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Species Profile

Bassetoodle

Canis lupus familiaris

Big nose, curly smarts, sweet heart

Bassetoodle Distribution

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Origin Location

This map shows the native origin of the Bassetoodle. As a domesticated species, they are now found worldwide.

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Found in 1 country

🇺🇸 United States

Size Comparison

Human 5'8"
Bassetoodle 1 ft 2 in

Bassetoodle stands at 20% of average human height.

At a Glance

Domesticated
Also Known As Dog, Domestic dog, Canine, Pooch, Pup, Puppy, Mutt, Hound
Diet Omnivore
Activity Cathemeral+
Lifespan 12 years
Weight 25 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

"Bassetoodle" isn't a standardized kennel-club breed; pups can look and act very different even within one litter.

Scientific Classification

A Bassetoodle is a mixed-breed domestic dog produced by crossing a Basset Hound with a Poodle. It is not a formally standardized pure breed in most kennel-club systems; traits vary widely by the poodle variety used and by individual inheritance.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus

Distinguishing Features

  • Hybrid of Basset Hound and Poodle; body proportions may range from long/low (Basset-like) to more balanced (Poodle-like)
  • Coat often wavy/curly or wiry; shedding and grooming needs vary widely
  • Ears often long and pendulous; scent-driven behavior may be present from Basset ancestry
  • Adult size highly variable depending on whether the Poodle parent is Standard, Miniature, or Toy

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Height
♂ 1 ft 3 in (10 in – 1 ft 10 in)
♀ 1 ft 1 in (10 in – 1 ft 3 in)
Length
♂ 3 ft 1 in (2 ft 7 in – 3 ft 5 in)
♀ 2 ft 7 in (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft 3 in)
Weight
♂ 44 lbs (26 lbs – 66 lbs)
♀ 33 lbs (20 lbs – 51 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 11 in (8 in – 1 ft 2 in)
♀ 10 in (8 in – 1 ft 1 in)
Top Speed
22 mph

Appearance

Primary Colors
Brown Black Cream White
Secondary Colors
Tan Gray Red Spotted
Skin Type Mammalian skin with coat; often somewhat looser skin around neck/face like a Basset Hound, but varies. Prone to ear-canal humidity and potential skin irritation in folds or under dense/curly coat; routine skin/ear checks recommended.
Distinctive Features
  • Designer cross (Basset Hound × Poodle), not a distinct wild species and not a consistently standardized kennel-club breed; appearance, size, and temperament vary by Poodle variety (toy/mini/standard) and individual genetics.
  • Build often combines a low-to-the-ground, heavier-boned hound frame with some Poodle refinement; many individuals have a longer body and comparatively shorter legs than typical Poodles.
  • Head/face may show a moderately long muzzle; expression can be "houndy" with a pronounced stop variability; some inherit a more square Poodle muzzle.
  • Ears are typically long and pendulous (Basset influence), increasing risk of ear infections; frequent ear cleaning/drying is a key care requirement.
  • Coat type is variable: can be short/smooth (more Basset-like), wavy, or curly (Poodle-like). "Low-shedding" is possible but not guaranteed; matting risk increases with curl/wave.
  • Grooming needs range from occasional brushing (smoother coats) to frequent brushing plus professional clipping every ~6-10 weeks (curlier coats).
  • Common health concerns to watch: obesity/weight gain (especially with shorter legs/longer body), intervertebral disc disease/back strain risk if long-backed, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, elbow issues, and chronic otitis (ear infections).
  • Additional breed-line risks that may appear: allergies/atopy, eye issues (e.g., cataracts or glaucoma in some lines), and bloat risk in larger individuals (more likely if a Standard Poodle parent was used).
  • Exercise needs are usually moderate: daily walks plus mental enrichment; avoid excessive jumping/stairs if the dog has a long back/short legs or shows spinal discomfort.
  • Training profile often blends scent-hound independence/stubbornness with Poodle intelligence-best results with short, reward-based sessions and consistent routines.

Sexual Dimorphism

As with many domestic dogs, dimorphism is usually mild to moderate and depends strongly on the Poodle parent size (toy/mini/standard) and individual inheritance; males tend to be slightly larger and more muscular.

♂
  • Often slightly taller/heavier with broader head and chest; may carry more muscle mass.
  • May develop a thicker neck/forequarters, especially if the Basset build is prominent.
♀
  • Often slightly smaller/lighter with a finer head and narrower chest.
  • May appear more refined in outline when Poodle traits are stronger.

Did You Know?

"Bassetoodle" isn't a standardized kennel-club breed; pups can look and act very different even within one litter.

Depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy, Miniature, or Standard, adult size can range from small to medium (and occasionally larger).

They may inherit the Basset's long ears and strong scent drive-or the Poodle's tighter curls and bouncy gait.

Many are highly food-motivated (common in Basset Hounds), which can make training easier but weight gain more likely.

Some inherit a "low-shedding" coat like many Poodles, but there's no guarantee-coat type is unpredictable in crosses.

A Basset nose plus Poodle brains can make them excellent at nosework games when properly motivated.

Their voice can vary from a quiet companion to a surprisingly vocal dog, depending on how much "hound" they inherit.

Unique Adaptations

  • Hybrid trait mix (not a wild adaptation): Basset Hound olfactory specialization (powerful scenting and persistence) combined with Poodle trainability and athleticism.
  • Ear and coat "trade-offs": long, pendulous ears can trap moisture; curly/corded coats can trap debris-together they shape grooming/ear-care needs.
  • Body-shape variability: some inherit Basset's long back/short legs (which can increase strain risk), while others are more Poodle-like and agile.
  • High social attunement typical of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): a centuries-long human-selected "adaptation" for reading human cues and bonding.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Scent-first exploration: if the Basset Hound side is strong, they may track smells intensely, zig-zagging with nose down and "forgetting" recall.
  • "Selective hearing" outdoors: hound ancestry can make them independent; reliable off-leash behavior often requires structured training.
  • Comedic lounge style: many inherit the Basset tendency to sprawl and relax for long periods, then burst into playful energy.
  • People-focused clowning: Poodle influence often shows as attention-seeking, trick-learning, and enjoying being the center of activity.
  • Alert-but-friendly greeting: they may bark to announce arrivals, then quickly switch to tail-wagging social behavior.
  • Digging or sniffing at the base of shrubs and fences-classic scent-dog problem-solving when a smell is interesting.

Cultural Significance

Bassetoodle, a designer mix (Basset Hound × Poodle), is part of modern pet dog culture where families want friendly, medium dogs with less shedding. It shows Canis lupus familiaris diversity is made by people choosing traits, not by natural selection.

Myths & Legends

In parts of Europe, hunters long said scent hounds could 'read' invisible trails. A good hound could follow where a person or animal passed hours later, as if air kept a memory.

In medieval and early modern Europe, certain hounds (Canis lupus familiaris) were seen as noble signs of status; stories and hunting records tell of faithful dogs that track game tirelessly and stay loyal when lost.

Poodle (Canis lupus familiaris) origin tales say a German word meaning "to splash" named them. Early Poodles were clever water dogs that fetched from rivers, still shaping how people see their smarts and athleticism.

Basset-type hounds were tied to French hunting estates. Stories praise their slow, steady tracking and say they are the perfect companion for hunters on foot — a lasting 'legend of usefulness'.

Across many cultures, Canis lupus familiaris (domestic dogs) appear in home stories as loyal guardians and friends—who know when family returns, refuse to leave lost children, or guide people home, like Bassetoodle mixes.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Stable

Life Cycle

Birth 5 pups
Lifespan 12 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
10–13 years
In Captivity
8–16 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Managed Domestic
Breeding Pattern Serial
Fertilization Managed Selective
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Canis lupus familiaris, domestic dogs, mate by internal fertilization with heat cycles and often a copulatory tie. Pregnancy about 63 days. Bassetoodle is a mixed Basset Hound–Poodle. Humans plan breeding; many mates used over time. Pups raised by mother and humans.

Behavior & Ecology

Social Pack Group: 4
Activity Cathemeral, Crepuscular
Diet Omnivore Meat-forward meals (commonly chicken, turkey, lamb, or fish) plus high-value soft treats used for scent-work/training

Temperament

Affectionate, human-oriented companion temperament; often seeks proximity and contact
Intelligent and generally responsive to reward-based training (poodle influence), but may show 'selective hearing'/stubbornness and strong scent distraction (basset influence)
Sociable with familiar people; friendliness with strangers varies widely across individuals and early socialization
Moderate energy: enjoys walks and play, often happiest with daily structured activity plus mental work (food puzzles, scent games)
Vocal tendency can be moderate to high; may inherit basset-style baying/howling or frequent alert barking
Can be sensitive; harsh corrections may increase anxiety or shutdown behaviors-best with calm, consistent handling
Prey/scent drive can be notable; may wander or pull on leash when following odors-recall reliability varies and benefits from long-line training
Common care-linked behavioral needs across the hub: consistent grooming tolerance training (especially if coat is curlier), early alone-time conditioning to reduce separation distress, and weight-management habits to reduce obesity risk
Health issues can change behavior: ear pain from recurrent otitis (long, floppy ears), back pain from intervertebral disc disease (basset lineage), or joint pain (hip dysplasia, patellar problems) may make them play less.

Communication

barking Alerting, attention-seeking, play
baying/howling More likely if basset traits dominate; can be triggered by excitement, isolation, or novel sounds
whining Appeasement, frustration, proximity-seeking
growling Boundary-setting, discomfort, resource guarding in some individuals
yelping Pain/startle; may occur with rough handling or injury
scent-based communication: intense sniffing, tracking, and scent marking; odor-following can override social cues when highly aroused
body posture and facial signals: play bows, soft vs. hard eye contact, freezing/turning away as calming or avoidance signals
tail signaling: broad wagging during friendly engagement; stiff, high carriage during arousal/uncertainty
ear and head cues: head tilts and ear positioning; long ears can obscure subtle ear-set signals compared with prick-eared types
tactile contact: pawing, leaning, nudging, licking Often used for attention and bonding
resource and space behaviors: guarding postures over food/toys or preferred resting spots may occur; best addressed with management and positive reinforcement
human-directed communication: frequent checking-in, following, and 'asking' behaviors (sitting/staring at the handler), especially in individuals with stronger poodle-like attentiveness

Habitat

Urban Suburban Agricultural/Farmland Plantation Woodland Deciduous Forest Coniferous Forest Forest Grassland Prairie Steppe Savanna Shrubland Desert Tundra Alpine Meadow Mountain Coastal Beach Rocky Shore Wetland Marsh Swamp River/Stream Lake Pond +20
Biomes:
Temperate Forest Temperate Grassland Mediterranean Boreal Forest (Taiga) Tundra Alpine Desert Hot Desert Cold Savanna Tropical Dry Forest Tropical Rainforest Wetland Freshwater Marine +8
Terrain:
Plains Hilly Valley Coastal Mountainous Island
Elevation: Up to 16404 ft 3 in

Ecological Role

Domestic commensal omnivore (breed-level variant of Canis lupus familiaris): primarily a companion animal whose diet is largely provided by humans; when roaming, may function as an opportunistic small-prey predator and scavenger influenced by strong scenting behavior (Basset lineage).

Companionship and human well-being support Detection/scent-work potential (tracking/nosework) Localized rodent/pest deterrence or occasional predation when free-ranging Minor scavenging of organic waste in human environments (not a recommended/managed role)

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Small mammals Ground-nesting and ground-feeding birds Reptiles and amphibians Invertebrates Fish Carrion and food waste
Other Foods:
Fruit and berries Grasses and plant matter Starchy vegetables Cooked grains and plant starches Legumes

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Domesticated

Canis lupus familiaris (domestic dog) was tamed from gray wolves as people chose animals for being tame and for work. The Bassetoodle (Basset Hound × Poodle mix) is a companion hybrid with variable traits: scent drive, short body, or trainable low-shed coats. People keep them as pets, therapy animals, or for scent work.

Danger Level

Low
  • Bites/scratches (typically situational: fear, pain, resource guarding; higher risk with poor socialization or mishandling)
  • Knock-down risk for small children or frail adults if the dog is larger/boisterous (size depends on Poodle line)
  • Allergens/dander and saliva exposure (low-shedding coats do not guarantee low allergenicity)
  • Zoonotic concerns shared by domestic dogs if unvaccinated/untreated (e.g., rabies risk in unvaccinated dogs, intestinal parasites, ringworm)
  • Public nuisance risks: leash pulling, scent-chasing/bolting, and barking/howling in some individuals

As a Pet

Suitable as Pet

Legality: Canis lupus familiaris: Usually legal to keep as a pet in the United States and most places. Must follow normal dog rules: license, rabies shot, leash, noise and housing or HOA rules. Local limits for behavior or size may apply.

Care Level: Moderate

Purchase Cost: $300 - $2,000
Lifetime Cost: $15,000 - $40,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Companion animal industry Veterinary and preventive healthcare Training and behavior services Grooming and coat care services Pet supplies and food Boarding/daycare Rescue/rehoming services Therapy/assistance and community programs (temperament-dependent)
Products:
  • companion dogs (sale/adoption of puppies and adults)
  • training classes and private behavior consulting
  • grooming (clipping, bathing, ear care) and related products
  • veterinary services (vaccination, spay/neuter, diagnostics, dental care)
  • pet insurance policies and wellness plans
  • pet food, treats, enrichment toys, and scent-work supplies
  • boarding and daycare services

Relationships

Predators 5

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans
Cougar
Cougar Puma concolor
American alligator
American alligator Alligator mississippiensis
Golden eagle
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Related Species 7

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus Shared Genus
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans Shared Genus
Golden jackal
Golden jackal Canis aureus Shared Genus
African golden wolf Canis lupaster Shared Genus
Dhole
Dhole Cuon alpinus Shared Family
African wild dog
African wild dog Lycaon pictus Shared Family
Red fox
Red fox Vulpes vulpes Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Gray wolf
Gray wolf Canis lupus Closest wild relative of the domestic dog. Shares much of the underlying canid biology and behavior.
Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans North American canid with overlapping ecology; known to hybridize with domestic dogs in some regions.
Golden jackal
Golden jackal Canis aureus Medium-sized canid with broadly similar omnivorous and scavenging ecology.
Red fox
Red fox Vulpes vulpes Common sympatric canid in many areas; overlaps in small-prey hunting and use of human-associated environments.
Dhole
Dhole Cuon alpinus Wild canid in the family Canidae; useful for broader ecological comparisons among canids.

Quick Take

  • Bassetoodles look calm and easygoing, yet most owners are caught completely off guard by a hidden behavioral issue. See the hidden anxiety →
  • There's a common dog food ingredient that could quietly put your bassetoodle's heart at risk, and most owners never think to check the label for it. Check the risky ingredient →
  • These dogs train easily when young, but age unlocks a stubborn side that gentle reinforcement handles in a very specific way. See the training approach →
  • Bassetoodles get along great with kids, though there is a time limit to keep in mind. Going beyond it without supervision can go wrong fast. Check the time limit →

With curly hair, floppy ears, and an adorable face that can’t be denied, the bassetoodle is by far one of the most charming Doodle dogs around. These darling puppies are created by breeding basset hound and poodle parents together. Because poodles come in a variety of sizes, there can be significant variance in a bassetoodle’s appearance, size, and temperament.

Bassetoodles are friendly, fun-loving, and affectionate pups. They stick close to their owners and love to socialize with the family. If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, the bassetoodle might just be the dog for you.

A detailed infographic titled Bassetoodle: Charming & Affectionate Hybrid, featuring sections on pros and cons, health facts, and care essentials for the breed.
Meet the small dog with a big personality that's redefining city living—if you can handle their unique grooming and health needs. © A-Z Animals

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Bassetoodle

ProsCons
Low exercise needs: These dogs love to walk but never want to move too fast. Expect to take your pet for one or two strolls a day, and be sure to make time for fetch when they’re younger.Back problems: Like basset hounds, these dogs have elongated backs that can develop health issues as the dog gets older. Let your dog walk at their own pace, and take them to the vet every season for a checkup.
Easy to train: They are loyal, loving, and intelligent pups. You should have no trouble teaching your pet both simple commands and slightly more complicated tricks.Regular grooming: They have wiry or curly coats that need to be brushed at least once every other day. Like other Doodle dogs, this variety does not do well without regular baths and trips to the groomer.
Apartment-sized: Because they weigh less than 30 pounds and don’t need a lot of exercise, these dogs are a great choice for apartment life. Just be sure not to leave them alone, as these dogs have a habit of barking when unsupervised.Separation anxiety: They adore their parents and love being part of a family. However, when humans are not around, these dogs become incredibly anxious and may engage in destructive behaviors. Try not to leave your pet alone for more than a few hours at a time.

Size and Weight

Bassetoodles are small to medium-sized dogs with short statures and bold personalities. These pups typically have stocky frames, short legs, and coats of silky, curly hair. On a bassetoodle, even the long ears that basset hounds are typically recognized for are covered in the same curls that are sought out in all Doodle hybrids. The appearance of the bassetoodle may change based on the type of poodle that was used as a parent. These dogs are quite small compared to their basset hound parents and tend to weigh only 20 to 40 pounds and stand 12 to 16 inches tall. Although the females may be a tiny bit smaller, the difference is not significant.

Common Health Issues

Like their basset hound parents, bassetoodles are particularly susceptible to ear infections, back problems, and obesity. These designer dogs may also share some of the health issues of their poodle parents, including epilepsy and joint dysplasia. Take your bassetoodle to the vet regularly, and make sure to clean their ears frequently to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Temperament

Bassetoodles are sweet, loyal, and lovable dogs. These pups are known for their incredibly loyal temperaments, although they also often inherit a stubborn streak from their basset hound parents that may result in occasional playful or destructive behavior. Bassetoodles have gregarious personalities and love to be the life of the party — at least, until they get tired and need to take a nap.

One thing that many people don’t realize about Doodle dogs is that, although they may appear calmer than other breeds, they need significantly more attention from their owners. Bassetoodles may not show obvious signs of how seriously they are affected by separation anxiety, especially if they are a rescue. Keep your pup close to your side, and check in with them regularly to make sure they aren’t anxious or disoriented, especially as your dog gets older.

How to Take Care of a Bassetoodle

When it comes to designer dogs, the price typically reflects how demanding the pup will be to care for. Bassetoodles can be moderately to quite expensive, especially when purchased from a breeder, with prices often exceeding $1,000. Adopting from a rescue may be less costly. Expect most of your efforts to involve grooming and preventive care to avoid the health issues that basset hounds are known for.

The Best Dog Food

Bassetoodles are small dogs that don’t need very large portions. Make sure to choose a high-quality kibble full of natural proteins and healthy fats. If you prefer to cook your pet’s food at home, use good meats and green vegetables.

Bassetoodles can be prone to heart problems, so do a little research about the risks of legume-containing dog food, including its link to heart failure in dogs. Check out some of the many legume-free dog foods available.

Maintenance and Grooming

Like other Doodle dogs, Bassetoodles need to be brushed or combed on a daily basis to keep their fur from matting up. Some bassetoodles have coats that are more wiry than curly, which typically means they need less grooming.

All bassetoodles will also need to have their ears cleaned regularly. Your vet will recommend an ear cleaning agent that will stem infections without irritating your pup’s sensitive ears. Don’t forget to visit a groomer regularly to get your dog’s nails filed and fur trimmed away from their eyes.

Training

Expect your bassetoodle to respond well to training and to be eager to spend time with their owner. Do your best to communicate essential commands while your bassetoodle is still young. As they get older, they may express their personality through mild disobedience, but that doesn’t mean your bassetoodle has suddenly forgotten their commands. Use gentle reinforcement and regular training sessions to help get your pup back on track.

Exercise

Bassetoodles need a moderate amount of exercise. However, due to their short stature, these dogs don’t like to move very fast. Accommodate your bassetoodle with one or two long but slow daily walks around your neighborhood.

Puppies

Bassetoodle puppies are gregarious, sweet, and cheerful. Expect your bassetoodle puppy to have quite a bit of energy when they are small. As they get bigger, they will slow down, so take advantage of playtime while it’s still available to you. Remember to start training early to make sure your bassetoodle learns essential commands.

Bassetoodles and Children

Bassetoodles are sweet, playful, and even-tempered dogs that do incredibly well engaging with children for short periods of time. However, like most Doodle breeds, bassetoodles are slightly introverted and tire easily. Because of this, they tend to tire of interacting with kids and may need adults to intervene after brief periods. It’s not a good idea to leave a bassetoodle unsupervised around small children. Take special care to make sure that kids don’t pull on your bassetoodle’s extremely sensitive ears.

Dogs Similar to Bassetoodles

Bassetoodles come in a variety of appearances, but they all share the same loyal and outgoing personality. If you’re looking for a similar pup, consider adopting a purebred basset hound or trying a different Doodle breed. Alternatively, you can adopt a beagle to get a similar personality in a small and playful package.

  • Basset Hounds: The classic basset hound is a lovable and loyal pup that will serve your family well.
  • Bordoodles: Bordoodles are sweet, energetic, and friendly dogs with the same hypoallergenic coat that most Doodles are bred for.
  • Beagles: Beagles are fun-loving dogs that are led by their noses. They’re also smaller than bassetoodles and may be less prone to health issues.
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Sources

  1. Dog Breed Info / Accessed March 10, 2021
  2. Doggie Designer / Accessed March 10, 2021
  3. Wag Walking / Accessed March 10, 2021
  4. 101 Dog Breeds / Accessed March 10, 2021
  5. Pet Guide / Accessed March 10, 2021
  6. How To Train The Dog / Accessed March 10, 2021
Ashley Haugen

About the Author

Ashley Haugen

Ashley Haugen is the editor of A-Z Animals. She's a lifelong animal lover with an affinity for dogs, cows and chickens. When she's not immersed in A-Z-Animals.com (her favorite editorial job of her 25-year career), she can be found on the hiking trails of Middle Tennessee or hanging out with her family, both human and furry.
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