Bascottie
The Bascottie is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Scottish Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bascottie. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive low-slung body that stands between thirteen and fifteen inches at the shoulder while weighing forty to sixty-five pounds. This breed possesses an extraordinarily heavy bone structure relative to its size, giving it a substantial and solid appearance despite its short stature. The body is notably long in proportion to its height, creating the characteristic elongated silhouette that distinguishes this breed from other hounds. Short and powerful legs were specifically developed for tracking game through dense underbrush while allowing hunters to follow on foot at a comfortable walking pace. The most recognizable features of the Basset Hound include its remarkably long, velvety ears that can reach well past the nose when pulled forward, helping to sweep scent particles toward the powerful nose which ranks second only to the Bloodhound in scenting capability. The deeply sunken eyes contribute to the characteristic sad and soulful expression that has endeared this breed to generations of owners around the world. Loose, elastic skin creates prominent wrinkles across the forehead and face, while substantial dewlaps and pendulous lips often result in drooling, particularly after eating or drinking. The skull is domed with a pronounced occipital bone, and the muzzle is deep and heavy with large, open nostrils designed for exceptional scenting ability in the field. The Basset Hound's coat is short, dense, and smooth with a texture that provides excellent protection against harsh terrain, thorny underbrush, and inclement weather conditions. The skin beneath the coat is loose and supple, offering additional protection during work in challenging environments. The coat comes in a variety of color combinations including the classic tricolor pattern of black, tan, and white, as well as red and white, lemon and white, mahogany and white, and various other recognized hound color patterns. Any traditional hound coloration is acceptable according to breed standards. The tail is long and slightly curved, set as a continuation of the spine and carried up with a gentle saber-like curve when the dog is in motion, serving as a visible flag when working in tall vegetation.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While generally quiet and undemanding during indoor time, Basset Hounds possess a distinctive deep bay and melodious howl that they use liberally when bored, lonely, on an interesting scent trail, or alerting to something noteworthy in their environment. This vocalization can carry considerable distances and may concern close neighbors in apartment or townhouse situations. These dogs have moderate energy requirements but benefit greatly from daily exercise to prevent obesity, a significant and common concern for the breed. Their social nature makes them poor guard dogs as they tend to greet everyone warmly, viewing strangers as potential friends rather than threats, though they will certainly announce visitors.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions are particularly prevalent in Basset Hounds, with glaucoma, especially primary open-angle glaucoma, occurring at significantly higher rates than in most other breeds. Cherry eye, ectropion, entropion, and other eyelid abnormalities are also common due to the loose facial skin and heavy facial structure characteristic of the breed. The long, pendulous ears create a warm, moist environment prone to chronic ear infections requiring diligent weekly cleaning and monitoring for early signs of problems. Thrombopathia, an inherited bleeding disorder, and von Willebrand's disease are genetic conditions for which testing is available and recommended before breeding. Hypothyroidism and patellar luxation also occur in the breed. With proper care and weight management, Basset Hounds typically live ten to twelve years.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a compact, sturdy small dog standing approximately ten inches at the shoulder and weighing between eighteen and twenty-two pounds, with males typically at the higher end of this range and females somewhat lighter. Despite the small stature, this breed conveys an impression of tremendous power, substance, and agility, owing to its heavy bone structure and well-muscled body built low to the ground for pursuing quarry into underground dens and burrows. The overall silhouette is distinctly rectangular, with the body length exceeding the height and creating the characteristic Scottie profile that has made this breed instantly recognizable worldwide for over a century. The head is notably long in proportion to the body, featuring a slightly domed skull and a powerful muzzle that appears almost equal in length to the skull, giving the head a balanced, refined appearance that suggests both intelligence and determination. Distinctive facial furnishings include the iconic beard and prominent eyebrows that give the breed its characteristic dignified and somewhat stern expression, often described as thoughtful, wise, or even grumpy. Small, erect ears with pointed tips stand alert on top of the head, enhancing the watchful demeanor that defines this vigilant breed, while the eyes are small, almond-shaped, and set widely apart under heavy brows with a piercing, keen expression that misses nothing in the environment. The Scottish Terrier's coat is a weather-resistant double layer consisting of a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation in cold and wet conditions, covered by a harsh, wiry outer coat that repels moisture and protects against brambles and rough terrain. The outer coat should stand away from the body and is typically two inches or longer, requiring regular hand stripping or clipping to maintain proper texture and the distinctive Scottie silhouette. Accepted colors include solid black, wheaten ranging from light straw to deep burnished gold, and brindle of various shades from light silver to deep reddish undertones. Some white hairs interspersed throughout the coat or small white markings on the chest are permissible within breed standards. The tail is thick at the base, approximately seven inches long, and carried erect with a slight curve, never curling over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training a Scottish Terrier requires considerable patience, consistency, mutual respect, and a thorough understanding of the breed's independent thinking nature that differs markedly from more biddable breeds. These dogs are certainly intelligent enough to learn anything but may openly question why they should comply with demands they consider unreasonable, repetitive, or beneath their dignity. Positive reinforcement methods work best, as Scotties are surprisingly sensitive despite their tough exterior and respond very poorly to harsh corrections, often becoming stubborn, shutting down completely, or developing avoidance behaviors. The breed retains strong prey drive from its vermin-hunting heritage and should be supervised around small animals, while some individuals display same-sex dog aggression.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The Scottish Terrier faces a significantly elevated risk of certain cancers compared to the general dog population, particularly bladder cancer and transitional cell carcinoma, with studies indicating the breed has approximately eighteen to twenty times higher risk than other breeds combined. Research suggests possible environmental links including exposure to lawn chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and certain flea prevention products. Other health concerns in the breed include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism requiring lifelong medication, liver shunts that may need dietary management or surgery, Cushing's disease, and various skin allergies and sensitivities. Eye problems including juvenile cataracts and glaucoma also occur with some frequency in the breed. Regular veterinary screenings help ensure prompt intervention. Scottish Terriers typically live eleven to fifteen years.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Bascottie may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Basset Hound and Scottish Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.