Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Ba Shar (Basset Hound & Shar Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

Ba-Shar dog on grass_Enbrunner_Shutterstock

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

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

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.

Parent Breeds of the Bagle Hound
Image Credit: Marcelino Pozo Ruiz, Shutterstock | Right – David Raihelgauz, Shutterstock

divider dog paws oct 2024

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.

Bashar
Image Credit: Enbrunner, Shutterstock

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.

divider dog faces oct 2024

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.

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:

Minor Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Digestive problems
Serious Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Bloat
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Obesity

divider dog paws oct 2024

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.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

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!

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

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

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

La-Chon Dog Breed Guide: Info, Pictures, Care & More

If you are looking for a small cotton ball-like dog fiercely attached to its family, the La-Chon could be the pooch of your...

Top 20 Best Behaved Small Dogs That Make Perfect Pets (With Info & Pictures)

Many people assume that all small dogs are easy to live with because of their compact size. However, there’s significant diversity among small...

Ask Dr. Paola- Calming Patches & Choosing a Dog Food (March 10, 2025)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Vizsla Labrador Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

As a newer hybrid dog breed, the Vizsla Labrador mix isn’t well known despite being a descendant of two of the most popular...

More related

8 Best Dog Grooming Scissors in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’ve got a fluffy dog with a lot of hair, you know how expensive trips to a groomer can be. Buying your...

Do Scottish Folds Get Along With Dogs? Introduction & Safety Tips

Scottish Folds are adorably cute with their folded ears and expressive faces. It is no wonder they are an increasingly popular breed among...

How to Stop Dog Pee From Killing Grass: 9 Simple Tips

Dog pee can quickly kill grass, as it contains very high levels of nitrogen. It’s true that many fertilizers have nitrogen in them....

How Long Does It Take to Train a Police Dog? Age & Duration Explained

Dogs have been used as loyal sidekicks for humans for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, and have been used for a variety...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Cherries? Vet-Verified Facts & Considerations

You’re reading this for one of two reasons: Either your dog scarfed down a few cherries, or you’re looking to add fresh foods to their diet. So can dogs eat cherries? The good news is that yes, your dog can...

Can Dogs Eat_cherries

Can Dogs Have Persimmons? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Persimmons make a versatile addition to the kitchen and infuse foods with a delightful sweetness and unique health benefits that parents, kids, and even our pets can enjoy. Dogs can eat persimmons as an occasional treat without issue if you...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Persimmons

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Chickpeas have a pleasant, nutty taste that lends itself well to many dip, salad, and curry recipes. They can provide many nutritional benefits for humans, but can you share this legume with your dog? Offering chickpeas in their plain form...

Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas

Can Dogs Eat Dill? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Preparation Ideas

Dill (Anethum graveolena) is a member of the parsley family, Apiaceae, and is safe to feed to dogs, in moderation. There is no evidence that indicates that dill causes problems in dogs, but it is always best to feed it...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Dill

10 Best Dog Foods for Terrier Mixes in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Are you searching for the perfect food for your Terrier mix and feel lost in the sea of available dog foods? You are not alone. The pet food market is as overwhelming as it is confusing, it’s challenging to select...

Dog food in a bowl

Wellness Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo: Pros, Cons & What to Choose

One of the most frustrating moments as a pet parent is when you’re sitting there scratching your head over which food is better for your dog—especially when every brand claims to be the best! Two popular dog food brands vying...

Dogster_Dog Food Wellness VS Blue Buffalo

10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Tzus in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Shih Tzus don’t have their own specific dietary requirements, as such, but they are a very small dog breed so they need to get all of their nutritional requirements in a comparatively small amount of food and without too many...

shih tzu dog eating outdoors

Can Dogs Eat Ravioli? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety Guide

Americans love their pets, which is why they’re willing to dish out an estimated $150.6 billion on them. Roughly $70 million goes toward food. Nevertheless, we still bring home doggy bags and give them table scraps. The recent pet humanization...

Can Dogs Eat_ravioli