Basston Basics

The Basston is the perfect family dog for those looking for a medium- to large-sized pooch who is just as affectionate and playful as he is energetic. This designer dog is a mix of Basset Hound and Boston Terrier. The Basset Hound is known to be gentle and loving to his human companions, while Boston Terriers are playful and energetic – the Basston gives you a wonderful blend of both worlds.

This dog breed is not known to excessively bark (although they will alert a new presence in the home with a sharp bark or two) and despite their medium build, they do make wonderful apartment dwellers as long as they are taken on adequate walks to burn up energy. A fenced yard is ideal, as your Basston will enjoy running around playing by themselves, with your kid, or digging a hole or two.

The Basston is an even-tempered, friendly dog breed that makes a wonderful family pet.

Origin

Purposely breeding two dogs of completely different breeds has been gaining popularity over the past two decades, and while we do know why some designer dog breeds are created, this is not the case for Basstons. We do know, however, where both the Basset Hound and Boston Terrier started out.

A man by the name of Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog which had a Bulldog/Terrier decent, and the dog was known as “Hooper’s Judge.” This dog eventually had offspring that were bred with French bulldogs, which gave rise to a new breed. This dog breed was first called a Bull Terrier, but the name was eventually changed to Boston Terrier. In 1893, the Boston Terrier became the first breed to be recognized in U.S. history.

On the other hand, the origin of the Basset Hound is rather vague. Little is known about this breed but it is suspected that early Ardennes hounds were brought to Britain in the early 1060s due to the Norman invasion – this breed was used to hunt wildlife. In the 1500s, the Basset Hound breed was referred to as a “badger hunter” and in the 1800s and 1930s, the breed was mixed with other breeds (Bloodhounds, in fact) in order to increase its size. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Pedigree

The Basston is a 50/50 mix of two breeds: Basset Hound and a Boston Terrier.

Food / Diet

One of the Basston’s parent breeds, the Basset Hound, is prone to weight-related issues. Because of this, your Basston’s food intake should be monitored. Remember to give them enough kibble to keep them well fed during the day (divided into 2 or 3 meals per day) and limit the amount of treats. Should you see your Basston is putting on a little more weight, increase their physical activity (more walks or indoor playtime).

The Basston’s sweet nature makes him a good choice for singles, couples and even seniors.

Training

Basset Hounds are known to be stubborn when it comes to training, so teaching your Basston how to perform tricks, potty train or obey simple commands may come as a little bit of a challenge. But with lots of patience, consistency, and rewards, results will follow. This isn’t to say that the Basston is not an intelligent dog breed, because they are. This dog simply takes a little bit more time to understand what they are supposed to be doing to make you happy.

Weight

A medium- to large-sized dog, the Basston can weigh anywhere between 20-40 lbs depending on how much it takes from either of its parent breeds.

Temperament/Behavior

Both Basset Hounds and Boston Terriers are even-tempered, friendly dog breeds who make wonderful family pets, especially with children who are young. They adapt well to children and also tolerate other animals in the house such as other dogs and cats. Basstons will happily play with your child when they come home from school, but will still become sappy lap dogs when your kids are put to bed and all you want to do is cuddle up with your lovable pooch. Their sweet nature makes them a good choice for singles, couples and even seniors.

Depending on their size (as their weight varies depending on how much they take from each parent breed), these dogs may be suitable for apartments. Fenced yards are a recommendation, but not a necessity.

Common Health Problems

Basset Hounds are known to easily become obese, so controlling diet and exercise is a must to avoid this problem. This breed is also susceptible to OCD, otitis externa, intervertebral disc disease, foreleg lameness, Glaucoma, von Willebrands, foot cysts and gastric torsion.

Boston Terriers are known to have a few health issues as well, including cherry eye, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs, and problems related to short-snouted breeds, which include breathing problems and reverse sneezing.

Life Expectancy

The Basston is expected to live anywhere from 12- 15 years.

Exercise Requirements

This designer dog breed does not need a lot of exercise to keep it in shape. The Basset Hound is not known to be energetic, however its Boston Terrier part is, so it’s a happy medium when it comes to exercise. Daily walks are preferred, but if the weather be too cold, your Basston will forgive you… so long as you give them extra indoor playtime instead.

The Basston coat is available in a variety of colors, but the most common is white and black.

Recognized Clubs

The Basston is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

A Basston’s fur is not silky or soft, as neither of their parent breeds have that kind of coat. They are not hypoallergenic, however their coat does not take much maintenance in order to keep it in tip-top shape. Because their coat is so short, it does not get tangles and does not need much grooming. The Basston’s coat comes in a variety of colors, but the most popular is white and black or white and dark brown with a wedge of white from their snouts to the top of their heads.

Puppies

Like most puppies, Basston pups will be energetic and curious to learn about their surrounds up until they are about six months old. Take extra care with puppies around young children, especially if they want to hold and/or pet them. Always have an adult supervising when a young child is around a pup, as they can easily drop them or hurt them by pulling on their paws/ears/tails.

Photo credit: Harvey Barrison/Flickr