Basschshund
Hybrid Breed Description
The Basschshund is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Dachshund. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Basschshund. 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 presents a distinctive and recognizable appearance characterized by its substantial build and low-slung stature. Despite standing only thirteen to fifteen inches tall at the shoulder, these medium to large dogs typically weigh between forty and sixty-five pounds, creating a unique profile that combines short, sturdy legs with a long, heavy-boned body. Their robust physique features a deep chest that provides ample lung capacity, while their compact yet powerful frame gives them surprising stability and agility despite their unconventional proportions. The breed's head is notably large and well-proportioned, featuring a slightly rounded skull crowned with long, velvety ears that hang low and frame the face beautifully. Their most endearing facial features include large, sad-looking brown eyes set beneath a wrinkled brow, loose skin that falls in distinctive folds around the head and neck, and drooping lips that contribute to their melancholy expression. The moderately curved tail is carried proudly above their elongated back. Basset Hounds sport a short, dense coat that requires minimal maintenance while providing protection in various weather conditions. The coat appears in traditional hound colorations including tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, as well as bicolor patterns featuring red and white, brown and white, or lemon and white variations. Their distinctive appearance, combining droopy features with a noble bearing, makes them instantly recognizable and beloved among dog enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Characteristics
Basset Hounds possess a remarkably easygoing and friendly temperament that makes them excellent family companions. Originally developed as pack hunters, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and household pets, displaying a sociable nature that extends to strangers despite their watchdog tendencies. Their gentle disposition and patient demeanor make them particularly well-suited for families with children, though they greet visitors warmly rather than protectively. These affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families and genuinely dislike being left alone for extended periods. While intelligent and capable learners, Basset Hounds demonstrate a famously stubborn and independent streak inherited from their hunting heritage. Training requires consistent leadership, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques, as these dogs were bred to follow scent trails with single-minded determination rather than immediate obedience to commands. Their strong hunting instincts mean they can become completely absorbed when following an interesting scent, often ignoring recall commands in favor of tracking. This trait, combined with their powerful nose second only to Bloodhounds, makes secure fencing and leash walking essential. Despite their laid-back reputation, Basset Hounds possess moderate energy levels and enjoy regular exercise, though they're not high-powered athletes requiring intense activity. They appreciate daily walks and outdoor exploration opportunities while being content to spend considerable time relaxing at home. Their vocal nature manifests in deep, melodious barking, and when left to their own devices, they may develop nuisance behaviors like excessive barking or digging. These charming dogs thrive on companionship and respond best to owners who understand their independent nature while providing firm but loving guidance.
Basset Hounds face several significant health challenges primarily related to their distinctive body structure and genetic predispositions. The breed's most prevalent concern is Intervertebral Disc Disease, affecting Bassets more than nearly any other breed due to their long backs and short legs. This spinal condition occurs when the cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate or herniate, potentially causing pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, paralysis. Obesity significantly exacerbates back problems, making weight management absolutely critical for this food-motivated breed. Additional orthopedic concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and early-onset arthritis, all complicated by their heavy build on short limbs. Basset Hounds commonly experience eye problems including glaucoma, cherry eye, ectropion, and entropion, with glaucoma being particularly serious as it can rapidly lead to blindness without treatment. Their long, droopy ears create an environment prone to chronic ear infections, requiring regular cleaning and monitoring. The breed's loose skin folds, while endearing, can harbor bacteria and yeast, leading to skin infections and dermatitis if not properly maintained. Bassets are also susceptible to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. Genetic conditions affecting the breed include thrombopathia, a bleeding disorder where platelets fail to clot blood properly, and various inherited conditions such as Lafora disease (a late-onset epilepsy), primary open-angle glaucoma, and von Willebrand's disease. Other health concerns include hypothyroidism, Wobbler syndrome affecting the cervical spine, and various cardiac issues. The typical Basset Hound lifespan ranges from twelve to thirteen years. Responsible breeding practices including health testing for genetic conditions, maintaining appropriate weight through diet and exercise, regular veterinary care, and proactive management of their structural vulnerabilities can help these charming hounds live healthier, more comfortable lives.
Dachshund
The Dachshund possesses one of the most distinctive and recognizable silhouettes in the canine world, characterized by an elongated body paired with remarkably short legs that earned them the affectionate nickname of wiener dog or sausage dog. This unique conformation results from a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, specifically bred to allow these determined hunters to pursue badgers into underground burrows. The breed comes in two officially recognized sizes: standard Dachshunds typically weigh between sixteen and thirty-two pounds and stand approximately eight to nine inches tall, while miniature Dachshunds weigh eleven pounds or less and stand just five to six inches at the shoulder. Despite their diminutive stature, both varieties possess surprisingly sturdy, muscular builds with deep chests that provide ample lung capacity and large paws that aid in digging. Dachshunds exhibit remarkable variety in coat types, with three distinct varieties recognized by breed standards. Smooth-coated Dachshunds feature short, sleek, glossy hair requiring minimal grooming. Longhaired Dachshunds display elegant, flowing, slightly wavy coats with beautiful feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. Wirehaired Dachshunds sport a coarse, dense outer coat with a softer undercoat, distinguished by characteristic bushy eyebrows and a beard that gives them a terrier-like appearance. Each coat type may require different grooming approaches but all shed moderately. The breed's head features an extended, tapered muzzle, large floppy ears set high on the skull, and expressive dark eyes that convey intelligence and determination. Their color palette is extraordinarily diverse, ranging from solid reds and creams to black and tan, chocolate and cream, blue and tan, and Isabella combinations. Coat patterns include dapple (a mottled effect), brindle, piebald, and sable variations, though some color combinations like double-dapple can carry genetic health risks. The Dachshund's tail extends in line with the back, and the overall impression is one of confidence and alertness packed into a compact, low-slung package designed for purpose and function.
Key Characteristics
Dachshunds possess bold, spirited personalities that belie their small stature, displaying the courage and tenacity of dogs several times their size. Originally bred to hunt dangerous prey like badgers independently in dark underground burrows, these intelligent dogs retain strong hunting instincts, fearless determination, and a tendency toward independent thinking that can manifest as stubbornness during training. Their courageous nature means they often take on animals much larger than themselves without hesitation, making early socialization and training essential. Despite their small size, Dachshunds have surprisingly deep, resonant barks and serve as excellent watchdogs, alerting their families to anything unusual with enthusiastic vocalization. Within their families, Dachshunds are remarkably affectionate and loyal companions who form intense bonds with their owners, often becoming particularly attached to one special person. They thrive on human companionship and genuinely enjoy cuddling, making them excellent lap dogs despite their hunting heritage. Their playful, energetic nature emerges in bursts of activity where they love running, playing fetch, and especially following scent trails, though they're equally content relaxing on the couch. However, this strong attachment can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, potentially resulting in destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Some Dachshunds may display jealous tendencies when their favorite person gives attention to others. Training Dachshunds requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, as their intelligence and independent nature can make them challenging for inexperienced owners. They were bred to make decisions autonomously while hunting, which translates to a stubborn streak that testing boundaries and selective hearing, especially when an interesting scent captures their attention. Food motivation can be leveraged during training sessions, though care must be taken to avoid overfeeding this breed prone to weight gain. Early socialization helps prevent aggressive or territorial behaviors toward strangers and other dogs. Different coat varieties may exhibit slightly varying personalities, with longhaired Dachshunds often considered more docile and affectionate, smooth-coated varieties potentially more reserved, and wirehaired types displaying more outgoing, clown-like terrier characteristics. Regardless of variety, Dachshunds are lively, devoted companions who bring enormous personality to their families.
Dachshunds face significant health challenges primarily stemming from their distinctive elongated spine and short legs, making them extraordinarily vulnerable to spinal problems. Intervertebral Disc Disease represents the breed's most serious health concern, affecting Dachshunds more than virtually any other breed. This degenerative condition causes the cushioning discs between vertebrae to harden, bulge, or herniate, compressing the spinal cord and potentially causing severe pain, mobility loss, or complete paralysis. Almost all Dachshunds carry the genetic mutation responsible for this predisposition. Prevention strategies include avoiding jumping on or off furniture, restricting stair climbing, preventing obesity, and maintaining strong core muscles through appropriate exercise, though even with precautions, many Dachshunds eventually develop some degree of back problems. The breed is susceptible to several other orthopedic conditions including hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation where the kneecap slides out of position, and early-onset arthritis. Obesity poses particularly grave risks for Dachshunds, as excess weight places tremendous strain on their already vulnerable backs and joints while also increasing risks for diabetes and other systemic conditions. Their deep chests make them prone to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or bloat, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Dachshunds also face elevated risks for various eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy (an inherited disease causing eventual blindness), cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. Genetic conditions affecting the breed include several neurological disorders such as Lafora disease (primarily in miniature wirehaired Dachshunds), epilepsy, narcolepsy, and cerebellar abiotrophy. Other inherited concerns include color dilution alopecia in certain coat colors, various cardiac conditions including dilated cardiomyopathy and patent ductus arteriosus, liver disorders like portosystemic shunt, and blood clotting issues. Dental problems are common due to crowded teeth in their narrow muzzles. The breed's long ears require regular cleaning to prevent chronic infections. Dachshund lifespans typically range from twelve to sixteen years when properly cared for. Responsible breeding with health testing, maintaining lean body weight, avoiding activities that stress the spine, regular veterinary monitoring, and early intervention for health issues can significantly improve quality of life and longevity for these characterful companions.
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 Basschshund 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 Dachshund to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.