The Basschshund is the lovely mix between a Basset Hound and a Dachshund. It is a relatively new designer dog breed. They are sweet and clever dogs who love to be with their people. Often described as stocky or sturdy, they have the signature longer bodies and shorter legs that are seen on Dachshunds and Basset Hounds.
In general, the Basschshund is a medium-sized dog with floppy ears and a longer snout. They are friendly and loving dogs that require minimal maintenance, which makes them an excellent choice for families and new dog owners. However, they can have a stubborn streak, so it’s important to keep that in mind if you’re looking for a faithfully obedient breed.
Quick Comparison: Basset Hound Vs. Dachshund vs. Basschshund
| Items | Dachshund | Basset Hound | Basschshund |
| Type | Hound | Hound | Mix |
| Origins | 15th century | 16th century | 20th century |
| Country of Origin | Germany | France | North America |
| Size | Small to medium | Medium | Medium |
| Height | 8” to 9” | 12” to 14” | 8” to 11” |
| Weight | 16 to 32 lbs (standard) or 11lbs max (miniature) | 45 to 65 lbs | 25 to 45 lbs |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired | Short | Usually short, but may have longer coat depending on parents |
| Shedding | Moderate | Minimal | Minimal to moderate |
| Brushing Needs | 1-3 times a week depending on coat length | Once a week | 1-3 times a week depending on coat length |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal to moderate depending on coat length | Minimal | Minimal to moderate depending on coat length |
| Temperament | Clever, stubborn, mischievous, playful | An affectionate, people pleaser, stubborn | Gentle, loving, stubborn |
| Trainability | Hard | Moderate | Moderate |
| Kid-Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dog Friendly? | Moderate | Yes | Moderate |
| Family-Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Good with other pets? | No | Yes | Moderate |
| Good for new owners? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchiness | High | High | High |
| Tolerance to solitude | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Tolerance to heat | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Tolerance to cold | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking | High | High | High |
| Exercise needs | 30-60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day |
| Tendency to gain weight | High | High | High |
READ MORE: Top 24+ Most Popular Dachshund Mixes with Pictures
Basschshund Highlights
- Friendly, loving, and stubborn
Basschshunds are sweet and loving dogs who don’t need much of anything except your love and attention. They can have a bit of a stubborn streak, but they love to please their people so positive reinforcement goes a long way.
- Laidback and low energy
The low energy of the Basset Hound really helps to balance out the Basschshund into a laid-back breed that isn’t so concerned with fighting, guarding, digging, chasing, or any other feisty behaviors. They are more concerned with snuggling up with their people.
- Great family dog
Basschshunds have a low tolerance for being left alone, especially for extended periods. Combined with their laid-back attitudes, they are an excellent choice for families with children.
- Good apartment dogs
Their relatively small size and low energy requirements make the Basschshund a good choice for small dwellings like apartments. Beware though that they can have a tendency to bark or howl, especially due to separation anxiety. Proper crate training can go a long way.
- Low maintenance
Basschshunds are mostly smooth-coated unless the Dachshund side happened to be a long hair coat. This means that, for the most part, they are super low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They shed moderately, but it is easily taken care of with a weekly brushing.
- Great watchdog
The Basschshund has a deep bark and they tend to be alert to any strangers or dangers, which makes them good watchdogs.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Basschshund
Pros of a Basschshund
They are sweet and good-natured dogs for the most part. Basschshunds make great companion dogs for just about any owner. They get along well with other dogs and children and are very seldom aggressive.
Low energy requirements make them an excellent choice for small dwellings or people who are not very active. They would make a great companion for seniors or anyone who is looking for a cuddly gentle dog. They are very low maintenance and can be easily occupied by mentally stimulating toys in the home.
Known to be alert to strangers, Basschshunds can make good watchdogs. While they are not aggressive, they can be wary of strangers that may pose a risk to their home or people. They will bark at any unauthorized personnel, but quickly calm down once they know that all is well.
Cons of a Basschshund
Both the Basset Hound and the Dachshund are known for having a bit of a stubborn side. That has carried over to the Basschshund. This can mean that they are not great listeners. Early obedience training with lots of positive reinforcement will be crucial to having a well-behaved dog.
The two hound-type breeds were bred for sniffing out prey, so they can be pretty obsessive when they pick up a scent. It’s possible that combined with their stubborn nature, they may wander off in search of a scent and not listen to any recall attempts. However, this can also be a great source for playful enrichment around the house or a fully fenced yard.
While Basschshunds are sweet and gentle, their lineage was bred for hunting. This means they can have a high prey drive for small animals like rodents and rabbits. This is important to keep in mind if you have any small animals in your home. That being said, they are often on the lazier side and don’t really do much chasing.
Basschshund Temperament
The Basschshund is easy-going and laid back despite their hunting heritage. Ideal for families, they do best when they are not left alone for extended periods. They love to be around their people, playing, and cuddling.
That being said, they don’t require a lot of activity or undivided attention, which also makes them great for busy people. As long as they can be nearby while you work or talk on the phone.
Their stubborn streak can mean that they have selective hearing and may not always obey your commands. It’s important to be patient and avoid scolding or punishments, instead of using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
What is the Life Expectancy of the Basschshund?
Life expectancy for the Basschshund is approximately 12 to 15 years. This will largely depend on their health and lineage. Dachshunds have been known to live slightly longer than Basset Hounds.
Basschshund Size and Appearance
There can be so much variability in designer dog breeds like the Basschshund. This is mostly because of the variabilities seen in each parent breed, which can create so many different combinations of appearances in offspring.
In general, the Basschshund is a medium-sized dog with adorable floppy ears and a longer snout. They have shorter legs and longer bodies from both their Dachshund and Basset Hound parents. Usually, they’re under a foot tall!
They are sturdy little dogs and can weigh 25 to 45lbs depending on the size of their parents. They can also be prone to weight gain due to their low physical activity needs.
Basschshund Coat Colors
Most Basschshunds have short smooth coats, with the exception of those who have a long or wire-haired Dachshund parent. This is a low-maintenance coat that is easy to maintain.
Their coloring usually mimics the typical coloring seen on Basset Hounds or Dachshunds. They can often be found in gorgeous deep browns and chestnuts, black, white, or gray and any combination of those. The facial features such as lips, nose, and rims of the eyes are usually darker.
Basschshund Grooming Needs
With their short, smooth coats, these guys are super low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brushing once a week with a brush meant for short smooth coats will do the trick. They seldom need to go to the groomer unless you’d prefer for someone else to bathe them.
Those floppy ears also need a little bit of extra care with the occasional wipe-down. A warm cloth works well, or there are veterinary wipes that are also designed for this.
Trim nails regularly to prevent overgrowth. Basschshunds often have dark nails, which can be difficult to trim. Keeping them maintained regularly will make this process easier.
How Much Exercise Does a Basschshund Need?
If it were up to a Basschshund, they’d go on a few short outings each day to relieve themselves. However, 30 to 60 minutes of low-impact physical activity in the form of walking or some rigorous indoor playing is necessary for good health. Otherwise, this low-energy breed is prone to weight gain.
As an important note, Basschshunds are prone to wander off when in search of a scent, so keeping them on a leash is important. The recall will only get you so far with this stubborn breed.
Is it Easy to Train a Basschshund?
Like we’ve mentioned above, Basschshunds can have a stubborn streak. This can make them selective listeners who don’t always obey commands. That being said, they do love to please their people. Lots of positive reinforcement will go a long way during obedience training.
They are also pretty clever dogs that would benefit from mental stimulation like puzzles and learning tricks. As long as they have the right incentive in the form of yummy treats.
Basschshund Potential Health Problems
Due to their elongated bodies, Basschshunds can be prone to spine injuries and intervertebral disc disease. It’s important to maintain healthy body weight and to avoid any high-impact activities like jumping off the bed.
Their floppy ears can also make them prone to ear infections, aka otitis externa. To prevent this, keep ears clean and dry.
A few other health problems that they can be susceptible to include gastric torsion, foreleg lameness, glaucoma, diabetes, heart disease, urinary tract infections, and von Willebrands disease. As with any pet, it’s important to get regular checkups at the vet.
Basschshund Feeding and Nutrition
The amount of food to feed your pet will always depend on the formulation you choose and your pet’s weight. Make sure to pick a high-quality kibble and follow the instructions on the side of the bag. Generally, Basschshunds will eat about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of kibble per day, spread out over two or three meals.
Beware of boutique diets such as raw or grain-free. Grain-free diets have been associated with life-threatening heart conditions. Raw diets can also make your pet susceptible to antibiotic-resistant infections. But picking high-quality dog food is an important part of their care. When in doubt, ask your vet!
Is the Basschshund Good with Children?
Yes! The Basschshund is a loving, sweet, friendly dog that does well with children. It’s always important to ensure proper introductions and instill good manners between kids and dogs.
Kids should understand to be gentle, not to pull on ears, and not to be too intrusive with dogs. Dogs should also learn to be gentle in return.
Does Basschshund Get Along Well with Other Pets?
Yes, the Basschshund gets along with other pets for the most part. They are pretty laid back and easy-going. However, small animals may trigger their instinctive prey drive. Thus, it is important to use caution and monitor Basschshunds with small animals.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Basschshund?
A Basschshund puppy from a reputable breeder will be in the neighborhood of $500 to $1000 or more. It’s important to choose a responsible breeder because the litters are often healthier and better-taken care of than just some person from an online marketplace or a pet store.
You may also be able to find a Basschshund at a rescue or shelter! Adoption fees can range from $50 to $500 depending on how much the organization relies on adoption fees to cover its operating costs.
Is a Basschshund right for you?
Basschshunds make excellent companions for a variety of different people: families, seniors, and new pet owners! They are good around children and other pets, with the exception of small animals that might trigger their prey drive.
Loving and affectionate, these guys are easy to care for and will keep you entertained with their cleverness!
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see more Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
