The Basschshund: A Designer Dog

If you didn't guess from the name, the Basschshund is a mixed breed - also called a hybrid or a designer dog. The Basschshund is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), an organization providing pedigree and registration services for hundreds of mixed or designer breeds. If you're wondering what the difference is between a mutt and a designer dog, it's that a mutt's ancestry is unknown, but a hybrid's parent breeds are guaranteed. The Basschshund is half Basset Hound and half Dachshund.

A cynic might say the breeding of designer dogs is a ploy on the part of puppy mills to make more money, but there are some valid ideas behind interbreeding. One is that many purebred dogs are the result of generations of inbreeding, culminating in genetic problems; since most of the "bad" genes are recessive, mixing two different breeds will eliminate the recessive gene from appearing in the offspring. This theory has a downside though; the worst traits from both parents may appear!

Before choosing a hybrid dog, take a look at the two breeds that go into the mix. Dachshunds are small short-legged dogs with three different types of coats. Their name means "badger dog" and they were bred to go down badger holes and kill the varmint. If you have ever seen a badger, you'll know how brave and fierce this small dog can be. They're also smart, friendly, and full of energy, although they're usually willing to have a snooze with their owner.

The Basset Hound has a droopy sad-looking face, a large sturdy body, and short strong legs. The word "basset" comes from the French word for "low" and this hound is indeed low to the ground. Although the Basset Hound looks sleepy, the look can be misleading. The Basset is always ready to go for a walk, or wrestle with "his" children.

The Basschshund has traits from both breeds. Their weight is between 12 and 45 pounds, making them smaller than a Basset but larger than most Dachshunds. While colors for Doxies are limited by the AKC, the Basschshunds gets colors from both parents, and may be white, gray, brown, black, sand, or chestnut (reddish). Their hair is short and coarse. They tend to have a slight doggie odor, but regular baths take care of that. They don't need their coats cut, but regular brushing sessions, beginning with a soft brush on a puppy, will help keep shedding to a minimum and good blood flow to their skin. Regular nail trimming is a must.

Basschshunds are good with children and adults. They're energetic, curious, and intelligent, but also gentle and loving. The primary care-giver has to be more stubborn than the dog: early training is important with sometimes stubborn Basschshunds! The only documented problem is an occasional difficulty in housebreaking. Patience, positive reinforcement, and a good sense of humor can overcome this. Like both parent breeds, Basschshunds can develop ear infections, so regular ear cleanings and vet visits are important.

It's nearly impossible to find a breeder of Basschshunds, but if you decide you want one, keep checking internet sources like Puppy Find or Next Day Pets as well as your local paper. Don't forget to check local shelters! Basschshunds are sometimes accidents, so you may find puppies there for little or no cost. Well-known designer breeds, like puggles, can cost up to $1000, so keep the cost in mind as you determine if the Basschshund is right for you and your family.

(Sources: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/basschshund.htm, http://www.tinytracks.net/Basschshund-hybrid.htm, http://www.designermixes.org/Breed_Info/43/Basschshund.aspx, http://www.designermixes.org/Breed_Registry/47/International_Designer_Canine_Registry.aspx,http://www.mixedbreedpets.com/dogs/crossbreed-basschshund/ )