The Basset Hound Pitbull mix is a fascinating and rare new breed. If you are looking for a unique canine companion, this might be the pooch for you.
It’s important to know that it’s impossible to fully predict the appearance and personality of these dogs. If you like taking surprises, the Basset Hound Pitbull mix is an adventure you should consider.
History and Where the Basset Hound Pitbull Mix comes from
No one knows where the Basset Hound Pitbull mix comes from. This is the case with many designer breeds. A designer breed is a new breed created by breeding two purebred dogs of different breeds.
The name is new, but the practice is not. Many of today’s popular and well established breeds were created through this process.
Even though we don’t know the history of the Basset Hound Pitbull mix, the parents do have a rich history that can provide insight into the breed.
Basset Hound History
Basset hounds get their name because “basset” means low in French. Basset Hounds are short, or low to the ground, at least compared to other hound breeds.
They were first documented in 700 C.E, at the Abbey of St. Hubert. This is in the Ardennes region of France. During this time, monasteries were places of learning and innovation. Monks were tasked with agricultural innovations, clearing land, and even breeding dogs. These were sold to wealthy land owners and royalty.
In 1883, two pairs of Bassett Hounds landed on American shores. During the 19th century, the breed was refined. Breeding with Beagles and Bloodhounds transformed the early Basset Hound into the pooch known and loved today.
The Bassett Hound was, and still is, used to hunt small game. Once they are on the trail, they refuse to give up. They have an independent nature and high endurance, despite their unathletic appearance.
Pitbull History
The pitbull has a rich but unfortunate history. In the 1700-1800s, Bull baiting was popular in England. An English Bulldog would be placed in a ring with a bull. Eventually, the dog would tire or injure the bull until it could no longer stand.
In 1835, this practice was outlawed. Instead of going away, bloodsports went underground. Instead of bull baiting, ratting became popular. This involved putting rats in a pit with dogs. The dog who killed the most rats would win.
Dog fighting also became popular during this time.
These new bloodsports favored dogs who were smaller and more agile. The Bulldog was bred with Terriers. The smaller, lighter, faster outcome was known as the Pitbull. This is because they were descended from Bulldogs, and commonly fought in pits.
Eventually, these practices became uncommon, and Pitbulls became popular as pets. They found new roles as farm hands, and even nanny dogs for children, as well as faithful companions.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Facts
The Basset Hound Pitbull is an incredible breed. Many of its traits will depend on which genes it inherits from its parents. In fact, they can even vary greatly within the same litter. This unpredictability is part of what makes them so popular.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Appearance
The appearance of the Basset Hound Pitbull mix can resemble either parent breed. Mixed breed dogs will receive genes from both parents, which means they will inherit traits from both as well.
However, they will typically resemble one more than the other. So, a Basset Hound Pitbull can look a lot like a Basset Hound, or a lot like a Pitbull, with some traits of each.
Both Pitbulls and Basset hounds have a compact body type, and a short coat. You can expect puppies to inherit these traits from their parents.
Coat and Color
The coat of a Basset Hound Pitbull mix will be short, like both its parents. However, there are some differences. Pitbulls have a smooth coat. Basset Hounds have a coarser coat that is waterproof. Their puppies can have a smooth silky coat, or a short but stiff coat.
When it comes to color, there’s a wide range of potential colors for a Basset Hound Pitbull.
Pitbulls can be white, black, blue, red, and brown. Brindle coloring, which creates stripes, is common as well. In addition to solid and brindle colors, they can be bi color or tri color.
Basset hounds are typically tri color, with them being tan, white, and black. They can be lemon, blue, and white as well, but this coloring is rare.
Basset Hound Pitbulls can be blue, black, white, red, or tan. They can also be bi color, tri color, or brindle.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Price and Expenses
Basset Hound Pitbull’s are rare, which means they are also pretty expensive. However, compared to most pure breeds, they are pretty affordable.
The average cost of a Basset Hound Pitbull mix is $800-$1,500. The price will vary based on several factors. You can expect puppies to be more expensive than adult dogs.
Coloring can also affect price. If the puppies are a rare color, they will be more expensive. Lastly, the bloodline of the parents plays a role in the price.
Puppies with one or both parents from a prestigious bloodline will be more expensive than average. Basset hounds can be registered, which can prove their bloodline. Pitbulls can’t be AKC registered, but there are some bloodlines that are considered prestigious.
Costs of Owning a Basset Hound Pitbull Mix
No matter what type of dog you choose, there are costs associated with caring for them.
If you choose a young puppy, they will require several initial veterinary visits. These can cost $100-$300, depending on the services your pooch needs. If you choose to spay or neuter your pooch, this can cost $150-$300.
Dog food costs $250-$700 a year. Basset Hound Pitbulls are medium sized dogs, so you can expect their food to cost $350-$550 a year.
Dog crates and beds cost $50-$100 each. Your dog may need one of these, or both. You can expect to pay $50-$200 for other needed supplies, including toys, treats, and a leash.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Rarity
Basset Hound Pitbull mixes are rare. The main reason is that they are a new breed. Neither Basset Hounds or Pitbulls are rare breeds, but the practice of breeding them together is, at least for now.
If the breed grows in popularity, it will become less rare. Currently, few people are aware of the breed.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Life Expectancy
The Basset Hound Pitbull mix is a long lived breed. Basset Hounds live for 12-13 years. Pitbulls live for 12-16 years. The Basset Hound Pitbull has a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Size and weight
Since both parents are medium sized, you can expect your Basset Hound Pitbul mix to be medium sized as well.
Pitbulls range in height from 17-21 inches, and weigh 30-60 pounds. Basset Hounds are shorter, reaching a maximum of 15 inches tall. Despite their short stature, they are heavy. They weigh 40-65 pounds.
Basset Hound Pitbull mixes are 35-65 pounds, and can grow to 13-19 inches tall.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Health
Mixed breed dogs are often thought of as healthier than pure breeds, because many diseases are inherited. Some diseases require both parents to carry the gene, but some only require one parent to carry the gene.
There are some diseases that are common in Basset Hounds and Pitbulls, and can be passed on to their puppies.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a joint problem that can occur in many breeds. It’s common in both Pitbulls and Basset Hounds.
The disease causes the ligaments to be too loose, which can cause the hip joint to become out of place. This leads to pain, and a limited range of motion.
The risk of hip dysplasia can be determined by genetic testing. Proper exercise and healthy weight can reduce the risk of the condition.
Bloat
Bloat can occur to any dog. It occurs when the gas in the stomach can’t be relieved. As food digests, the gas and pressure builds. This can cause the stomach to twist, which can quickly be fatal.
The signs of bloat include severe stomach pain and bloating. A dog with bloat will be unable to poop, vomit, or pass gas. Immediate veterinary care is required, because bloat can be fatal within hours of symptoms beginning.
Eye Problems
Both Pitbulls and Basset Hounds can develop eye problems. Both are susceptible to glaucoma. This causes a build up of fluid in the eye, which causes damage to the eye. It can cause blindness if not treated.
Pitbulls are also susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This disease causes the eyes to go blind, because they are genetically programmed to do so.
Allergies
Both Pitbulls and Basset Hounds are susceptible to allergies, particularly skin allergies. This can be caused by food allergies, environmental allergens, or allergens the dog comes into contact with.
This can lead to hair loss, frequent scratching, frequent licking, and rashes. Ear infections are also a potential sign of allergies.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
Both the Pitbull and Basset Hound are loving, good natured dogs. They are surprisingly patient, particularly with family or children.
Pitbulls are energetic, playful, and protective. Basset Hounds tend to be friendly with everyone, and enjoy being near their family.
You can expect your Basset Hound Pitbull mix to inherit these characteristics. They are very friendly and show affection easily. They are brave, and usually calm.
Both breeds can be stubborn or tenacious, so you can expect your pooch to inherit this trait from their parents. They may have the inquisitive nature of a Pitbull, or the calmer demeanor of a Basset Hound.
Are Basset Hound Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
You may worry about this mixed breed being aggressive. However, Pitbulls aren’t more aggressive than other breeds, as long as they are properly trained and socialized.
The American Temperament Test measures a dog’s aggressiveness, friendliness, and other temperament factors. The test is administered to individual dogs, and the results are compiled to give an idea of the temperament of the breed as a whole.
86% of Basset Hounds pass the test. Suprisingly, 87% of Pitbulls pass the test. German Shepards fare only slightly worse, with 85% passing the test. They are considered to be reliable, gentle dogs for families, so it says a lot that Pitbulls are slightly more likely to pass the test.
Basset Hounds are known for their calm friendly temperament. Since Pitbulls scored higher, it’s safe to say that Basset Hound Pitbull mixes are not aggressive dogs by nature.
How to care for a Basset Hound Pitbull Mix
If you are interested in a Basset Hound Pitbull mix, it’s important to know how to care for them. Like all breeds, they have their own unique needs.
How much exercise do Basset Hound Pitbull Mixes need?
How much exercise your Basset Hound Pitbull mix needs depends on the characteristics it inherits from its parents.
Basset Hounds are not very active, despite their tracking ability and endurance. They are happy lounging, with daily gentle walks.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, need more physical activity. They require at least 1 hour of exercise each day, and plenty of mental stimulation as well.
Your pooch can fall at either end of this spectrum. They may need 1 hour of moderate exercise each day, or just a simple walk. You’ll need to gauge your dog’s energy and activity level to determine their exercise needs.
If you notice them seeming restless, barking excessively, or destructive, they may not be getting enough activity. Increase their exercise, and provide more mental stimulation.
Puzzle toys, games, and training can all provide mental exercise.
Do Basset Hound Pitbull Mixes shed a lot?
This will also depend on what your Basset Hound Pitbull mix inherits from its parents. If their coat is like the Pitbull, they will be moderate shedders. This means they will shed all year, but they don’t shed a lot of hair.
Basset hounds, on the other hand, are heavy shedders. You can expect them to shed lots of hair all year round. If your pooch inherits a Basset Hound coat, they will likely be a heavy shedder.
Do you need to groom Basset Hound Pitbull mixes often?
When it comes to brushing, the parent breeds have similar needs. You can brush your pooch once or twice a week. Both parent breeds have sensitive skin , so you shouldn’t bathe them too often. Once every month is usually enough. Be sure to use products created for dogs with sensitive skin.
Like other breeds, they will need their nails trimmed every 4-6 weeks. You should also brush their teeth each day.
Do you need to train Basset Hound Pitbull Mixes a lot?
When it comes to training, Pitbulls and Basset Hounds are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
Pitbulls require lots of training. It’s important to train them well, and socialize them as well. This can prevent problems with aggression. They are naturally highly protective, and need to be trained to avoid them mistaking a stranger for a danger.
Pitbulls are also energetic and powerful dogs. You’ll have a difficult time controlling them if they aren’t trained well early on. Of course, they are also very loyal, intelligent, and have a high desire to please their owner. These qualities make them easy to train.
Training a Basset Hound, on the other hand, is more difficult. Training is still important, but they don’t have the energy and protective tendencies Pitbulls do, so it’s less of a concern.
They are also very independent, which can make them difficult to train. This independence is what enables them to track small game so well, which is what they were bred to do.
Most Basset Hound owners learn to appreciate this trait, and adjust their training expectations accordingly.
Training your Basset Hound Pitbull mix is sure to be an interesting endeavor. You’ll need to train them to follow basic commands, and socialize them as well. Beyond that, it’s up to you and the dog to decide.
They may inherit the desire to please, or stubborn independent streak. They may even have a bit of both traits, making them a bit more difficult to train than Pitbulls.
Basset Hound Pitbull Mix Diet
Pitbull’s higher energy needs mean they do best on a high protein diet. Basset Hounds do well on a traditional dog food. However, they are prone to obesity, so you’ll need to watch their weight.
Your Basset Hound Pitbull mix should thrive on any quality commercial dog food. Puppies up to 6 months or 1 year old should be fed a puppy formula. Adult dogs can be fed any quality food, but it’s best to select one designed for medium-sized dogs.
Are Basset Hound Pitbull Mixes good family pets?
Yes. It’s not possible to predict every aspect of a Basset Hound Pitbull’s temperament. However, one thing is certain. They are friendly, loving, and an excellent pet for families.
They may not be highly active or playful. If you want a dog to take frequent jogs or have long winded play sessions with the kids, they may not be the breed for you.
However, if you want a dog that is caring, loyal, and enjoys plenty of attention, this is a wonderful pooch to have.
How do you buy a Basset Hound Pitbull Mix?
There are two ways to buy a Basset Hound Pitbull mix. You can purchase one from a breeder, or adopt one from a shelter.
Adopting a Basset Hound Pitbull Mix
Basset Hound Pitbull mixes are rare, so they are difficult to find at shelters. It doesnt’ hurt to look, however.
You can also check rescue organizations devoted to one of the parent breeds. This increases the odds of finding what you are looking for. You can search online for local organizations in your area.
Finding a Breeder
Finding a Basset Hound Pitbull mix breeder is easier than finding one at a shelter, but still might require some searching.
You can find AKC registered Basset Hound breeders on the AKC registry. However, you’ll need to see if they breed Basset Hounds with Pitbulls, and be prepared to learn that few breeders do.
You can also find Basset Hound Pitbull breeders by searching for them online. However, you should keep in mind that these breeders have not been vetted by the AKC.
This doesn’t mean they are unethical, but it’s wise to take a few steps to make sure. Ask them how they ensure the health of the puppies. Have the parents had health screenings? Genetic testing? Do the puppies have health certificates from a vet?
It’s also a great idea to visit the dog’s home. Their living conditions will tell you a lot about the breeder. If they are well cared for, the breeder is likely to be ethical. If they are not, or you aren’t allowed to see the conditions, beware.
Buyer Beware
When purchasing a Basset Hound Pitbull mix, there are a few things to be aware of. The first is that not all breeders are ethical. Some breed strictly for profit, and show little care or concern towards the dogs.
Ethical breeders want to make a profit, but their first concern is the health and temperament of their dogs. They will not breed a dog that’s unhealthy or has a poor temperament. They won’t pretend a puppy is healthy if they have a known health condition, either.
Unethical breeders often breed dogs based solely on availability, popularity, or color, because this allows them to make the most money. The dogs have poor living conditions, and little to no veterinary care.
The other concern when buying a Basset Hound Pitbull mix is being sure you are getting what you pay for. Some breeders may label a dog a mix, when it’s actually a Basset Hound or Pitbull, or a mix between one of these breeds and another, less popular, breed.