If there’s one thing that you can say about the Bully Basset, it’s that it’s they’re a pleasant surprise. You may think that the pup would be difficult, but that’s far from the case. The Basset Hound brings their easy-going nature to the mix with the Bulldog’s adorable attitude.  They’re a pup that will turn heads and get all the attention that they want!

Breed Overview

Each parent breed has their quirks. These are a small price to pay for the joy that this pup will bring into your life. While grooming isn’t an issue, you may have extra work with training. Fortunately, the dog loves people and will do their best to please you. There are also health concerns that you need to know about.

Regular vet care and paying close attention to your dog’s health will take care of most of the problems that you may encounter. However, it is all a part of the responsibility of being a pet owner. Our guide will tell you everything that you need to know about inviting a Bully Basset to your home and how to make it a delightful experience for everyone.

Bully Basset Characteristics

Bully Basset Puppies

The combination of a Bulldog and a Basset Hound may not be the first one that you think of with hybrid dogs. However, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by this charming and lovable pet. They bring the friendliness of the Bulldog with the patience and loyalty of the Basset Hound. They’re a winning combination that you’re sure to find endearing.

As cute as this pup is, they do bring two concerns to the table that you should consider. The Bulldog, with their short snout, is a brachycephalic breed. These physical features carry added health risks. The Basset Hound is independent to a fault. This trait isn’t uncommon in hunting dogs. However, that means they’re not the best choice for first-time pet owners.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bully Basset 🧠

Whereas the Basset Hound is stubborn, the Bulldog is more agreeable when it comes to training and their canine manners. Depending on which parent’s traits are dominant, you may have a handful on your hands. On the positive side, both breeds are genuinely sweet dogs that will make a welcome addition to your home.

The Basset Hound also brings a tendency to drool, which some people may find unpleasant enough to be a deal-breaker. This pup is also quite vocal and seems happy to share their opinion about things. It is a habit that you must control when they’re a puppy to prevent it from becoming an issue when they’re an adult.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Basset Hound is an affectionate animal that will adore everyone they meet. They are patient and calm, which makes them an excellent choice for families with children. The Bulldog is a sweetheart too, but we suggest supervised playtime. Both breeds are friendly and will welcome strangers if properly socialized as a puppy.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Socialization is a vital concern with other pets in your household. Bear in mind that the Basset Hound is a hunting dog with a keen sense of smell. A home with small animals is probably not the best fit for a Bully Basset. We suggest closely monitoring time with other pets if just because of the strength and endurance of the two parent breeds.

Things to Know When Owning a Bully Basset

Both parent breeds have particular concerns that affect the everyday aspects of owning a Bully Basset. The degree of extra care depends on which one is dominant in certain traits. Knowing these things up front will help you make an informed decision about whether this pet is right for you.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Feeding your Bully Basset a high-quality diet is essential for good health. Both parent breeds are medium-sized. You should feed your pup food meant for dogs of this size and at the correct life stage. Puppy and adult diets differ in their nutritional content and calorie density. Offering the right one will ensure that your pet gets the nutrients they need.

Both parent breeds have a tendency to gain weight. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor your pup’s intake and body condition closely. An overweight dog is at risk for other health conditions, particularly those associated with Bulldogs and Basset Hounds.

You can start your puppy on a feeding schedule of three to four small meals daily, depending on their age and size. That will ensure that your pup’s blood sugar levels stay stable while making sure they get adequate fuel for growth and play. You can transition to an adult schedule of two meals a day after your dog reaches 6 months.

Exercise 🐕

Both parent breeds are muscular, albeit for different purposes. While the Bulldog is more laidback, the Basset Hound gets high marks for endurance. They are the dog that you want to take on long hikes, since they can keep up with the task. Daily walks are an essential part of raising a Bully Basset. These will keep your pet both physically and mentally fit.

Because the Basset was a hunting dog, we recommend keeping your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard. Their wanderlust potential is quite high, as you may expect.

Training 🎾

The Bully Basset is best suited for an experienced dog owner. They will require consistent training, although both parent breeds are intelligent enough to learn tricks and commands quickly. Of course, treats can make your job infinitely easier. However, we recommend limiting them to no more than 10% of your pup’s daily caloric intake.

Grooming ✂️

The Bully Basset sheds occasionally, but it isn’t a glaring issue. You can keep it under control by running a hound glove over their coat a few times a week. That will get rid of the excess hair and encourage blood circulation to keep your pup’s skin healthier. It’s also an excellent time to bond with your pet. Your dog will enjoy the extra attention.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Health must be on your radar if you own a Bully Basset. That’s primarily due to the issues that exist with short-muzzled dogs. The concerns are primarily respiratory, with an increased risk of drowning. Neither parent breed is a water dog.

We strongly urge you to buy from breeders who do the recommended pre-breeding health screenings. Responsible sellers won’t mate these dogs because of the increased risk of passing on these undesirable traits. Since this dog is a hybrid, we suggest asking to see the parents if possible, to get a better idea of how big your puppy may get and a handle on their personality.

Male vs Female

There is a noticeable difference between males and females in terms of size and weight. However, sexual dimorphism isn’t significant enough for it to be a major consideration. The demeanor of both parent breeds is delightful, making either sex an excellent choice. The main difference is the cost of spaying versus neutering.

Spaying is more expensive and invasive than neutering a male. The recovery is also lengthier for females.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bully Basset

1. The Basset Hound Has One of the Best Canine Noses.

The Basset Hound started as a scent hound, hot on the trail for small game. They do an excellent job of it too, with a sense of smell second only to the Bloodhound.

2. The Bulldog Has Its Share of High Honors.

Despite their unfortunate past, the Bulldog has managed to capture the hearts of many, including George Washington, Calvin Coolidge, and Truman Capote. England even made the breed their national symbol.

3. The Modern Bulldog Is Selectively Bred

The Bulldog began life in the ring for bull baiting. After England banned the practice, the breed would have gone extinct if it had not been for the dog’s enthusiasts who selectively bred them to remove the undesirable traits that came from fighting.

Final Thoughts

The Bully Basset is one of the more interesting hybrids available. The unique combination of charm and friendliness makes this pup worth a look. However, owning this dog isn’t without its challenges. It’s essential to understand that training will take more time and effort. If you can make this commitment, you’ll find that this pooch is a loyal companion for your family.

See also:

• Bassmatian (Basset Hound & Dalmatian Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, & Care
• American Bull-Aussie: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

Featured Image Credit: Jon Osumi, Shutterstock