Basset Shepherd
Hybrid Breed Description
The Basset Shepherd is a cross between the Basset Hound and the German Shepherd. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Basset Shepherd. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound presents a distinctive appearance with its remarkably low-slung body carried on surprisingly short, stocky legs. Standing only thirteen to fifteen inches at the shoulder, these medium to large dogs typically weigh between forty and sixty-five pounds, creating an impression of substantial weight compressed into a compact frame. Their heavy bone structure gives them exceptional stability despite their short stature, while their long, elongated body creates a characteristic rectangular silhouette that is instantly recognizable. The breed's proportions are unique among hounds, with a body length that significantly exceeds their height, contributing to their unmistakable profile. The Basset's head is large and well-proportioned, featuring a broad, slightly domed skull with a wrinkled forehead that contributes to their endearing, somewhat melancholy expression. Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their extremely long, velvety ears that hang well past the jawline and often drag along the ground when the dog lowers its head to track scents. These pendulous ears serve a practical purpose, helping to funnel scent particles toward the nose during tracking work. The eyes are dark and soulful with a gentle, sad appearance enhanced by loose skin around the face and prominent haws. The muzzle is deep and substantial, with loose-fitting lips that contribute to the breed's tendency to drool. The Basset Hound's coat is short, dense, and smooth, requiring minimal grooming while providing adequate weather protection. Color patterns typically include tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, or bicolor variations such as lemon and white or red and white. The tail is long, slightly curved, and carried high with a cheerful carriage. Their large, round paws provide excellent traction and support for their considerable weight, while the loose, elastic skin creates wrinkles and folds particularly evident around the head and neck, adding to their charmingly droopy appearance that has made them favorites in popular culture and advertising.
Key Characteristics
The Basset Hound possesses a remarkably friendly and easygoing temperament that makes them excellent family companions. These gentle dogs are known for their calm, patient nature and their ability to form strong bonds with all family members, including children and other pets. Originally bred as pack hounds, they retain a strong social nature and genuinely enjoy company, preferring to be around their human family rather than left alone for extended periods. Their pleasant disposition makes them particularly well-suited for households with young children, as they typically exhibit patience and tolerance. Despite their somewhat lazy reputation, Bassets maintain a playful spirit and can be quite energetic during activities they enjoy, particularly when following interesting scents. Training a Basset Hound requires patience and consistency, as these intelligent dogs possess a notable independent streak. While certainly capable of learning, they approach training at their own pace and may display classic hound stubbornness. Their powerful scenting ability, second only to the Bloodhound, can prove distracting during training sessions. Positive reinforcement methods work best, as they respond well to food rewards and gentle encouragement. Early socialization and puppy training classes help establish good habits. Basset Hounds are not typically aggressive and generally greet strangers with friendly curiosity, making them poor guard dogs despite their impressive bark. They can be vocal, possessing a deep, melodious bay. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they may develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. While not high-energy dogs, they need regular moderate activity to maintain fitness and prevent obesity, to which they are particularly prone. Their friendly, laid-back personality has made them beloved family pets.
The Basset Hound's unique body structure predisposes them to several breed-specific health concerns. The most significant issue is intervertebral disc disease, affecting the spine due to their long back and short legs. This condition occurs when cartilage discs between vertebrae rupture or herniate, causing spinal cord pressure that can result in pain, weakness, or even paralysis. The breed's chondrodystrophy, creating their characteristic short legs, contributes significantly to spinal vulnerability. Bassets are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, where joints develop abnormally, leading to arthritis and mobility challenges. Obesity exacerbates all these orthopedic issues, making weight management absolutely critical. Their long, droopy ears are prone to chronic infections because limited air circulation creates ideal conditions for bacteria and yeast. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring are essential. The breed's loose, wrinkled skin can develop fold dermatitis if not kept clean and dry. Eye problems including glaucoma, cherry eye, entropion, and ectropion occur relatively commonly. Bassets have increased risk of bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This requires smaller, frequent meals. Other genetic conditions include thrombopathia, a bleeding disorder affecting blood clotting, and various allergies causing skin irritation and infections. Wobbler syndrome, affecting neck vertebrae, and patellar luxation also occur with some frequency. Despite these potential concerns, most Bassets live relatively healthy lives spanning twelve to thirteen years when provided with proper veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, moderate exercise, and diligent weight management. Responsible breeders screen for many genetic conditions to reduce affected puppies.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a large, powerfully built working dog exhibiting nobility, strength, and exceptional athleticism in every aspect of its structure. Males typically stand twenty-four to twenty-six inches at the shoulder and weigh between seventy-five and ninety-five pounds, while females measure twenty-two to twenty-four inches tall with weights ranging from fifty to seventy pounds. The breed displays a well-proportioned, muscular physique with strong bone structure and a body that is slightly longer than tall, creating an efficient, ground-covering gait. Their overall impression conveys capability, agility, and endurance without any hint of clumsiness or excessive bulk. The German Shepherd's athletic build reflects generations of selective breeding for working ability, resulting in a dog equally capable of sustained trotting and explosive bursts of speed. The breed's most distinctive features include medium-sized, erect ears that stand upright and are pointed, giving them an alert, attentive expression. These characteristic ears, combined with a noble, wedge-shaped head, create the German Shepherd's unmistakable profile. The head is well-proportioned to the body with a moderately broad skull and a strong, tapering muzzle. Their almond-shaped, dark brown eyes convey intelligence, confidence, and alertness. The German Shepherd possesses a strong, muscular neck that flows smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders, while the back remains firm and level, sloping slightly from withers to croup. The bushy tail hangs in a slight curve and reaches at least to the hock joint. The German Shepherd's double coat consists of a dense, harsh outer coat and a thick undercoat, providing excellent protection from weather extremes. Coat colors typically include black and tan, black and red, black and cream, solid black, or sable, with most dogs displaying the characteristic black saddle marking across the back. Some dogs possess a solid black coat, while others show more extensive black coverage. The coat is medium length, though longer-coated varieties occur. Males often display a more pronounced ruff around the neck and more substantial feathering. The breed's overall structure, from the alert carriage to the flowing movement, exemplifies the perfect working dog designed for stamina, agility, and versatility.
Key Characteristics
The German Shepherd possesses an exceptionally intelligent, confident, and loyal temperament that has made them the preferred choice for military, police, and service work worldwide. These highly trainable dogs form deep, devoted bonds with their families and display remarkable versatility in their working abilities. German Shepherds are naturally watchful and alert, with strong protective instincts that make them outstanding guard dogs when properly trained and socialized. They are typically aloof and reserved with strangers, assessing situations carefully before warming up to new people, though they should never display unprovoked aggression. With their families, they are affectionate, gentle, and surprisingly playful. The breed's exceptional intelligence ranks them among the most trainable of all dog breeds, capable of learning complex commands quickly and excelling in advanced obedience, protection work, tracking, search and rescue, and numerous specialized roles. However, this intelligence requires confident leadership from owners, as German Shepherds may attempt to assume leadership without proper guidance. Early socialization is absolutely critical to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults. Poorly socialized dogs may become overly protective, fearful, or reactive. These dogs need ongoing mental stimulation and structured activities to prevent boredom, which can manifest as destructive behavior. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs requiring substantial daily exercise and activity to remain physically and mentally healthy. They need vigorous exercise including long walks, runs, play sessions, and opportunities to participate in dog sports or training activities. Without adequate stimulation, they can become frustrated, anxious, or destructive. These dogs must live as integral family members with constant human interaction and companionship, as isolation can lead to separation anxiety. When their needs are met, they become outstanding family companions.
German Shepherds are predisposed to several significant health concerns that potential owners should carefully research. The most well-known issue is hip dysplasia, affecting approximately twenty percent of the breed. This genetic condition involves abnormal hip joint development where the ball and socket don't fit properly, causing grinding, inflammation, and progressive arthritis. The breed's characteristic sloped back and angulated rear legs may contribute to increased joint stress. Environmental factors including rapid growth, obesity, and excessive exercise before skeletal maturity can worsen the condition. Elbow dysplasia similarly affects the front legs. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for both conditions. Degenerative myelopathy represents another serious concern, a progressive neurological disease affecting the spinal cord typically appearing in older dogs. This incurable condition causes gradual loss of coordination and weakness in the hind limbs, eventually progressing to paralysis. A genetic test can identify carriers. The breed also faces elevated risk of bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus due to their deep chest structure, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Feeding practices including smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating can help reduce risk. Additional health concerns include various forms of cancer, particularly hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and lymphoma. The breed is prone to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, where the pancreas fails to produce adequate digestive enzymes. Von Willebrand's disease, an inherited bleeding disorder, occurs in some lines. German Shepherds frequently develop allergies manifesting as skin irritation, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Eye conditions including pannus and cataracts can affect vision. Despite numerous potential health issues, German Shepherds from health-tested parents with proper care typically enjoy good quality of life for ten to twelve years.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Basset Shepherd may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Basset Hound and German Shepherd to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.