Bowzer (Basset Hound & Mini Schnauzer Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

The Bowzer is a mixed breed dog between a Basset Hound and a Miniature Schnauzer. Both of these dogs are relaxed breeds that get along with people and other pets. Their size depends on which parent they take after more.

Breed Overview

Bowzers make excellent family dogs because they tend to be small to medium-sized dogs and quite gentle. They are also relatively low maintenance because they have a coat that is quite wiry without an undercoat. They don’t have boundless energy either, primarily thanks to the Basset Hound in their blood.

These pups have many great traits that make them easy to own and love. If you are looking for a dog for your family, look no further than this article.

Bowzer Characteristics

Bowzer Puppies

Bowzer puppies come from two parents that are quite expensive as purebred dogs. That typically affects the price of any associated hybrids, making them expensive dogs. Their price makes them a bit more expensive than many hybrids. However, they have such a good breed disposition that they are quite popular.

You should also do further research into the condition in which your breeder raises their dogs. A high-quality breeder might cost more, but they will have a better space for their dogs, give them plenty of love and exercise, and have the proper veterinarian appointments set up for both parents and puppies.

Before you adopt from a breeder, it is best to ask for a tour around their facility. They should be willing to show you any area in which they allow their dogs. Ensure that all their space is safe and secure. It is also best if you ask for prior vet records for the parents so you can be aware of anything that your pup might develop in the future.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bowzer 🧠

The Bowzer is a dog with an average amount of intelligence but a large heart to go with it. They are highly loyal, another factor that can make them well-suited to guard-dog duty. You should consistently keep them on a leash when you walk them outside, since they are scent-driven and will get focused on nothing else but the smell.

These dogs will quickly warm up to people but need a bit of time to get used to strangers being around them. They are friendly and happy as long as they get plenty of outdoor exercise, making a dog park an excellent idea for socialization and exercise.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Bowzers tend to get along with families quite well because they enjoy spending time around children and have a great deal of patience. They are alert and quite playful, mainly when they are young. They can also be trained with relative ease, so teaching them to behave around younger children progresses quickly.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Bowzers usually get along well with other dogs. They will do better when introduced on the neutral ground because they might feel the need to guard their territory and humans inside the home.

You should be able to introduce small animals to them, but you have to do this slowly. It is best to socialize them when they are young. That way, they will have behavioral patterns ingrained in them from a younger age. The Basset Hound in them is a hunter, and they have been known to chase smaller animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Bowzer

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Bowzers are medium-sized dogs that should get a fair amount of exercise and time outdoors. They should get about 3 cups of food each day. Because of their Basset Hound heritage, they can struggle with unhealthy weight gain. If that is the case, you should talk to your vet about increasing their exercise and decreasing their food intake.

Exercise 🐕

Since Basset Hounds have a lower age expectancy, their hybrids can age faster than most small to medium-sized dogs. However, when a Bowzer is young, they need quite a bit of exercise. Expect to take them for at least 9 miles of walks and runs each week. Whether you take them out on a walk or to the dog park, they should get about 60 minutes of exercise each week.

Training 🎾

Training a Bowzer isn’t tough because they are so loyal and quite eager to please. They respond well to positive affirmation and plenty of rewards. This breed can be quite stubborn if they don’t want to do something. However, they are quite responsive and will tend to listen to your commands, mainly in an upbeat tone.

Grooming ✂️

A Bowzer has wiry hair that is usually relatively short to medium-length because the Basset Hound has short hair, and Miniature Schnauzers are known for their wiry hair. They do shed and are not considered hypoallergenic. To keep their fur looking good, you should brush them a little every day. It will remove loose hair and take out any difficult knots before they become a problem.

You shouldn’t bathe your Bowzer any more than necessary because skin conditions are common among Basset Hounds. Other than brushing and bathing them, you should brush your dog’s teeth regularly. If they inherent droopy ears, ensure that they are clean with a moistened cotton cloth. Finally, keep their nails clipped, doing so about every month.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and a Basset Hound typically makes both breeds stronger and healthier. The Basset Hound, in particular, has quite a few health problems due to their unique build. Maintain your Bowzer’s veterinary checkups so you can ensure their continued health as they age.

Male vs. Female

There are no noticeable differences between the male and female dogs of this breed because they are not established enough to have traceable differences.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bowzer

1. Basset Hounds have a long history as hunting dogs.

Basset Hounds are unique-looking dogs with a long history, dating back to the late 1500s. They were initially bred in France and Belgium as hunting dogs. The Friars of the Abbey of St. Hubert had the goal to develop a hound that would follow hunters on foot, sniffing out prey with their keen sense of smell.

They combined breeds like the Bloodhound with other old French breeds. Eventually, they came out with the Basset Hound, with their long ears and low-riding body. Their physique is what eventually gave them their name, as “basset” in French means “low thing.”

These dogs became relatively popular in France, Germany, and Belgium for aristocrats because hunting was a primary pastime of the era. The dogs mostly tracked animals like fox, pheasants, rabbits, deer, and even badgers, although they sometimes successfully tracked larger game, like wild boar.

Since the dogs are so low to the ground, they could easily navigate the underbrush in thick forests. Their baying call helped the hunters follow them almost anywhere.

2. Miniature Schnauzers were bred as ratting and guard dogs.

The Miniature Schnauzer is quite a new dog compared to some of the older and even ancient breeds around today. They come from crossing the Standard Schnauzer, a much older dog dating back to the early 1500s, with other pups like the Affenpinscher, Miniature Pinscher, and Poodle.

We know that Miniature Schnauzers were initially bred sometime in the middle of the 19th century in Germany and were commonly called Hush Puppies. The first recorded Miniature Schnauzer was a black female dog named Findel. Miniature Schnauzers were smaller dogs kept by farmers to hunt rats and keep guard over the property. That is why you can train Bowzers to be excellent watchdogs.

When Miniature Schnauzers were first bred, people called them Wirehaired Pinschers because of their Pinscher heritage. Since they look much more like Schnauzers, dog clubs eventually altered their name. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1926 when they were classed as Terriers, even though the Standard Schnauzer is in the Working Group dog group.

3. Bowzers are relatively new designer dogs bred only 20 years ago.

The trend to breed designer dogs began in the late 20th century and is still a popular trend when trying to get “the perfect dog” for different people’s tastes. The Bowzer was developed when people wanted a dog that was a bit healthier than the Basset Hound with a more typical “dog” shape. They have recently been recognized by the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dog for your family, the Bowzer is a good choice. They have a patient and down-to-earth temperament that makes them well-suited to children and other pets. As long as you give them the time they need for exercise and daily time outdoors, they will be happy with your family for years to come.

Featured Image Credit: Pxhere