until 1973. The exact origins of the hybrid are estimated to have occurred after the AKC recognized the Shar Pei in 1991.
2. This dog goes by three different names.
The Ba Shar can also be called a walrus dog or a “sharp asset.” There are even those out there who call them the Mini Walrus. This is why it can be difficult to find out information about this breed!
3. They can be athletic.
Even though Basset Hounds and Shar Peis are not known for their active abilities, Walrus dogs love to get moving, but only if you convince them that it was their idea first!
Final Thoughts
Where the Ba Shar lacks in popularity, they make up in uniqueness. We don’t know a whole lot about walrus dogs, but they sure are cute. For the individual who wants to know the exact temperament, personality, and health outcomes of a dog they are getting, the Ba Shar might not be the greatest option. Still, for people who want a small-sized, short-haired breed with medium exercise needs and a loyal but tough personality, the little-known Ba Shar is a great fit.
Featured Image Credit: Enbrunner, Shutterstock
