Basschshund Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits

If you want a dog that is great with kids, loving, and affectionate, then the Basschshund might be right for you! A mix of the Basset Hound and the Dachshund, the sweet Basschshund loves its people.

While there can be variance in the appearance due to the mixing of two very different breeds, you can be certain the Basschshund will have short legs and an elongated body. Their ears tend to be long and droopy, although not as long as a purebred Basset Hound. Their coats are short and can be a variety of colors including brown, grey, white, black, chestnut, or a mix of two or more. They have big, sad-looking, hound dog eyes. The size of your Basset Hound Dachshund mix will depend on whether it takes after its Basset or Dachshund parent more.

Now that you know what they look like, read on to find out more about the Basschshund!

Basschshund Characteristics

Basschshund Puppies

The ease of finding Basschshund puppies can vary widely depending on where you are purchasing them from. You should always research breeders before buying a puppy. If you find a breeder, make sure they have a good reputation and ensure they're breeding practices are ethical. Be ready to ask many questions, and visit their facilities before making any payment. You can also search animal shelters or breed-specific rescues as an alternative.

When you welcome a Basschshund puppy into your home, be ready to have a loyal pup by your side. They love to play and will create a strong bond with their family because of their affectionate nature. Keep reading the Basschshund's full care guide to know what they need in terms of food, exercise, and grooming so they can grow into happy and healthy dogs!

Temperament & Intelligence of the Basschshund 🧠

The Basschshund is widely known as a sweet, gentle, affectionate dog. Their temperament is not usually a concern for owners. They are dedicated to their family and make great companions. They are usually cuddly and just want to be with their family. Basschshunds are intelligent but stubborn, so early and consistent training is the best tactic to use to train your dog.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Basschshunds make wonderful family dogs! They are affectionate and gentle with children. If you are looking for a small to medium-sized dog who will enjoy playing with your kids, the Basset Hound Dachshund mix may be the dog for you! Just remember, small children should always be supervised when around pets for everyone’s safety.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Basschshunds do have hunting and chasing instincts. Because of this, you should introduce them to smaller dogs, cats, and other pets slowly. The younger your Basschshund is, the easier it will be to get them to understand that your other pets are friends, not prey. Otherwise, Basschshunds are not usually aggressive toward other dogs and get along quite well with most of them.

Things to Know When Owning a Basschshund

If you are planning on buying or adopting any pet, you need to do your homework before bringing them into your home. Pet ownership is a long-term commitment and part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what you are getting into. Some important factors you need to consider when deciding on the best pet for your family include the healthcare, food, training, and other requirements your new pet will have. Knowing these will prepare you to give your pet and your family many years of companionship and joy.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since Basschshunds can vary in size, their food requirements will be different for each dog. General recommendations range anywhere from 1½ to 2½ cups of food per day, usually split between two mealtimes.

However, it's important to note that they like to eat. This love of food can lead to unhealthy weight gain, so you should always monitor their food intake. Also, limit treats and snacks to avoid overfeeding. Obesity can lead to many unwelcome health problems for your Basschshund. You should talk to your vet about the best food for your dog.

Exercise 🐕

Basschshunds like to play but are not overly active. They do love to be outdoors, especially with you. They're usually satisfied with a long walk and other shorter play sessions each day. Encouraging them to play will help increase their activity level and prevent weight gain.

Basschshunds are hunters who will follow a scent anywhere because of their Basset Hound roots. Because of this, you should never let them exercise off-leash unless you are prepared to keep up and follow them.

Training 🎾

Basschshunds are intelligent but stubborn. Training them is possible, but it won’t be easy. They tend to be more amenable to training when they have had playtime first. Be prepared for it to take longer for your Basschshund to learn commands than other breeds. However, with patience and consistency, you can train them to follow most basic commands.

Another thing to be aware of with Basschshunds is their tendency to bark when they see or smell something unusual. They may also be protective of their families around strangers. Both can be managed with training to discourage these behaviors.

Grooming ✂️

The short hair of the Basschshund means they do not require much grooming. They are not heavy shedders, so brushing once or twice a week should be sufficient. They do tend to smell if not bathed occasionally, so make sure you give them a bath about once a month. Their nails should be clipped regularly to prevent foot discomfort and their teeth should be brushed frequently.

The ears of the Basschshund require more attention than their coat. You should check and clean their ears at least once each week to prevent infection. You should alert your vet if you do notice any sores, redness, or other sign of infection. Your vet will be able to recommend ear drops and other treatments if needed.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Basschshunds are generally pretty healthy dogs, but there are some conditions they are prone to. Maintaining a healthy weight and taking your dog to the vet regularly can help prevent health issues or catch them before they become more serious.

Minor Conditions

• Ear Infections - Their floppy ears prevent proper air circulation and make the Basschshund prone to ear infections. These are usually treatable with drops and cleaning.
• Eye Problems - Basschshunds may be prone to eyelid problems and glaucoma, especially as they age.

Serious Conditions

• IVDD - IVDD, or intervertebral disc disease, can cause severe back pain in your Basschshund. Dogs with long backs are susceptible to disc issues and they can be debilitating without surgery.
• MVD – MVD, or mitral valve disease, is a heart issue that causes the heart to fail after a time. Some medications can help to reduce symptoms.
• Obesity - Basschshunds are prone to weight gain and obesity. An overweight dog is more likely to have many other health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, so make sure you are helping your Basschshund maintain a healthy weight.

Male vs Female

There isn’t any evidence to show a difference in temperament or trainability between male and female Basschshunds. The only potential difference may be in their size as the males may be slightly larger than the females.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Basschshund

1. Their Long Floppy Ears Require Extra Care and Cleaning!

Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infections. Their ears hang down, which makes it more difficult for air to circulate. You should make sure you are checking and cleaning your Basschshund’s ears frequently to prevent ear infections.

2. The Basschshund Loves To Eat

The Basschshund has a healthy appetite and is not the most active dog. Keep them moving to maintain a healthy weight.

3. They Use Their Noses Constantly

Don’t expect to let your Basschshund off-leash unless you plan on tracking them closely. They are hunters and trackers by nature and will follow a scent for hours.

Conclusion

The Basschshund is a great choice if you are looking for an affectionate family dog. By choosing a Basschshund, you will have a lifelong, loving companion. They don’t require an excessive amount of exercise nor are they prone to aggression, so they are good with children. If you are prepared to be patient when training them and don’t mind keeping an eye on their food, you will be rewarded with a gentle, cuddly, dedicated pal.

See Also:

• Male vs Female Basset Hounds: What Are the Differences?

• Be-Apso (Beagle & Lhasa Apso Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Care

Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay