Bloodhound Basset Mixed Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More

Introducing the Bloodhound Basset Mix: Your Next Best Friend

Are you looking for a unique, talented dog with the heart and nose of a hound? Look no further than the bloodhound basset mix! This special cross breed combines two of the most skilled scent hounds in the dogdom – the noble bloodhound and the charming basset hound. The result is a one-of-a-kind companion with the keen tracking abilities of its parent breeds wrapped up in a lovably droopy, easy-going package.

History and Origins

To understand the bloodhound basset mix, it helps to know a bit about where its parent breeds came from. Bloodhounds are an ancient breed, developed over 1000 years ago to trail deer and boar. Their name comes from the idea that they were hounds of pure or aristocratic "blood." Bloodhounds have been used for centuries to trail people, making them invaluable for search-and-rescue and law enforcement.

Basset hounds, on the other hand, were refined in France in the 1800s. Friars at the Abbey of St. Hubert wanted to create a low-built scent hound that could be followed on foot. They crossed bloodhounds with various French hounds and the basset hound was born. Originally used to trail rabbits and hare, the basset hound‘s small size and easygoing nature eventually made it more of a companion than a hunter in modern times.

Given that history, it was probably only a matter of time before someone decided to cross a bloodhound and basset hound intentionally. The bloodhound basset mix combines the basset‘s laid-back personality and short stature with the bloodhound‘s unmatched nose in a dog tailor-made for tracking. While still an uncommon mix, these talented hounds are starting to gain attention.

Breed Characteristics

So what can you expect if you bring home a bloodhound basset mix? Like any cross breed, the exact traits will vary from dog to dog depending on which parent they favor. In general though, you can expect the following:

Size: Most bloodhound basset mixes will be medium to large dogs, weighing anywhere from 40 to 110 pounds. They‘ll likely have the short, sturdy legs of a basset which limits their height to 15-27 inches tall. The length of the body comes from the bloodhound side.

Coat: The mix usually has a short, dense coat that sheds moderately. Colors include the typical hound shades of black, tan, red, and white. Some may have the "saddle" markings of a bloodhound or the white-tipped tail of a basset.

Head: One of the most distinctive features of a bloodhound basset will be its head. Expect the long, droopy ears and wrinkled brow of a bloodhound with the soulful eyes of a basset. The muzzle will be long to accommodate all those scent receptors. And yes, with all those facial folds and droopy flews, drooling is definitely a thing with this mix!

Temperament: The ideal bloodhound basset mix is friendly, gentle, and affectionate with its family. They are easygoing and make a great companion for relaxing around the house. At the same time, the mix can have an independent streak and be a bit stubborn, especially if it catches an interesting scent. They are smart but not the most obedient, as pleasing you will always come second to following their nose.

Sociability: Bloodhound basset mixes are pack dogs at heart and enjoy being around their people and other pets. They are generally good with kids, but their size and strength could accidentally knock over little ones. As with any dog, it‘s important to teach children how to respectfully interact. Same-sex aggression may occur between intact dogs. The high prey drive of a hound means the mix may view small furries like rabbits or cats as something to chase unless raised with them.

Trainability: This is not the easiest mix to train, as scent hounds are notoriously independent. The key is to start early with socialization and training to build good habits. Positive methods work best, especially when food rewards are involved – this mix is highly food motivated. Leash training is a must as this mix will take off after any interesting scent. A securely fenced yard is also essential, as the mix can wander for miles once it‘s on a trail.

Exercise Needs: Despite its short legs, the bloodhound basset mix has plenty of stamina and energy when it‘s on a scent. Daily walks of a mile or more plus playtime will keep this dog happy. Plan on keeping those outings to a sniffing pace with plenty of time to follow their nose. Puzzle toys and games are a good way to provide mental exercise too. Once its needs are met, though, the mix will likely be found napping in a sunny spot and enjoys being a couch potato.

Grooming: The bloodhound basset mix‘s grooming needs are fairly straightforward. Plan on brushing the short coat weekly to remove loose fur and keep it glossy. Those long, droopy ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections, as they can trap dirt and moisture. Dental care and nail trims should also be part of the routine. And don‘t forget those wrinkles – they need to be kept clean and dry to avoid skin irritation. A damp cloth should do the trick after meals or slobbery jowl shakes.

Health and Lifespan

The bloodhound basset mix is generally a robust dog with a lifespan of 10-13 years on average. Like all breeds, though, they can be prone to certain genetic disorders. Responsible breeders will screen for issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as cherry eye and ectropion, hypothyroidism, and cardiac concerns.

The mix‘s deep chest and large size also puts it at higher risk for bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding smaller meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and knowing the signs can help prevent bloat.

Keeping this mix at a healthy weight is also essential, as excess pounds put strain on the joints and back. Those short basset legs are prone to back problems if the dog is allowed to get overweight.

Finding a Bloodhound Basset Mix

If a bloodhound basset mix sounds like the hound for you, the next step is finding your new best friend. This is still a relatively uncommon designer mix, so you may need to do some searching.

A good place to start is with bloodhound and basset hound rescue groups, as mixes sometimes end up in their care. Let them know you are interested in a bloodhound basset cross specifically. Petfinder.com and Adopt a Pet are also great websites that let you search for particular breeds and mixes.

If you choose to go through a breeder, do your homework to find a responsible one. Reputable breeders will health test their breeding stock, provide health guarantees and contracts, and insist you meet the puppy in person. Walk away from anyone offering to ship you a puppy sight unseen or selling them cheaply over the Internet or classified ads.

Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $1000 for a well-bred bloodhound basset puppy, as the parents are purebreds that likely have had health testing. And be prepared to wait for the right puppy, as this is not a mix that‘s cranked out in high volume.

Fun Facts About the Bloodhound Basset Mix

Still not convinced the bloodhound basset mix is for you? Consider these fun facts:

The basset hound was originally bred down in size by crossing bloodhounds with French scent hounds in the 1800s. So in many ways, the modern bloodhound basset mix is a return to the basset‘s roots.
The bloodhound‘s nasal chambers are larger than any other breed‘s, with room for 230 million or more scent receptors compared to a measly 5 million in humans. No wonder they can track a scent trail for miles.
But don‘t count the basset out in the nose department. Their sense of smell is second only to the bloodhound‘s. It‘s said a basset can track a mouse trail that‘s over a day old.
Those adorably long, droopy ears on the bloodhound basset mix aren‘t just for looks. They actually help stir up and waft scents from the ground up to the dog‘s nose as it tracks with head down, enhancing its trailing ability.
A bloodhound named Nick Carter is credited with over 650 finds in his career, from lost people to criminals. He‘s even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful man-trailing bloodhound.
The mix‘s smaller stature compared to a purebred bloodhound makes them well-suited for search-and-rescue in places where a larger dog might not fit, like dense underbrush or collapsed buildings. Don‘t underestimate the power of those short legs.
Bloodhounds and basset hounds are both known for being a little bit silly and a lot wrinkly. Expect your mix to keep you entertained with its expressions and antics. Just keep a drool rag handy for when the laughter shakes those jowls.

Summing It Up

The bloodhound basset mix is a unique companion that combines the best of two incredible scent hounds. With the tracking nose of a bloodhound and the mellow personality of a basset, these special dogs make wonderful additions to the right home.

While novice owners might find the independent nature and exercise needs of the mix challenging, those who appreciate laid-back hounds will find much to love. The breed‘s gentle, friendly demeanor makes them excellent family dogs, and their talented noses open up a world of fun activities like tracking and nose work.

If you think the bloodhound basset mix might be your perfect match, be prepared to do some searching to find a pup. But for those who do connect with this rare mix, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, lovable companion whose nose will lead you on the tracking adventure of a lifetime.