Bullbasset Mastiff
The Bullbasset Mastiff is a cross between the Bullmastiff and the Basset Hound. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Bullbasset Mastiff. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large, powerful breed that combines strength with agility in a symmetrical, well-balanced package. Males typically stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh 110 to 130 pounds, while females measure 24 to 26 inches and weigh 100 to 120 pounds. The breed presents a nearly square profile, with the length of the body from shoulder to buttocks approximately equal to the height at the withers. Despite their imposing size, Bullmastiffs should appear active and capable of considerable speed when required, reflecting their heritage as working dogs capable of pursuing and restraining intruders. The head is large and square when viewed from any angle, with a fair amount of wrinkle showing when the dog is alert or interested. The muzzle is broad and deep, approximately one-third the length of the entire head, with a black mask that is essential to the breed's characteristic expression. The eyes are dark hazel in color, medium-sized, and set apart by the width of the muzzle, giving an alert and intelligent expression. The V-shaped ears are set wide and high on the skull, level with the occiput, and fold back close to the cheeks, contributing to the head's square appearance. The body is compact and powerful, with a broad, deep chest that is well let down between the forelegs. The back is short and straight, giving a compact carriage, while the loins are wide and muscular with a fair depth of flank. The forelegs are straight and well-boned, set wide apart to support the breed's substantial weight. The coat is short and dense, providing good weather protection, and comes in three acceptable colors: red, fawn, or brindle, with a small white spot on the chest permissible. The tail is set high, strong at the root, and tapers to the hocks, carried straight or curved but never curled over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Bullmastiffs are intelligent dogs with an independent streak that can make training challenging. They respond best to firm, consistent, positive reinforcement methods and do not tolerate harsh corrections well. The breed is relatively quiet, rarely barking without cause, which made them valuable as silent night guardians. While they require moderate exercise to maintain muscle tone and prevent obesity, they are not high-energy dogs and adapt well to various living situations as long as they receive adequate daily activity and mental stimulation. Potential owners should be aware that Bullmastiffs may not tolerate other dogs of the same sex and require careful introductions to new animals.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) is a life-threatening emergency that affects deep-chested breeds like the Bullmastiff. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and rotates, cutting off blood supply and requiring immediate surgical intervention. Prophylactic gastropexy during spay or neuter surgery can significantly reduce this risk. Other health concerns include entropion, where the eyelids roll inward causing irritation to the cornea, hypothyroidism affecting metabolism, and cardiac conditions including subaortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy. The typical lifespan for a Bullmastiff is 8 to 10 years, shorter than average due to their size and the breed's predisposition to serious health conditions.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of substantial bone and remarkable presence, possessing the characteristics needed to follow a trail over difficult terrain with tenacity and endurance. Despite standing no more than 14 inches at the shoulder, the breed typically weighs 40 to 65 pounds, making it heavier in bone for its size than any other breed of dog. The short stature results from a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, which produces the characteristic short, slightly crooked legs while maintaining a large, heavy body. This unique conformation allowed hunters to follow the breed on foot while its exceptional scenting ability tracked game through dense underbrush. The head is large and well-proportioned, with a domed skull showing a pronounced occipital protuberance. The muzzle is deep and heavy, with loose, pendulous lips that contribute to the breed's characteristic sad expression. The extraordinarily long ears are set low on the head, well below the eye line, and are so long they can reach past the nose when drawn forward. These ears help funnel scent toward the nose while the loose skin and dewlap trap scent particles, enhancing the breed's already exceptional olfactory abilities. The eyes are soft and sad in expression, slightly sunken with prominent haw, typically dark brown in color, giving the breed an endearing appearance. The body is long with a deep chest and prominent sternum, well-rounded ribs extending well back, and a level topline. The forelegs are short, powerful, and heavy in bone, with wrinkled skin and massive paws that turn slightly outward to balance the width of the chest. The hindquarters are full and well-rounded, providing power for the breed's surprisingly smooth and efficient movement. The coat is hard, smooth, and short, dense enough for weather protection, and comes in any recognized hound color with tricolor and red and white being most common. The tail is set in continuation of the spine, carried gaily in hound fashion with a slight curve, never docked.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Basset Hounds have moderate energy levels and are often described as laid-back or even lazy when indoors, though they can display surprising energy and enthusiasm when outdoors, particularly if an interesting scent is detected. They are vocal dogs with a distinctive deep, melodious bay that can carry considerable distances, which may pose challenges in noise-sensitive living situations. While not aggressive, Bassets are also not reliable watchdogs, as they typically greet strangers with friendly curiosity rather than suspicion. The breed generally gets along well with other dogs and pets, though their strong prey drive may lead them to chase smaller animals outdoors.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions affect many Basset Hounds, including primary open-angle glaucoma, which involves increased pressure within the eye leading to vision loss. The breed's droopy eyelids also predispose them to entropion and ectropion, conditions where the eyelids roll inward or outward respectively, causing irritation and potential corneal damage. Ear infections are extremely common due to the breed's long, heavy ears that restrict airflow to the ear canal and trap moisture. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection are essential. Hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, and hypothyroidism are additional concerns. The typical lifespan for a Basset Hound is 10 to 12 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 Bullbasset Mastiff 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 Bullmastiff and Basset Hound to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.