Pit Bull Basset Hound Mix: The 5 Most Important Things to Know about These Pups

We’re seeing more crosses between different breeds over the past few years. The pit bull and basset hound mix is a more unusual hybrid! No one can seem to agree when this crossbreed first appeared. You never know what you’re going to get when it comes to the physical traits of these dogs. Let’s take a look at this unique crossbreed!

1. They Have Unique Colors and Coats

Your pit bull and basset hound mix will definitely have a unique coat! They will always have at least two colors, though most are found to have the classic tri-color mixture of tan, black, or white. Due to the basset heritage, your puppy might even come in red!

Puppies that share a coat more similar to their basset parent will shed heavily. This means you must stay on top of their grooming needs to remove the dead hair in their coats. You can at least expect a short, dense coat of fur that will shed moderately.

2. They Might Come With a Hefty Price Tag

You might find that you have a hard time finding a reputable pit bull and basset hound breeder. That’s because this breed is fairly unique. You might be lucky enough to find one at a rescue; if that is the case, you can expect a lower fee. If you do find a breeder, you might be surprised at the costs. Depending on where you live, you might see prices as high as $2,000 for one puppy.

3. Expect High Intelligence

The pit bull and basset hound mix is ideal if you’re looking for a dog with high intelligence! They’re very eager to learn so you will be happy to train them. Taking the time to train your puppy at a young age makes all the difference in the world. They can easily learn new tricks and commands as long as you stay consistent.

The pit bull breed is often employed as working dogs for a reason. Whether it’s for search and rescue, therapy, or police, you will find this dog hard at work across many fields. It’s also crucial to understand how emotionally intelligent this breed is. This is due to the fact that they tend to bond so easily with their humans! Basset hounds, on the other hand, can be a very independent breed. They tend not to be people pleasers and enjoy a good nap instead of learning something new. This doesn’t mean that they’re not smart, though, just a bit stubborn!

4. This Breed Has a High Prey Drive

Pit bulls were first bred to hunt down rats. This prey drive can be passed down, creating a high prey drive in some dogs. It’s also important to remember that basset hounds were bred to be hunting dogs. As such, you can expect them to have high prey drives as well. This is due to the fact that they have outstanding scenting skills. Despite these occurrences, the pit bull and basset hound mix are usually fine with other pets. What matters is how much effort you put into socializing your dog!

5. They Are Prone to Health Issues From Both Parent Breeds

All dogs have a risk of developing health issues. Pit bulls and basset hounds are both generally considered to be healthy breeds. Some health problems can be more common than others. You might find that they develop issues with their ears, eyes, and skin. Here is a list of common afflictions to keep an eye on:

• Hip dysplasia
• Osteochondrodysplasia
• Bleeding Disorders
• Glaucoma
• Hypothyroidism
• Obesity
• Cardiac Disease
• Allergies
• Ear infections