Basset Dachshund Cross: Complete Breed Profile, Traits & Care Guide
Everything about the Basset Dachshund cross: size, temperament, coat types, health risks from both parent breeds, grooming, cost.
What Is a Basset Dachshund Cross?
The Basset Dachshund cross — sometimes called a Basschund or Basset Hound Dachshund mix — is a designer hybrid that pairs the low-slung, scent-obsessed Basset Hound with the spirited, elongated Dachshund. Both parent breeds were developed for hunting: Bassets for tracking rabbits and hare in France, and Dachshunds for badger work in Germany. The result is a compact, ground-hugging dog with an extraordinary nose, a stubborn streak, and a surprisingly loud bark for its size.
This mix has grown in visibility over the past decade as owners seek a smaller hound-type companion that still carries the classic droopy-eyed charm of a Basset but fits more easily into apartment or suburban life. Before you commit, though, you need to understand what's predictable — and what's a coin toss — when you bring home a Basset Dachshund cross.
The Parent Breeds: Basset Hound Meets Dachshund
To understand what you're getting, you have to look at each parent breed individually. These two breeds share some traits (low stature, scent drive, independence) but diverge sharply in others.
| Trait | Basset Hound | Dachshund (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | France (16th century) | Germany (15th–17th century) |
| AKC Weight Range | 40–65 lb (18–29 kg) | 16–32 lb (7–15 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 11–15 in (28–38 cm) | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12–13 years | 12–16 years |
| Original Purpose | Scent hound — slow-tracking hare | Badger and burrow hunting |
| Coat Type | Short, dense, smooth | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Trainability | Low — scent-driven, independent | Low to moderate — clever but willful |
| Vocalization | High — deep baying howl | High — sharp, persistent bark |
| Shedding | Moderate, year-round | Low to moderate (varies by coat type) |
Both breeds rank among the most challenging to train in standard obedience. The AKC's Basset Hound profile describes the breed as "patient and low-key" but notes that recall is notoriously unreliable when a scent captures their attention. The Dachshund breed standard similarly highlights boldness and independence — traits that served badger hunting but frustrate owners expecting eager compliance.
Generations Explained: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen
- F1 (First Cross): One purebred Basset Hound × one purebred Dachshund. Maximum genetic diversity, most variable appearance.
- F1B (Backcross): An F1 Basset Dachshund cross bred back to one of the parent breeds (usually the Dachshund, to keep size smaller). More predictable traits leaning toward the backcross parent.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Basset Dachshund crosses bred together. Wider trait variability — puppies in the same litter can look dramatically different.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Basset Dachshund crosses bred together. Traits stabilize somewhat, but this mix is rarely bred beyond F1 or F1B because the breeding population remains small.
Unlike Poodle-based designer breeds (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles), the Basset Dachshund cross has not been developed into a formalized multigen breeding program by any major registry. Most puppies you'll encounter are F1 — first-generation crosses from two purebred parents. This means individual variation is the rule, not the exception. Two F1 puppies from the same litter can differ by 15 pounds at maturity and have completely different coat textures.
Size, Coat, and Appearance: What to Expect (and What You Can't)
Because the parent breeds differ significantly in size — a Basset Hound can weigh twice what a standard Dachshund does — predicting the adult size of a Basset Dachshund cross requires some guesswork, especially in F1 litters.
| Category | Minimum | Maximum | Most Common Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 18 lb (8 kg) | 50 lb (23 kg) | 25–40 lb (11–18 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 8 in (20 cm) | 14 in (36 cm) | 10–13 in (25–33 cm) |
| Body Length (chest to tail base) | 16 in (41 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 18–22 in (46–56 cm) |
Coat type possibilities: If the Dachshund parent is smooth-coated (the most common variety in the U.S.), expect a short, dense coat similar to both parents. If the Dachshund parent is longhaired or wirehaired, puppies may inherit a medium-length coat with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail — or a wiry, rough texture with a denser undercoat. Wirehaired variants tend to shed less but require hand-stripping or professional grooming every 8–12 weeks.
Color variation: Common colors include tri-color (black, white, and tan — classic Basset), red, chocolate-and-tan, black-and-tan, and dapple (merle). Note: breeding two dapple Dachshunds together produces double-dapple puppies at risk for deafness and eye abnormalities. Responsible breeders avoid dapple-to-dapple pairings. The Merck Veterinary Manual details the genetic mechanisms behind merle-related ocular defects.
Predictable vs. Unpredictable Traits
| Trait | Predictability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elongated body / short legs | High | Both parents carry chondrodysplasia genes — this mix will be long and low |
| Strong scent drive | High | Both breeds are scent hounds — expect nose-to-ground behavior |
| Stubbornness in training | High | Neither breed is biddable — plan for patience |
| Adult weight | Low to Moderate | 18–50 lb range is wide; F1B to Dachshund narrows it |
| Ear length and droop | Moderate | Most inherit long ears, but degree of droop varies |
| Coat type and shedding level | Low | Depends entirely on which Dachshund coat variant was used |
| Vocalization style | Moderate | May bay like a Basset, bark sharply like a Dachshund, or blend both |
| Prey drive intensity | Moderate | Both hunt, but Dachshunds tend toward higher reactivity to small animals |
Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios
Temperament in any mixed breed is a spectrum, not a guarantee. Here's what the range typically looks like for a Basset Dachshund cross:
Best-Case Scenario
Your dog inherits the Basset's mellow, couch-friendly demeanor paired with the Dachshund's alertness and playfulness. They're affectionate with family, good with children who understand how to handle a long-backed dog gently, and content with two 20–30 minute walks per day plus some sniffing enrichment. They greet visitors with curiosity rather than fear, settle quietly in the evening, and form a deep bond with their primary person.
Challenging Scenario
Your dog inherits the Basset's selective deafness when a scent is present combined with the Dachshund's territorial barking and wariness of strangers. They may resource-guard food or toys, dig obsessively in the yard, howl when left alone (separation distress is documented in both parent breeds), and refuse to come when called outdoors. Dachshund-origin wariness can manifest as nipping at unfamiliar children or visitors who move too quickly.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
Let's address a widespread misconception: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health risks. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) suggests that crossing two genetically distinct populations can reduce the expression of recessive inherited diseases. This has some scientific basis — a 2018 study published in the journal Genetics found that mixed-breed dogs had lower rates of certain inherited disorders compared to purebreds. However, hybrid vigor only applies to conditions where both parent breeds carry different recessive mutations. When both parent breeds share the same structural or genetic vulnerability, the cross inherits that risk fully.
Shared Health Risks (Both Parent Breeds)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is the most significant health concern. Both Basset Hounds and Dachshunds carry the CDDY (chondrodystrophy-associated degenerative disc disease) gene mutation. Dachshunds have an estimated 19–24% lifetime risk of IVDD; Bassets are also overrepresented. A Basset Dachshund cross inherits chondrodysplasia from both sides, meaning their discs are predisposed to early calcification and herniation. Preventive measures include ramp access to furniture, weight management (keep body condition score at 4–5/9), and avoiding activities that involve jumping or twisting on the spine.
- Obesity: Both breeds are highly food-motivated and prone to weight gain. Excess weight dramatically increases spinal loading and accelerates IVDD risk. Measure food portions precisely using a kitchen scale — free-feeding is not advisable for this mix.
- Otitis Externa (Ear Infections): Long, pendulous ears trap moisture and debris. Expect to clean ears weekly with a veterinarian-recommended otic cleanser.
Basset Hound–Derived Risks
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat): Though more common in deep-chested large breeds, Bassets have a barrel-shaped chest that carries some risk. Avoid vigorous exercise within one hour before or after meals.
- Glaucoma: Primary (inherited) glaucoma has a documented prevalence in Basset Hounds. Annual ophthalmologic screening is recommended from age 3 onward.
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Documented in the Basset Hound population. Ask breeders for OFA or PennHIP certification on both parents.
Dachshund–Derived Risks
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): An inherited degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. DNA testing for the PRA mutation is available and should be performed on breeding stock.
- Patellar Luxation: Kneecap instability is seen in miniature and standard Dachshunds.
- Dental Disease: Dachshunds are notorious for early and severe periodontal disease. Begin tooth-brushing with an enzymatic canine toothpaste (e.g., Virbac C.E.T.) by 12 weeks of age and plan for professional dental cleanings under anesthesia starting at age 2–3.
Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care
Grooming by Coat Type
- Smooth/short coat: Brush 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush. Bathe monthly or as needed. Shedding is moderate year-round — expect hair on furniture and clothing.
- Longhaired: Brush daily or every other day with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent matting behind ears, in armpits, and on the belly. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks for trimming.
- Wirehaired: Brush 2–3 times per week. Hand-stripping or professional clip every 8–12 weeks to maintain coat texture. Lowest shedding of the three types.
Nail trimming: Every 2–3 weeks. Long nails alter the posture of an already long-backed dog and increase spinal stress. If you can hear nails clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
Ear care: Weekly cleaning with a pH-balanced canine ear cleanser. Flip the ear flap, apply cleanser, massage the base, and wipe visible debris with cotton balls (never cotton swabs inside the canal).
Exercise Requirements
This mix needs 40–60 minutes of daily activity, ideally split into two sessions. However, the type of exercise matters more than the duration:
- Recommended: Leashed walks on varied terrain (grass, dirt trails), scent-work games (hide treats or kibble around the yard), puzzle feeders, and controlled swimming (with a canine life vest — their body shape makes them poor natural swimmers).
- Avoid: Agility jumps, flyball, repetitive stair-climbing, and any activity involving twisting or high-impact landing. The spine cannot safely absorb these forces.
Use a well-fitted harness (e.g., Ruffwear Front Range or Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart) rather than a collar and leash. Collar pressure on the neck of a chondrodysplastic dog increases cervical disc stress.
Cost, Availability, and Finding Your Dog
| Source | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Breeder (F1) | $800–$2,000 | Should provide health testing on both parents (OFA hips, ophthalmologist exam, PRA DNA test for Dachshund parent) |
| Backyard Breeder / Online Listing | $300–$800 | High risk — no health testing, unknown parentage, no take-back clause |
| Breed-Specific Rescue | $200–$500 | Check Dachshund rescue groups (e.g., Dachshund Rescue of North America) and Basset Hound rescues — mixes occasionally appear |
| General Shelter / Humane Society | $50–$300 | Uncommon but possible; DNA testing (e.g., Embark, ~$199) can confirm breed mix |
First-Year Budget Estimate
Beyond the purchase or adoption fee, plan for the following first-year costs:
- Veterinary (initial exams, DHPP/rabies/bordetella vaccines, spay/neuter, fecal tests, heartworm prevention): $600–$1,200
- Food (quality kibble, AAFCO complete-and-balanced, ~1–1.5 cups/day): $300–$500/year
- Gear (harness, crate, ramp for furniture, puzzle toys, grooming tools): $250–$500
- Pet insurance (accident + illness, e.g., Trupanion, Healthy Paws): $35–$75/month — highly recommended given IVDD surgical costs of $3,000–$8,000 per episode
- Training (positive-reinforcement group classes, 6–8 week session): $150–$300
Total first-year cost (excluding purchase): approximately $1,650–$3,275.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Basset Dachshund Cross
Best Suited For
- Experienced dog owners who understand hound-type independence and won't take "selective listening" personally.
- Homes with fenced yards — a minimum 4-foot fence is essential, as both parent breeds will follow a scent under, over, or through an inadequate barrier. Underground fencing (invisible fences) is not recommended — the scent drive overrides the shock stimulus.
- Families with older children (8+) who can be taught to support the dog's back and hindquarters when picking them up and to avoid rough play that could injure the spine.
- Single-dog or dog-tolerant households — early socialization can produce dog-friendly individuals, but same-sex aggression is documented in Dachshunds.
- Owners seeking a moderate-energy companion who enjoys walks and sniffing adventures but isn't going to demand 5 miles of running daily.
Poor Fit For
- First-time dog owners expecting a biddable, easy-to-train companion — this mix will test your patience.
- Households with very young children who may drop, squeeze, or step on a long-backed dog.
- Multi-story homes without ramps or elevator access — daily stair use accelerates disc degeneration.
- Owners who work long hours away from home — both parent breeds are prone to separation distress and vocalization that will disturb neighbors.
- Apartments with thin walls and no outdoor access — the baying/barking combination is difficult to manage in close-quarter living without dedicated training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Basset Dachshund cross?
The Basset Dachshund cross is a hybrid of the Basset Hound (a French scent hound) and the Dachshund (a German hunting dog). Both breeds were developed for ground-level tracking work, which is why this mix tends to be low-to-the-ground with an intense interest in smells.
How big will a Basset Dachshund cross get?
Most adults fall between 25–40 lb (11–18 kg) and 10–13 inches (25–33 cm) at the shoulder, though the range can stretch from 18 lb to 50 lb depending on which parent the puppy favors and whether the Dachshund parent was a miniature or standard. Ask the breeder for the exact weights of both parents to narrow your estimate.
Is the Basset Dachshund cross hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic. Smooth-coated individuals shed moderately year-round. Longhaired and wirehaired variants may shed slightly less but are not suitable for people with dog allergies. If low-shedding is a priority, this is not the right mix for you.
What health issues should I watch for?
IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) is the primary concern given that both parent breeds carry chondrodysplasia genes. Maintain a lean body condition, use ramps instead of allowing furniture jumping, and learn to recognize early signs: reluctance to move, arched back, crying when picked up, or dragging hind legs. Also monitor for ear infections, obesity, and eye conditions (glaucoma, PRA). Consult your veterinarian about an appropriate screening schedule — annual orthopedic and ophthalmologic exams are recommended from age 2–3 onward.
How much does a Basset Dachshund cross cost?
From a responsible breeder who health-tests both parents, expect to pay $800–$2,000. Rescue and shelter adoptions typically range from $50–$500. First-year care costs (vet visits, food, gear, insurance, training) add approximately $1,650–$3,275 on top of the initial acquisition cost.
Are Basset Dachshund crosses good with other dogs and cats?
With proper socialization starting before 14 weeks of age, many individuals coexist well with other dogs. However, the prey drive inherited from both parents means cats, rabbits, and small pets may be viewed as quarry. Introduce carefully and never leave unsupervised with small animals. Same-sex dog aggression can occur, particularly between intact males.
How do I train a Basset Dachshund cross?
Use positive reinforcement exclusively — high-value food rewards (freeze-dried liver, small pieces of chicken), clicker marking, and short training sessions (5–10 minutes) to hold their attention. Both breeds respond poorly to punishment-based methods and will simply shut down or avoid you. Focus on management (leash, fenced yard, baby gates) rather than expecting reliable off-leash recall — the scent drive in this mix is powerful enough that no amount of training will override a compelling smell trail for most individuals.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
