Basset Bordeaux
Hybrid Breed Description
The Basset Bordeaux is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Basset Bordeaux. 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 to large breed characterized by a distinctive low-slung build and substantial bone structure. Males typically stand between thirteen and fifteen inches at the shoulder while weighing anywhere from forty to sixty-five pounds, with females being slightly smaller. Despite their relatively short stature, these dogs possess a remarkably heavy and muscular body with a long back and broad chest that provides ample lung capacity. The breed's most recognizable features include short, crooked legs with large, sturdy paws that provide excellent stability, and a body that appears somewhat rectangular in profile due to the contrast between length and height. The Basset Hound's head is one of its most distinctive characteristics, featuring a large, well-proportioned skull with loose, elastic skin that falls in expressive wrinkles and folds, particularly around the face and neck. The breed displays long, velvety ears that hang low and often drag along the ground, helping to sweep scent particles toward the nose. Their eyes are typically brown with a soft, melancholy expression enhanced by slightly drooping lower lids, and the muzzle is deep and heavy. The tail is carried with a slight curve and held gaily above the back. The coat is short, dense, and smooth with a hard texture that provides protection during outdoor activities. Basset Hounds come in a variety of hound colors, most commonly tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, though red and white, lemon and white, or any hound color pattern is acceptable. The skin is loose and supple, creating the characteristic wrinkled appearance that is both functional for scent tracking and endearing in appearance. This combination of physical traits creates a dog that is unmistakably built for endurance and scent work while maintaining a charming and approachable appearance.
Key Characteristics
The Basset Hound is renowned for its gentle, easygoing temperament and affectionate nature, making it an excellent family companion. These dogs are typically calm and patient, displaying a sweet disposition toward children and forming strong bonds with their human families. Developed as pack hounds, Bassets generally get along well with other dogs and household pets, though they require early socialization for best results. They possess a friendly demeanor even toward strangers, making them poor watchdogs despite their tendency to bark with a deep, melodious voice. Their laid-back personality means they often prefer lounging to vigorous activity, though they can be surprisingly playful when motivated. However, the breed is also known for independence and stubbornness, traits that stem from their hunting heritage where they were bred to follow scent trails with single-minded determination. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement methods, as Bassets can be somewhat difficult to motivate and may seem uninterested in commands when distracted by an interesting scent. Their intelligence is often underestimated due to this stubborn streak, but they are quite capable learners when properly motivated with food rewards and gentle encouragement. Early socialization and obedience training are essential to channel their natural instincts appropriately. Basset Hounds thrive on companionship and do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods, which can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. They are happiest when included in family activities and prefer having company throughout the day. While not high-energy dogs, they do require regular moderate exercise in the form of daily walks to maintain fitness and prevent obesity. Their strong scenting instinct means they should be kept on leash or in securely fenced areas, as they will follow an interesting trail with complete disregard for commands or potential dangers.
The Basset Hound has an average lifespan of ten to thirteen years and is generally a healthy breed, though they are predisposed to several health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common concerns in the breed, occurring when the joints develop abnormally and leading to arthritis, pain, and mobility issues as the dog ages. The breed's unique body structure with short legs and a long back makes them particularly vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause pain, mobility problems, and in severe cases, paralysis. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to minimize strain on the joints and spine, and activities involving jumping or stair climbing should be limited, especially during the puppy stage. Ear infections are among the most frequent health issues in Basset Hounds due to their long, pendulous ears that restrict air circulation and create a warm, moist environment conducive to bacterial and yeast growth. Regular ear cleaning and thorough drying are essential preventive measures. Eye problems are also common, including conditions such as glaucoma, cherry eye, and entropion or ectropion where the eyelids roll inward or outward. The loose skin and deep-set eyes can accumulate debris and moisture, requiring regular cleaning to prevent irritation and infection. Obesity is a significant health concern for the breed, as Basset Hounds have a tendency to become overweight when overfed or under-exercised, which exacerbates joint problems and can lead to other serious health issues. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Other health considerations include von Willebrand's disease, a blood clotting disorder, thrombopathia affecting platelet function, patellar luxation, and various skin conditions including allergies and bacterial infections in skin folds. Dental disease is particularly common in the breed and requires regular professional cleanings and home care to prevent tooth loss and systemic health problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proactive health management are essential for maintaining quality of life throughout the Basset Hound's lifespan.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a massive, powerful dog breed characterized by muscular build and substantial bone structure. Males typically stand between twenty-three and twenty-seven inches at the shoulder and weigh a minimum of one hundred ten pounds, often reaching one hundred forty-five pounds or more, while females are slightly smaller at twenty-three to twenty-six inches tall and weighing at least ninety-nine pounds. The breed is set relatively low to the ground compared to some other mastiff types, creating a compact, athletic appearance despite their considerable size. The body is thick-set with a broad, deep chest that provides ample lung capacity, a slightly dipped topline, and strong, well-muscled legs that end in large, cat-like feet. The most distinctive feature of the Dogue de Bordeaux is its massive head, claimed to be the largest in proportion to body size in the canine world. The skull is broad and slightly domed with a pronounced stop, creating a powerful, forbidding expression. Deep wrinkles furrow the face symmetrically on each side of a median groove, and these wrinkles become more mobile and pronounced when the dog is alert. The muzzle is somewhat short, wide, and powerful, with an undershot jaw and thick, hanging upper lips that create substantial jowls and contribute to the breed's tendency to drool. The eyes are oval-shaped, set wide apart, and range from hazel to dark brown depending on mask color. Ears are relatively small for the head size, set high, and hang close to the cheeks. The Dogue de Bordeaux has a short, smooth coat that lies close to the body with a soft, fine texture. The breed comes exclusively in various shades of fawn, ranging from light, pale fawn to deep mahogany or reddish-brown. A defining characteristic is the facial mask, which can be either black or brown, distinguished from the rest of the coat around and under the nose, lips, and eye rims. Some individuals may have small white patches on the chest and feet, which are acceptable under breed standards. The combination of the massive wrinkled head, powerful build, and distinctive coloring creates an imposing yet dignified appearance that commands attention while also conveying the breed's gentle nature to those familiar with the temperament behind the formidable exterior.
Key Characteristics
The Dogue de Bordeaux is known for its calm, gentle temperament that contrasts sharply with its imposing physical presence. These dogs are deeply loyal and affectionate with their families, forming intense bonds and often displaying a strong desire to be near their owners at all times. They thrive on companionship and do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods, which can lead to separation anxiety and related behavioral issues. Despite their size and strength, well-socialized Dogues are remarkably patient and tolerant with children, making them excellent family companions when properly supervised. Their devotion to family extends to a natural protective instinct that makes them vigilant guardians of home and loved ones, though this protectiveness should be carefully managed through early socialization. The breed displays a somewhat reserved and wary demeanor toward strangers, taking time to assess new situations and people before warming up. This cautiousness is part of their guarding heritage and means they benefit greatly from comprehensive socialization beginning in puppyhood to ensure they can distinguish between genuine threats and normal social encounters. Dogues are generally calm and easygoing in familiar environments, preferring to observe rather than actively seek excitement. However, they can exhibit stubbornness and independence, particularly during training, which requires patient, consistent, and firm leadership. Early obedience training using positive reinforcement methods is essential given their eventual size and strength. Despite their low to moderate energy levels, Dogues require regular exercise to maintain physical and mental health, though care must be taken not to overexert them due to their brachycephalic facial structure which can compromise breathing efficiency. They are intelligent dogs capable of learning quickly, but their strong-willed nature means they respond best to confident handlers who can establish clear boundaries and expectations. The breed typically gets along well with other dogs when properly socialized from a young age, though some individuals may display dominance toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Their high prey drive means caution should be exercised around small pets.
The Dogue de Bordeaux has one of the shortest lifespans among dog breeds, typically living only five to eight years, though some individuals may reach ten to twelve years with exceptional care. This abbreviated lifespan is primarily due to the breed's predisposition to serious health conditions, particularly cardiac issues. Dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges, and aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve, are leading causes of premature death in the breed. These heart conditions often show minimal symptoms until advanced stages, making regular cardiac screening essential. Additional contributing factors to the shortened lifespan include the breed's large size, brachycephalic facial structure that compromises respiratory function, and various genetic health vulnerabilities. Hip dysplasia is extremely common in Dogue de Bordeaux, with prevalence rates ranging from twenty-five to forty-seven percent depending on the country and breeding population. This hereditary condition causes abnormal hip joint development leading to arthritis, pain, and mobility problems that significantly impact quality of life. Elbow dysplasia and other joint issues are also concerns. The breed's deep chest makes them susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals, avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes, and some owners opt for prophylactic gastropexy surgery. Cancer, particularly lymphoma and mast cell tumors, is a leading cause of death in the breed. Other significant health concerns include hypothyroidism affecting metabolism and coat quality, skin conditions such as ichthyosis causing severe flaking, chronic skin fold infections requiring diligent hygiene, and footpad hyperkeratosis causing thickened, cracked paw pads. The brachycephalic facial structure predisposes them to breathing difficulties, overheating, and brachycephalic airway syndrome. Eye problems including entropion, ectropion, and cherry eye are relatively common. The breed also experiences reproductive challenges with high rates of stillbirths, neonatal mortality, and frequent need for cesarean sections. Kidney disease through glomerulonephropathy can cause early organ failure. Due to these numerous health challenges, prospective owners should seek breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing and be prepared for potentially significant veterinary expenses throughout the dog's life. Regular veterinary monitoring and proactive health management are essential for maximizing both lifespan and quality of life.
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 Basset Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.