Ba-Shar (Basset Hound & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

Ba-Shars are a rare type of hybrid, the result of a purebred Basset Hound crossed with a purebred Shar-Pei. These compact, medium-sized dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners, often aloof with strangers and watchful of their homes. Though not as suspicious as purebred Shar-Peis, Ba-Shars have what it takes to be a true watchdog. Along with the curiosity of the Basset House, Ba-Shars are quite intelligent and have a keen sense of what’s going on around them. They’re also incredibly adorable and they seem to know it! Let’s take a closer look at the Ba-Shar to see if this eyebrow-raising hybrid is right for you:

Ba-Shar Puppies – Before You Buy…

3 Little-Known Facts About Ba-Shars

1. Ba-Shars can be athletic

Though Ba-Shars come from two breeds that aren’t exactly known for athleticism, Ba-Shars can do well with active lifestyles. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and trail running, but they may need some convincing to get moving.

2. Ba-Shars can be wary of strangers

While Ba-Shars are affectionate and friendly with their families, they’re not social butterflies like other dogs. They’re not aggressive by any means, but just don’t expect them to greet everyone with wagging tails and happy faces.

3. Ba-Shars are independent

Ba-Shars are almost feline-like in personality, similar to purebred Shar-Peis. This can make them slightly difficult to train, so it’s important to be consistent and firm with them to prevent behavioral and dominance issues.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Ba-Shar 🧠

Ba-Shars are not as popular as other mixed breeds, so it can be difficult to understand the temperaments and intelligence levels of these dogs. One way to prepare for your Ba-Shar puppy is to ask about its parents’ temperaments, especially since these dogs can be a bit much to handle for new dog owners. Another way is to research the temperaments of Basset Hounds and Shar-Peis to get a better idea of what your Ba-Shar puppy may be like:

Basset Hounds are easygoing dogs that enjoy spending time with people. They’re playful and kind dogs, but they’re always aware of their surroundings. They’re sociable and friendly dogs, but they have high levels of intelligence that can lead to curiosity. Basset Hounds can become stubborn if left to their own devices, but they’re food-motivated and eager to please with consistent training. They’re also great pets for families that have mild to moderately active lifestyles, which is great for children that want a playful dog.

Shar-Peis are reserved dogs with watchful eyes, often found following their owners with diligence. These wrinkly dogs are incredibly smart and will test their place in the household, which is why they’re often recommended for experienced dog owners. Though they’re suspicious of any visitors, they’re very loving and affectionate canines. Shar-Peis are great watchdogs because of this, making them ideal for homes that need a little extra security. They can be good family dogs, but some Shar-Peis prefer living in homes without children.

Ba-Shars can be hard to pinpoint with temperament since Basset Hounds and Shar-Peis are vastly different. However, it’s safe to say that your Ba-Shar will be loyal and smart. Stubbornness may also be an issue, but this is usually due to a lack of consistent training. While some Ba-Shars will do well with social situations, others may prefer to be on the sidelines at family events.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes and no. It depends on the family, especially the children. Because Ba-Shars tend to be independent, they’re better off with families that have older, quieter children. These dogs don’t do well with teasing and may not have the patience to deal with small or rowdy kids.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Generally, Ba-Shars can live comfortably in a home with established pets. However, Ba-Shars should be raised alongside new pets to build a familial bond. Some Ba-Shars may have strong prey drives, which can be dangerous for small animals.

Things to Know When Owning a Ba-Shar:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Ba-Shars need specific dietary requirements, so it’s important to consult your veterinarian when looking for dog food. Generally, Ba-Shars need a high-protein and high-fiber diet. A top-quality dry kibble with at least 24% protein and 5% fiber is recommended for them, though your vet will be able to recommend a few great brands to try.

Exercise 🐕

Ba-Shars don’t require hours and hours of exercise, but they do need some to keep them from gaining weight. It depends on your Ba-Shar, but at least two medium-to-long distance walks a day is required. Some Ba-Shars love going for walks as a way to spend time with their owners, so you may have to extend the walks or add a third one to each day. Ba-Shars also like to roam freely thanks to their Basset Hound genes, so it’s highly recommended to have an enclosed space that they can sniff around in.

Training 🐶 😽

Ba-Shars can be great with training, but their independent tendencies can make it a struggle for first-time dog owners. Positive reinforcement training with a mixture of low and high-value treats is usually recommended, but the emphasis truly needs to be on consistency. These dogs will challenge you if they sense weakness, which means you’ll have to be a confident leader as well.

Ba-Shars can benefit from group classes, which also gives them a chance to socialize. However, some owners feel that they do best with one-on-one training, so it’ll depend on how focused your Ba-Shar is. If you feel that you’re overwhelmed with this type of dog, we recommend hiring a professional dog trainer that has worked with Shar-Peis before.

Grooming ✂️

Ba-Shars generally have short coats that are relatively easy to take care of, but they’re usually dense and thick double-coats. Brushing their coats once or twice a week should suffice, as well as helping to reduce shedding. It’s crucial not to bathe your Ba-Shar too often as that will lead to dry skin, which can cause itching and excessive shedding. Nail trimming should be done every 2-3 weeks, but it’s recommended to get it done by a professional to avoid cutting into the quick.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Since Ba-Shars haven’t been around for long, there’s no history of health conditions to go by. The best way to prepare for your Ba-Shar’s future is to look at the health conditions of the Basset Hound and Shar-Pei:

Ba-Shars come from two breeds that live relatively healthy lives, though there are some health conditions like Otitis Externa and Osteochondrosis Dissecans that can become serious if not treated. Other minor health conditions may affect their comfort and health like allergies and dry skin, but most are treatable with medicine and diet.

Male vs Female

Ba-Shars are similar between males and females, but males tend to be bigger and slightly more stubborn. Aside from size, the choice of male or female is a personal one that should be made with all parties involved. If you’re still not sure, talk to the Ba-Shar breeder about the puppies in the litter to see which one would be best for you and your family.

Final Thoughts

Though they’re not popular like Labradoodles, Ba-Shars are great companions that redefine the word loyal. They’re reserved and polite with strangers, and their wariness makes them a great option for families looking for a watchdog. Ba-Shars may not have tons of energy, but what they lack in enthusiasm they make up in loyalty. One look at these adorable hound mixes and you’ll be wondering where the closest Ba-Shar breeder is. If you’re looking for a truly unique designer dog breed, the Ba-Shar will not disappoint.

Featured Image: Enbrunner, Shutterstock