Border Collie Basset Hound Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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Height:
17-22 inches
Weight:
20-60 pounds
Lifespan:
10-12 years
Colors:
Black, black and white, black and white and red
Suitable for:
Families with small children, active singles, active couples
Temperament:
Excitable, energetic, easy-going, loyal & loving
If you’re seeking an extremely unique designer dog breed that combines the best of both worlds, look no further than a Border Collie Basset Hound mix. Mixing the spunky, athletic Border Collie with the mellow, good-natured Basset Hound, a Border Collie Basset Hound mix breed is guaranteed to add instant joy and delight to your household. Not only is this adorable hybrid breed easy on the eyes, but he’s extremely easy going, making him the ideal pet for almost any family.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to own a Border Collie Basset Hound mix, don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. Keep reading this in-depth article to find out everything you need to know about this fascinating designer dog.
Border Collie Basset Hound Mix Puppies
We totally get it – Border Collie Basset Hound mix pups can be simply irresistible. But before you scoop up a puppy from the very first breeder you meet, it’s important to know some common ground rules on where to shop for this type of dog.
It’s critical to note that where you buy your Border Collie Basset Hound mix puppy will determine his health and happiness for the rest of his life. Are you willing to forgo the wellness of your new dog for a cheap price tag?
In case you didn’t know already, there are a lot of bad dog breeders out there. And we mean A LOT. According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are over 10,000 puppy mills currently in operation in America, fewer than 3,000 of which are regulated by the Department of Agriculture. On top of that number, there are thousands of backyard breeders selling puppies all over the country.
It’s extremely important that you do not buy a dog from a puppy mill or backyard breeder. These types of facilities give little to no concern about the welfare of the dogs they are breeding. This in turn leads to unsuspecting people being scammed into buying a dog that is littered with a myriad of medical conditions. Some common types of puppy mill dog health issues include:
- Heart disease
- Epilepsy
- Kidney problems
- Blood disorders
- Eye issues
- Respiratory problems
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Fleas and ticks
- Heartworm
- Intestinal parasites
- Distemper
- Upper respiratory infections
Moreover, a Border Collie Basset Hound mix puppy from a bad breeder can also suffer from severe psychological problems, including:
- Anxiety
- Shyness
- Food or toy hoarding
- Trouble being crate and leash trained
- Trouble being potty trained
- Aggression
In order to steer clear of these issues, it’s imperative that you purchase your Border Collie Basset Hound mix from a top-notch breeder. Do your research and ask lots of questions. Remember, that while a low price tag can seem attractive, dogs from bad breeders can cost you a lot more down the road.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Collie Basset Hound Mix
1. His Parent Dog Breed Was Loved by Royalty
You read that right! Queen Victoria adored Border Collies!
2. Border Collies Are Record Breakers
From being the most intelligent breed on the planet to exceling at balancing items on their heads, Border Collies have set all types of world records.
3. Basset Hounds Are Dwarves
Sounds weird, right? However, your Border Collie Basset Hound mix’s parent Basset Hound breed has achondroplasia, which is a common type of dwarfism in both people and some dogs.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Collie Basset Hound Mix 🧠
In order to get a good handle on the personality and intelligence of your Border Collie Basset Hound mix puppy, it’s wise to take a closer look at the temperament of both of his parent dog breeds.
The Border Collie is an active, agile, and athletic dog. He is best suited for suburban or country living where he can have a sprawling backyard to run and romp. Extremely intelligent, the Border Collie picks up basic tricks with ease and loves to be challenged. Originally developed as a herder, this dog can be protective over his human pack and will always keep a vigilant eye on your children.
On the complete opposite end of the personality spectrum is the docile and easy-going Basset Hound. A breed that requires medium activity, the Basset Hound is a sweet, gentle dog that can sometimes be stubborn. You’ll need to be firm and patient while teaching this breed tricks and keep them entertained with tons of creativity while training.
Your Border Collie Basset Hound mix will surely inherit a mix of these personality traits which means that he may be energetic, easy going, smart, and a bit stubborn.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Yes, the Border Collie Basset Hound mix is a fantastic family pet. However, due to the natural herding instinct of the Border Collie, yours may want to chase and herd your young tots. So be sure to always keep a close eye on everyone during playtime.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Yes, the Border Collie Basset Hound mix will most likely get along with all of your other household pets. Early socialization is necessary to keep your dog calm and confident around others animals.
Things to Know When Owning a Border Collie Basset Hound Mix
Now that you know all about this designer dog’s personality, let’s explore what your Border Collie Basset Hound mix needs in order to stay healthy and happy during his entire lifespan.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Border Collie Basset Hound mix will need a high-quality, grain-free kibble that caters to his age, weight, and activity level. You should be feeding your dog two cups per day that is divided into two meals.
Exercise 🐕
If your Border Collie Basset Hound mix leans closer toward the energy level of his Border Collie parent breed, you’re going to have to supply him with tons of activity and playtime every day. He will not be happy if left alone inside for long periods of time and needs plenty of time to explore and exercise outside. If you live in a city apartment without a yard, this breed is not for you.
Aim to give your Border Collie Basset Hound mix about an hour to two hours of exercise every day. This can include a long, brisk walk or jog, a game of fetch in the yard, or some tug-of-war inside. Additionally, he’s going to need a lot of mental stimulation too to keep his active brain occupied. Enrolling your Border Collie Basset Hound mix in a weekly training or agility class and supplying him with many interactive puzzle games should do the trick.
Training 🦮
The Border Collie Basset Hound mix is an incredibly smart dog that will learn new tricks effortlessly. His Basset Hound genetics may mean yours will suffer from stubbornness, so firm, consistent training is key.
Grooming ✂️
Your Border Collie Basset Hound mix may inherit the Border Collie’s double-layered, medium-length coat or the Basset Hound’s short, coarse coat. If your dog inherits the former, aim to brush him twice per week. If his coat is shorter, weekly brushing should do the trick. Brush his teeth every day and clean his ears and clip his nails as needed.
Health and Conditions ❤️
- Hip dysplasia
- Foot cysts
- Bloating
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Von Willebrands
Overall, the Border Collie Basset Hound mix is a healthy hybrid breed. However, he is prone to some health issues as he ages. This is why routine wellness visits with your vet are important.
Male vs. Female
There are no huge personality differences between the genders. However, a male Border Collie Basset Hound may be larger than a female.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a lively, loving, and loyal designer dog breed, the Border Collie Basset Hound mix may be ideal for you. Smart, protective, and friendly, this hybrid breed loves to learn and excels at learning all types of tricks. A bit stubborn, your Border Collie Basset Hound will require early socialization and firm, patient training sessions.
Always remember to buy a Border Collie Basset Hound mix puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder to avoid health issues later on in his life.
Consider adding this pooch to your household today!
Featured Image Credit: Erwin Loh, Wikimedia Commons