Corgi Basset Hound Mix: Complete Breed Profile & Care Guide

What Is a Corgi Basset Hound Mix?

The Corgi Basset Hound mix — sometimes called a "Bassettgi" or "Corgi Hound" — is a designer cross between a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (or less commonly a Cardigan Welsh Corgi) and a Basset Hound. This cross combines two low-slung, scent-driven herding and hound breeds into one compact, stubbornly charming companion. Neither the AKC nor the UKC recognizes this mix as a standardized breed, so individual dogs can vary considerably in appearance, size, and temperament depending on which parent's genes dominate.

Before you fall for those droopy ears and stubby legs, understand what you're signing up for. Both parent breeds are intelligent but independently minded, which means training requires patience, consistency, and a well-stocked treat pouch.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Corgi Meets Basset Hound

To predict what a Corgi Basset Hound mix might look and act like, you need to understand each parent breed. Here's how they compare side by side:

Trait	Pembroke Welsh Corgi	Basset Hound
Origin	Wales — cattle herding dog, 10th century	France — scent hound for rabbit/hare, 6th century roots
Weight	25–30 lb (11–14 kg)	40–65 lb (18–29 kg)
Height	10–12 in (25–30 cm)	11–15 in (28–38 cm)
Energy Level	High — needs 45–60 min/day	Moderate — 30–45 min/day, prone to laziness
Trainability	High — eager but can be bossy	Low to moderate — scent-driven, easily distracted
Vocalization	Frequent barker, alert dog	Deep howl/bay, moderate barking
Shedding	Heavy — double coat blows seasonally	Moderate — short coat, year-round
Prey Drive	Moderate (herding instinct)	High (scent hound instinct)
AKC Group	Herding	Hound

The Corgi brings intelligence, alertness, and herding instinct. The Basset Hound contributes a powerful nose, a laid-back disposition, and that signature soulful expression. Your mixed-breed puppy could lean heavily toward either parent — or land somewhere unpredictably in between.

How Big Will a Corgi Basset Hound Mix Get?

Size is one of the more predictable traits in this cross because both parents are low-to-the-ground breeds. However, the Basset Hound is significantly heavier-boned than the Corgi, which creates a wide possible range.

Size Category	Weight	Height at Shoulder	Body Type Notes
Corgi-dominant	25–35 lb (11–16 kg)	10–12 in (25–30 cm)	Lighter bone, more upright ears, shorter body
Balanced mix	35–45 lb (16–20 kg)	11–14 in (28–36 cm)	Moderate bone, semi-floppy ears, elongated body
Basset-dominant	45–55 lb (20–25 kg)	12–15 in (30–38 cm)	Heavy bone, long droopy ears, substantial dewlap

Most Corgi Basset Hound mixes land in the 35–45 lb range. Males tend to run 5–8 lb heavier than females. You won't know exactly where your puppy falls until around 8–10 months of age, when growth plates begin to close. Both parent breeds are chondrodysplastic — meaning they carry a genetic mutation for dwarfism in the limbs — so expect short legs regardless of which parent dominates.

Temperament: What to Expect (and What to Prepare For)

This is where individual variation matters most. A Corgi Basset Hound mix temperament depends on gene expression, early socialization, and which parent's behavioral tendencies surface.

Best-Case Scenario

You get a dog that's affectionate without being clingy, playful but not hyperactive, and alert enough to notify you of visitors without becoming a nuisance barker. This dog enjoys short hikes, excels at scent work or nose games, and settles nicely on the couch in the evening. They're good with children they've been raised alongside and tolerate other household pets.

Challenging Scenario

You get a dog with the Corgi's herding instinct (nipping at heels, trying to "herd" children or other pets) combined with the Basset's stubborn refusal to obey commands when a scent is more interesting. This dog may bay loudly when left alone, pull hard on leash following smells, and display resource guarding tendencies if not addressed early. The Corgi's tendency to bark at every sound can amplify the Basset's deep howl into a noise problem in apartments or close-quarter housing.

Positive reinforcement training works best for this cross. Force-free methods — lure-reward training, clicker training, and counter-conditioning for reactivity — produce reliable results without triggering the stubbornness that both breeds show under pressure. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and high-value, because the Basset Hound's attention span for repetitive drills is notoriously brief.

Coat, Shedding, and Grooming Needs

Is a Corgi Basset Hound Mix Hypoallergenic?

No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic or low-shedding. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a dense double coat that sheds heavily, especially during seasonal coat blows in spring and fall. The Basset Hound has a shorter, smoother coat that sheds moderately year-round. Your mix will shed — the only question is how much.

Possible Coat Types

• Corgi-type coat: Medium-length double coat with a harsh outer layer and soft undercoat. More likely in cooler climates. Expect heavy seasonal shedding.
• Basset-type coat: Short, smooth, dense single coat. Easier to maintain but still sheds consistently.
• Blended coat: Medium-length, slightly wavy, with moderate undercoat. Most common outcome.

Grooming Schedule

Task	Frequency	Tools Needed
Brushing	2–3 times/week (daily during coat blow)	Slicker brush, undercoat rake (for Corgi-type coats)
Bathing	Every 6–8 weeks (Basset-type coats can get oily)	Oatmeal-based dog shampoo
Ear cleaning	Weekly if ears are floppy (Basset-inherited)	Veterinary ear cleaner, cotton balls
Nail trimming	Every 3–4 weeks	Guillotine or scissor clippers, styptic powder
Dental care	Daily brushing ideal, minimum 3×/week	Dog toothbrush, enzymatic toothpaste

Pay special attention to ears. If your mix inherits the Basset Hound's long, pendulous ears, moisture and debris get trapped in the ear canal, leading to chronic otitis externa (ear infections). Weekly cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear solution is non-negotiable for floppy-eared individuals. If your dog gets Corgi-style upright ears, ear maintenance is less demanding but still worth monthly checks.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

Let's address a persistent myth: the idea that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" and escape all inherited diseases. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of some recessive conditions, a Corgi Basset Hound mix can inherit health problems from either parent breed. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, chondrodysplastic breeds (those with shortened limbs) share specific orthopedic risks regardless of whether they're purebred or mixed.

Inherited Health Conditions to Watch For

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence	Signs to Watch For	Typical Treatment Cost
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Both (chondrodysplasia)	15–25% in long-backed breeds	Back pain, reluctance to jump, hind limb weakness or paralysis	$3,000–$8,000 (surgical)
Hip Dysplasia	Both	10–15% in Corgis, 15–20% in Bassets	Limping, bunny-hopping gait, difficulty rising	$1,500–$6,000 (surgical options)
Obesity	Both (food-motivated)	Very high — both breeds prone	Rib cage not palpable, waist absent, labored breathing	$200–$500/year (diet management, joint supplements)
Chronic Ear Infections	Basset Hound	30–40% in drop-eared breeds	Head shaking, ear odor, redness, discharge	$100–$300 per episode
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)	Pembroke Corgi	~17% of Pembroke Corgis are carriers	Progressive hind limb weakness, typically after age 8	No cure — supportive care $500–$2,000/year
Glaucoma	Basset Hound	5–10% in Bassets	Red eye, cloudiness, squinting, vision loss	$1,500–$3,000 (surgical)
Patellar Luxation	Both (small/short-legged breeds)	5–8%	Skipping gait, intermittent hind leg holding	$1,500–$3,500 (surgical repair)

Preventive Health Strategy

Ask your breeder for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health clearances on both parent dogs — specifically hip evaluations, and for the Corgi parent, a DM genetic test. A responsible breeder will provide these willingly. Once you have your dog:

• Weight management is your #1 priority. Keep your dog at a body condition score (BCS) of 4–5 out of 9. Every extra pound puts disproportionate stress on a long spine. For a 40 lb mix, that means roughly 700–900 calories per day of a high-quality, AAFCO-approved diet — consult your veterinarian for exact portions.
• Restrict high-impact activities. No jumping on/off furniture, no agility jumps, no rough wrestling. Use ramps for couch and bed access.
• Annual veterinary exams with orthopedic screening starting at age 3.
• Consider pet insurance — IVDD surgery alone can cost $8,000. Policies from providers like Trupanion or Healthy Paws typically run $40–$70/month for this mix.

Generation Types: F1, F1B, and Multigen Explained

While generation terminology is more commonly discussed with Poodle mixes (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles), it applies to any designer cross including the Corgi Basset Hound mix.

Most Corgi Basset Hound mixes you'll encounter are F1 — a deliberate first-generation cross. Because this isn't a high-volume designer breed like the Labradoodle, established multigen breeding programs are essentially nonexistent. This means every litter is a genetic lottery, which is both the charm and the challenge of this mix.

Cost: What You'll Actually Spend

Puppy Purchase Price

Source	Price Range	What's Typically Included
Reputable designer breeder	$800–$2,000	Health clearances on parents, first vaccinations, deworming, microchip, health guarantee, take-back clause
Casual/backyard breeder	$300–$800	Minimal — often no health testing, no guarantee
Rescue/adoption	$50–$400	Spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, basic vet exam

Because this is an uncommon designer mix, you're more likely to find one through breed-specific rescues (Corgi rescues or Basset Hound rescues occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs) or general shelters than through a dedicated breeder. Check Petfinder and local rescue networks — mixed-breed dogs from these parent breeds show up more often than you'd expect.

First-Year Ownership Costs

• Purchase/adoption: $50–$2,000
• Initial vet visits (vaccines, spay/neuter if not included): $400–$800
• Food (quality kibble, 700–900 cal/day): $350–$600/year
• Grooming supplies or professional grooming: $100–$400/year
• Pet insurance: $480–$840/year
• Supplies (crate, bed, leash, harness, toys): $200–$400
• Training classes (group obedience, 6–8 week course): $150–$300

Estimated first-year total: $1,730–$5,340 depending on purchase price and medical needs.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Corgi Basset Hound Mix?

This Mix Is a Great Fit For:

• Experienced dog owners who understand stubborn, scent-driven breeds and won't take selective obedience personally.
• Homes with fenced yards — the Basset's nose and the Corgi's herding instinct mean off-leash reliability is unlikely without extensive training.
• Families with older children (8+) — this mix is sturdy enough for gentle play but the Corgi's herding instinct can result in heel-nipping with toddlers.
• People interested in scent work or nose games — the Basset Hound's olfactory talent makes this cross excellent at tracking activities and "find it" games.
• Semi-active households — they need 30–45 minutes of daily exercise but aren't marathon-running companions.

This Mix Is a Poor Fit For:

• Apartment living — vocalization (barking + baying) and shedding in confined spaces create friction with neighbors.
• First-time dog owners without support from a trainer — the stubbornness and independent thinking can frustrate inexperienced handlers.
• Homes with very small children (under 5) — herding nips and the dog's low body height create injury risk for both toddler and dog.
• Households with cats or small pets unless the dog is raised alongside them from puppyhood — prey drive from both parent breeds is a real concern.
• Owners seeking a hypoallergenic or low-shedding dog — this mix will shed on everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a Corgi Basset Hound mix?

A Pembroke Welsh Corgi and a Basset Hound. Some breeders may use a Cardigan Welsh Corgi instead, which is a slightly larger, longer-bodied breed with a different tail type. Always ask the breeder which Corgi variety was used, as Cardigan-influenced mixes tend to be 3–5 lb heavier.

How big will my Corgi Basset Hound mix get?

Most adults weigh between 35–45 lb (16–20 kg) and stand 11–14 inches (28–36 cm) at the shoulder. However, individuals can range from 25 lb to 55 lb depending on which parent's size genes dominate. You'll have a clearer picture by 8–10 months of age.

Is this mix good with other dogs?

Generally yes, especially with proper early socialization between 8–16 weeks. Both parent breeds were historically worked in groups (Corgis with other herding dogs, Bassets in hunting packs). However, same-sex aggression can occur, particularly in unneutered males. Introduce new dogs on neutral territory and supervise initial interactions.

How much exercise does a Corgi Basset Hound mix need?

Plan for 30–45 minutes of structured exercise daily — two 15–20 minute leash walks plus a play session. Avoid repetitive jumping or high-impact activities that stress the long spine. Scent-based enrichment (snuffle mats, treat-hiding games, structured nose work) tires this cross out mentally and counts toward their daily activity needs.

Do Corgi Basset Hound mixes bark a lot?

They can. The Corgi parent contributes alert barking at sounds and visitors, while the Basset Hound parent contributes a deep, resonant bay or howl — especially when following an interesting scent or when left alone for long periods. If noise is a concern (apartment living, close neighbors), this may not be the right mix for you.

What's the lifespan of a Corgi Basset Hound mix?

Expect 10–14 years. Both parent breeds have similar lifespans (Pembroke Corgis average 12–13 years, Basset Hounds average 12–13 years). The mix's lifespan is most affected by weight management — obesity can reduce lifespan by 2+ years and accelerates IVDD and joint disease.

Where can I find a Corgi Basset Hound mix for adoption?

Check Petfinder.com, your local animal shelter, and breed-specific rescues like Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America rescue networks or Basset Hound rescue organizations. Mixed-breed dogs from these parent breeds appear in shelters more frequently than dedicated designer breeders produce them. Adoption fees typically range from $50–$400 and include veterinary care.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health, nutrition, and behavioral guidance specific to your individual dog.