Basset Hound Weiner Dog Mix: Complete Breed Profile & Care Guide
Everything about the Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix: size, temperament, health risks, coat types, grooming needs.
The Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix — sometimes called the "Bassethound Dachshund" or casually the "Basset-Doxie" — pairs two iconic low-riders of the dog world into one compact, scent-driven companion. Both parent breeds were developed to hunt close to the ground, which means this cross tends to inherit a powerful nose, a stubborn streak, and a body built for burrowing rather than sprinting.
If you've searched for a basset hound weiner dog mix and found conflicting information about size, coat, or temperament, that's because mixed-breed dogs are inherently variable. Unlike purebreds with predictable breed standards, a first-generation cross can lean heavily toward either parent. This guide breaks down what you can reasonably expect — and where the surprises tend to show up.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Basset Hound Meets Dachshund
Understanding the parent breeds is the single best way to predict what a Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix might look and act like. Both breeds share a low-slung build and a hunting heritage, but they diverge significantly in size, energy, and social style.
| Trait | Basset Hound | Dachshund (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 40–65 lb (18–29 kg) | 16–32 lb (7–15 kg) |
| Height | 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 rabbits/hares | Badger/burrow hunting |
| AKC Group | Hound | Hound |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Vocalization | Deep baying howl | Sharp, frequent bark |
| Stubbornness | High — follows nose, ignores commands | High — independent thinker |
| Coat Types | Short, smooth only | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired |
The AKC Basset Hound standard describes a dog built for endurance over speed — heavy bone, loose skin, and ears that nearly touch the ground when the head is lowered. The AKC Dachshund standard, by contrast, calls for a bold, muscular dog with enough courage to enter a badger's den. When you combine these, you get a dog that wants to track and dig — a combination that shapes everything from exercise needs to yard security.
Size Range: How Big Does a Basset Hound Weiner Dog Mix Get?
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer involves a wide range. Because the Basset Hound is roughly twice the weight of a standard Dachshund, first-generation (F1) puppies can land anywhere on that spectrum depending on which parent's growth genes dominate.
| Generation | Weight Range | Height at Shoulder | Body Length (nose to tail base) |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1 (Basset × Dachshund) | 25–50 lb (11–23 kg) | 9–14 in (23–36 cm) | 18–28 in (46–71 cm) |
| F1B (backcross to Dachshund) | 18–35 lb (8–16 kg) | 8–12 in (20–30 cm) | 16–24 in (41–61 cm) |
| F1B (backcross to Basset) | 35–55 lb (16–25 kg) | 11–15 in (28–38 cm) | 20–30 in (51–76 cm) |
| F2 (two F1 parents) | 20–55 lb (9–25 kg) | 8–15 in (20–38 cm) | 16–30 in (41–76 cm) |
- F1 — First-generation cross between a purebred Basset Hound and a purebred Dachshund. Maximum genetic diversity, but highest trait variability.
- F1B — An F1 bred back to one parent breed. Used to push traits toward one parent's size or coat type.
- F2 — Two F1 dogs bred together. Wider variation within a single litter — some pups may look almost entirely Basset, others nearly full Dachshund.
- Multigen (F3+) — Multiple generations of Basset-Dachshund crosses. Rare for this specific mix; more common in doodle-type breeds. Traits become somewhat more predictable by F3, but this mix is almost always F1 or F2.
Most Basset Hound Weiner Dog mixes encountered through breeders or rescue will be F1 crosses. If a breeder advertises "mini" versions, ask whether they used a Miniature Dachshund (8–11 lb / 4–5 kg) as the parent — this produces a smaller dog but also concentrates the risk of spinal issues in an even more compact frame.
Temperament: What Personality Can You Expect?
Both parent breeds are scent hounds with independent problem-solving styles. Neither was bred to take orders from humans at a distance (like a Border Collie) or to check in frequently (like a Golden Retriever). This shapes the temperament of the mix in predictable ways — but the degree varies considerably between individual dogs.
Best-Case Temperament Scenario
A well-socialized Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix is affectionate without being clingy, playful in short bursts, and content to nap nearby while you work. They tend to bond closely with one or two people, greet guests with polite curiosity rather than jumping, and get along with other dogs when introduced properly. Their sense of humor — inherited from both breeds' clownish tendencies — makes them entertaining companions.
Challenging Temperament Scenarios
- Scent fixation: When this mix catches an interesting smell, recall training often evaporates. Off-leash time in unfenced areas is risky — both breeds were selected to follow a trail for miles.
- Digging and burrowing: Dachshund heritage means a strong drive to dig under fences, into couch cushions, and under blankets. Expect destroyed garden beds if you don't provide a designated digging area.
- Vocalization: You may inherit the Basset's deep, carrying howl (audible several houses away) or the Dachshund's rapid-fire alert barking — or both. Neither breed is known for quietness.
- Resource guarding: Dachshunds rank above average for food and toy guarding in behavioral surveys. Early counter-conditioning with positive reinforcement methods is essential if this tendency appears.
- Stubbornness in training: Neither breed ranks high in obedience trial performance. This doesn't mean they're unintelligent — it means they evaluate whether a command is "worth it" before complying. High-value treats (real chicken, cheese, freeze-dried liver) are non-negotiable for training sessions.
Trait Variability: What's Predictable vs. Unpredictable
| Trait | Predictability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-to-ground build | Highly predictable | Both parents are chondrodysplastic breeds; short legs are a dominant trait |
| Scent drive | Highly predictable | Both breeds are hounds; nose-to-ground behavior is near-certain |
| Ear length | Moderate | Ranges from Dachshund-length to nearly Basset-length; rarely as extreme as a pure Basset |
| Coat type | Variable | Depends on Dachshund parent's coat variety (smooth, long, or wire) |
| Vocalization style | Variable | May bay, bark, or combine both; volume unpredictable until maturity |
| Size/weight | Variable | 25–50 lb range in F1; littermates can differ by 15+ lb at maturity |
| Friendliness with strangers | Variable | Bassets tend toward friendly; Dachshunds can be aloof or suspicious |
Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Requirements
The Basset Hound has only one coat type — short, smooth, and dense. The Dachshund, however, comes in three varieties: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Which coat your Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix inherits depends entirely on the Dachshund parent.
Smooth Coat (Most Common in F1 Crosses)
Short, sleek hair that lies close to the body. This is the lowest-maintenance option: weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush (like the Kong ZoomGroom, typically $8–$12) removes loose hair. Shedding is moderate year-round with seasonal increases in spring and fall. This coat type is not hypoallergenic — no dog truly is, but smooth-coated dogs produce less dander-trapping fur than longhaired varieties.
Longhaired Coat
If the Dachshund parent was longhaired, puppies may inherit silky, slightly wavy fur with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. This coat requires brushing every 2–3 days with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent mats behind the ears and in the "armpit" area. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks ($45–$75 per session depending on your region) keeps feathering tidy. Shedding is moderate but more visible due to hair length.
Wirehaired Coat
The rarest outcome. Wirehaired Dachshunds carry a dominant wire-hair gene (RSPO2 mutation), so if the Dachshund parent is wirehaired, roughly 50% of F1 puppies may inherit a wiry, rough coat with a softer undercoat. This type needs hand-stripping or clipping every 6–8 weeks. It sheds the least of the three types but requires the most specialized grooming knowledge.
Ear Care — Non-Negotiable for This Mix
Regardless of coat type, this mix almost always inherits drop ears that restrict airflow to the ear canal. Both Basset Hounds and Dachshunds are predisposed to otitis externa (ear infections). Plan to clean ears weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleanser (such as Epi-Otic Advanced, around $15–$20 per bottle). Lift the ear flap, fill the canal with cleanser, massage the base for 20 seconds, then let the dog shake and wipe visible debris with cotton balls — never cotton swabs, which can damage the eardrum.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
One of the most persistent myths in designer dog marketing is that mixed breeds automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossing two breeds eliminates health problems. The reality, supported by veterinary genetics research, is more nuanced. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive conditions that require two copies of a faulty gene. But it does not protect against conditions that both parent breeds share, or conditions caused by dominant genes or structural conformation.
Because both Basset Hounds and Dachshunds share chondrodysplasia (the genetic mutation that produces short legs and elongated bodies), their cross is at genuine risk for several overlapping conditions.
Key Health Risks
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence | Typical Treatment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Both breeds | Up to 25% of Dachshunds; elevated in Bassets. This mix is high-risk. | Conservative: $500–$2,000 / Surgical: $3,000–$8,000+ |
| Obesity-related joint stress | Both breeds (appetite drive) | Very common; both breeds love food | Ongoing management: $50–$200/year in joint supplements |
| Otitis externa (ear infections) | Both breeds (drop ears) | Estimated 30–50% of drop-eared dogs experience recurrent infections | $80–$250 per episode |
| Patellar luxation | Dachshund (primarily) | Moderate prevalence in small breeds | Surgical: $1,500–$4,000 per knee |
| Glaucoma | Basset Hound (primarily) | Bassets have one of the highest breed-specific rates | $500–$3,000+ depending on surgical intervention |
| Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) | Basset Hound (deep chest) | Lower risk than giant breeds, but barrel-chested mixes are not immune | Emergency surgery: $3,000–$7,000 |
IVDD Prevention: The Single Most Important Thing You Can Do
Intervertebral disc disease deserves special attention because it's the most likely and most devastating health risk for this mix. The Merck Veterinary Manual describes how chondrodysplastic breeds develop early disc degeneration — the discs between vertebrae calcify prematurely, making them prone to herniation that can compress the spinal cord.
Practical IVDD prevention steps:
- Ban stair access for puppies under 12 months and use ramps (not jumping) for furniture access throughout life. A quality foam ramp like the PetSafe CozyUp costs $35–$60.
- Maintain lean body condition. On the 9-point body condition score (BCS) scale, aim for a 4 or 5. You should easily feel ribs without pressing hard, and see a visible waist when viewed from above.
- Avoid activities that compress the spine: no jumping off beds/couches, no "begging" on hind legs, no tug-of-war games that wrench the neck.
- Use a harness, never a neck collar, for leash walking. A front-clip harness (such as the Ruffwear Front Range, $40–$45) distributes pressure across the chest.
- Know the emergency signs: sudden back pain (arching, trembling, refusing to move), dragging hind legs, knuckling (walking on the tops of paws), or loss of bladder control. These require immediate veterinary evaluation — surgical outcomes are dramatically better when performed within 24–48 hours of symptom onset.
- Sudden inability to walk or use hind legs
- Vocalizing in pain when picked up or when moving
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Distended, hard abdomen with unproductive retching (bloat emergency)
- Red, cloudy, or bulging eye with apparent pain (glaucoma emergency)
For toxic ingestion concerns, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Exercise, Training, and Mental Stimulation
This mix needs moderate daily exercise — typically 30–45 minutes of structured activity plus free sniffing time. Neither parent is an endurance athlete, but both need regular movement to maintain muscle tone that supports their spine.
Recommended Exercise Plan
- Daily walks: Two 15–20 minute leash walks on flat terrain. Avoid steep hills that strain the back on descents.
- Scent work: This is where this mix truly shines. Hide treats in a snuffle mat ($15–$30) or set up a backyard "find it" trail using rabbit or anise scent. Fifteen minutes of nose work tires them as effectively as an hour of walking.
- Swimming: Excellent low-impact exercise for spinal health, but supervise closely — the long body and short legs make some individuals poor natural swimmers. A canine life jacket ($25–$45) is recommended.
- Avoid: Agility jumping, frisbee, long-distance running, or any activity involving repetitive spinal flexion/extension.
Training Approach
Force-free, positive reinforcement methods are the only recommended approach for this mix. Both breeds shut down or become avoidant when subjected to aversive techniques. Specific strategies:
- High-value rewards: Standard kibble won't compete with a scent trail. Use small pieces of boiled chicken, string cheese, or commercial treats like Zuke's Mini Naturals (under 3 calories each).
- Short sessions: 5 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Both breeds lose focus quickly in repetitive drills.
- Recall reality check: Even with excellent training, never trust this mix off-leash in an unfenced area. The scent drive is too strong. Invest in a long-line (15–30 ft training leash, $15–$25) for safe outdoor exploration.
- Crate training: Both breeds can develop separation distress. Gradual crate introduction with stuffed Kongs and positive association helps prevent anxiety-related howling.
Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price and Lifetime Expenses
The Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix is not as widely bred as doodle-type designer dogs, which affects both availability and pricing.
| Expense | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy from responsible breeder | $600–$1,500 | Price varies by region; includes health testing of parents, first vaccines, microchip |
| Adoption/rescue | $150–$400 | Check breed-specific rescues for both parent breeds; mixed adults appear periodically |
| First-year veterinary costs | $800–$1,500 | Vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, baseline bloodwork |
| Annual ongoing care | $1,200–$2,200 | Food, preventives, grooming, routine vet visits |
| Pet insurance (recommended) | $35–$65/month | Given IVDD risk, a policy with no per-incident cap is strongly advised |
| Emergency IVDD surgery fund | $3,000–$8,000 | If uninsured; consider keeping this amount in a dedicated savings account |
Finding a Responsible Source
Because this is a less common designer cross, you won't find it listed on the AKC's marketplace (the AKC does not register designer mixed breeds). When evaluating a breeder:
- Ask for health testing documentation on both parents: OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP evaluations for the Basset parent's hips, and a veterinary ophthalmologist exam for both parents.
- Request a take-back clause in the contract — responsible breeders require the dog be returned to them at any point if you cannot keep it.
- Be wary of breeders who market this mix as "rare" or "designer" at premium prices above $2,000 — this cross does not command doodle-level pricing, and inflated costs often signal backyard breeding.
- Check ASPCA adoption resources and Petfinder for mixed-breed adults that match this profile. Basset Hound and Dachshund breed-specific rescues also occasionally have cross-breed dogs.
Who This Mix Suits Best — And Who Should Look Elsewhere
After covering size, temperament, health, and cost, here's a practical framework for deciding whether this mix fits your household.
Ideal Owner Profile
- Experience level: Intermediate to experienced. First-time owners can succeed with this mix, but the stubbornness and scent-drive require patience that new owners may not yet have developed.
- Living situation: Houses with fenced yards are ideal. Apartments work if you commit to daily sniffing walks and manage vocalization (neighbors may not appreciate Basset howling).
- Activity style: You enjoy slow, exploratory walks more than jogging or hiking. You're willing to play scent games indoors on rainy days.
- Family composition: Families with children aged 8+ who understand not to pick up or roughhouse with a long-backed dog. The mix is generally gentle and tolerant, but spinal injury risk means small children need close supervision.
- Time commitment: Home during the day or able to arrange midday visits. Both parent breeds can develop separation distress if left alone 8+ hours regularly.
Look Elsewhere If...
- You want a reliable off-leash hiking companion
- You need a quiet dog for apartment living with thin walls
- You have toddlers who may drop, squeeze, or step on a low-to-ground dog
- You want a dog that responds to commands immediately and consistently
- You cannot afford potential $5,000+ emergency veterinary costs (or pet insurance premiums)
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix?
A Basset Hound and a Dachshund (commonly called a "wiener dog" or "weenie dog" due to their elongated body shape). The cross is typically an F1 generation — one purebred parent of each breed. Occasionally, breeders may use a Miniature Dachshund to produce a smaller result, but this increases spinal risk concentration.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither the Basset Hound nor any Dachshund coat variety is hypoallergenic. All coat types in this mix shed — smooth coats shed moderately year-round, longhaired coats shed seasonally with visible hair, and wirehaired coats shed the least but require hand-stripping. If you have dog allergies, this mix is not a good fit.
How long do Basset Hound Weiner Dog mixes live?
Most live 12–15 years, reflecting the lifespan overlap of both parent breeds. The primary factor that shortens lifespan in this mix is IVDD-related complications or obesity-related joint and organ stress. Maintaining a lean body condition score and getting regular veterinary spinal assessments are the two most impactful longevity strategies.
Can this mix live with cats or other small pets?
With caution. Both parent breeds have prey drive — Bassets were bred to chase rabbits, and Dachshunds were bred to kill burrowing animals. Early socialization with cats can produce peaceful coexistence, but small rodents, rabbits, or birds should never be left unsupervised with this mix. Individual prey drive varies significantly, so assess your specific dog's reactions carefully.
Do Basset Hound Weiner Dog mixes bark a lot?
Most are moderately to highly vocal. The Basset Hound's signature bay carries long distances and can be startlingly loud from a dog this size. The Dachshund's alert bark is rapid and persistent. Many individuals in this mix combine both — baying when they catch a scent outdoors and barking at doorbell triggers indoors. If noise is a concern, meet the puppy's parents to gauge vocalization tendencies.
What should I feed a Basset Hound Weiner Dog mix?
Choose an AAFCO-certified complete and balanced food appropriate for the dog's size and life stage. For an adult in the 25–50 lb range, a "small breed" or "medium breed" formula is appropriate depending on where your dog falls. Caloric needs typically range from 500–900 calories per day for an adult at ideal weight, but this varies with activity level. Measure food with a kitchen scale rather than a scoop — both breeds are prone to overeating, and even 10% excess body weight significantly increases spinal stress. Consult your veterinarian for a specific feeding plan.
The information in this article is for educational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for decisions about your dog's health, nutrition, and care plan. Breed-specific health data referenced from the Merck Veterinary Manual and the American Kennel Club.
Tom Renshaw
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
