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

The Basschshund: An Affectionate and Unique Hybrid Breed

Are you looking for a loyal, loving dog that will stick by your side and always put a smile on your face? Consider the Basschshund! This adorable hybrid breed combines the best traits of the Basset Hound and Dachshund for a truly one-of-a-kind companion. Whether you‘re a family with kids or a single person wanting a snuggly lap dog, the gentle Basschshund could be your perfect match.

What exactly is a Basschshund? As a hybrid of the Basset Hound and Dachshund breeds, the Basschshund inherits physical characteristics and personality traits from both parent breeds. The result is a small-to-medium sized dog with short legs, a long body, droopy ears, and an elongated muzzle. Their soft, short-to-medium coat comes in a range of colors including brown, black, tan, white, and red.

Most Basschshunds weigh between 20 to 40 pounds and stand 9 to 12 inches tall, with males tending to be on the larger end of the scale. With their endearingly silly shape and expression, the Basschshund has a unique look that is sure to turn heads and elicit smiles wherever they go.

But the Basschshund breed offers so much more than just quirky good looks. These dogs were bred to be affectionate and devoted family companions that love nothing more than spending time with their favorite humans. They tend to be gentle, even-tempered, and very tolerant of children, making them a great choice for households with kids of all ages.

Basschshunds will happily cuddle on the couch for hours, but they also have a playful side and love romping around with toys or in the backyard. While not extremely high energy, they do require regular exercise in the form of daily walks and play sessions to stay fit and mentally stimulated. About 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day is usually sufficient for this breed.

However, it‘s important to always keep a Basschshund on a leash or in a securely fenced area during walks and playtime. The scent hound in them gives Basschshunds a very strong instinct to follow their nose wherever it may lead them. They can become so intent on tracking an interesting smell that they will wander far from home without realizing it. Microchipping and keeping current ID tags on their collar is also a must for this breed.

Another potential challenge of owning a Basschshund is their tendency to bark excessively if not trained properly. These dogs were bred to hunt in packs and alert their humans to prey, so barking comes naturally to them. Teaching the "quiet" command and not rewarding barking behavior with attention can help keep a Basschshund‘s vocalizations under control.

Basschshunds can also have a bit of a stubborn streak thanks to their hound background. They are intelligent and trainable, but expect them to put their own spin on obedience at times. Starting training early in puppyhood using positive reinforcement methods is the best approach. With consistency, patience, and plenty of praise and treats, a Basschshund can learn manners and basic obedience commands. Just don‘t expect a robot-like performance from this free-thinking breed.

When it comes to grooming, Basschshunds have fairly low-maintenance coats that shed moderately. Brushing a few times a week and the occasional bath is typically sufficient to keep their coat and skin healthy. However, their long, droopy ears will need more frequent attention. All that adorable ear floppiness doesn‘t allow for much air circulation, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.

Basschshund owners must be vigilant about keeping their dogs‘ ears clean and dry to prevent painful ear infections. Use a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner at least once a week to gently remove any wax or debris. If you notice your Basschshund scratching at their ears, shaking their head frequently, or if their ears look red and inflamed or have a bad odor, contact your vet right away.

Besides ear issues, Basschshunds can be prone to a few other health concerns. Their long spines put them at higher risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition in which the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture. IVDD can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in serious cases.

Supporting your Basschshund‘s back by using a harness instead of a collar on walks, lifting them properly with two hands, and providing ramps or pet stairs for getting on and off furniture can help reduce stress on their spine. It‘s also crucial to keep a Basschshund at a healthy weight, as excess pounds only increase the strain.

Basschshunds also have a strong drive to eat and can become overweight quite easily if their diet isn‘t controlled. Follow your veterinarian‘s recommendations for the amount and type of food your individual dog needs. Avoid free-feeding and use treats sparingly. Plenty of exercise and playtime can help burn off extra calories too.

Other health issues seen in the breed include eye problems like cherry eye and glaucoma, skin allergies, luxating patellas, and hip dysplasia. Reputable Basschshund breeders will screen their breeding dogs for genetic health problems to reduce the risk, but it‘s still important for owners to know the signs and keep up with routine veterinary care.

If you think the Basschshund sounds like the perfect companion for you, make sure to do your research before bringing one home. Seek out reputable Basschshund breeders who health test their dogs and are committed to improving the breed. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1500 for a Basschshund puppy, depending on the breeder and your location.

You can also reach out to local animal shelters and Basset Hound or Dachshund rescue organizations, as they sometimes have Basschshund mixes available for adoption. Adopting an older Basschshund lets you skip the puppy stage and can be very rewarding.

Whichever route you choose, taking the time to find a responsible Basschshund breeder or rescue will increase your chances of getting a healthy, well-socialized dog. Once you welcome a Basschshund into your life, you‘ll quickly discover all the delights of this special hybrid breed. From their unique looks to their clownish personalities, Basschshunds never fail to bring joy and laughter.

But perhaps the most endearing Basschshund trait of all is their immense capacity for love and devotion. This is a breed that will stick to you like Velcro and make you the center of their universe. A Basschshund will greet you with unbridled enthusiasm every time you walk through the door, whether you‘ve been gone 5 minutes or 5 hours. They‘ll be your shadow as you go about your day, your Netflix buddy on the couch, and your biggest fan no matter what.

Living with a Basschshund means having a constant companion who provides unconditional love and emotional support. Through good times and bad, sickness and health, your Basschshund will be by your side, serving as a reminder that you are loved. It‘s an unbreakable bond and a truly special partnership.

So if you‘re searching for a dog that can make you laugh, keep you company, and offer unwavering loyalty and affection, look no further than the charmingly unique Basschshund. Opening your heart and home to this delightful hybrid breed may just be one of the best decisions you‘ll ever make.