The Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix is a hybrid pup bred using a purebred Basset Hound with a Cocker Spaniel. A relatively recent designer hybrid, the canine is a generally amiable pup with loads of affection for anyone it comes across. However, given its hunting instincts and a highly receptive nose, they can sometimes become the most headstrong and rebellious pups.
So, now that we had a general introduction to the Cocker Spaniel hybrid, here’s a detailed breakdown of the most essential things you should know.
Table of Contents
- 1 Where do the Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix come from?
- 2 How does the Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix look like?
- 3 How big do the Hush Bassets get?
- 4 How long does a Hush Basset live?
- 5 Are the Cocker Spaniel Basset Hound Mixes Hypoallergenic?
- 6 How to groom this particular hybrid?
- 7 Are the Hush Bassets good dogs? Do they bark?
- 8 How to train a Cocker Spaniel Basset Hound Mix?
Where do the Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix come from?
Being one of the newly designed breeds, there isn’t much information regarding these adorable little puppers. But, when it comes to their parents, they have definitely got an extensive and interesting record of their emergence.
Bred especially for their exceptionally strong sense of smell, the Basset Hounds are one of the closest relatives of the Bloodhounds. The breed initially originated from the St. Hubert hounds of France and rapidly grew to be a highly preferred canine companion amongst active pet owners.
At the same time, the always-adorable Cocker Spaniels were first introduced to the American Grounds back in the nineteenth century even though previous records of the natural occurrences of the breed can be found here. Since then, the breed has successfully managed to gain a widespread popularity and is best known for posing as a hunting dog, show quality canine and a fitting family companion.
How does the Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix look like?
Also commonly known as the Hush Basset, this hybrid may exhibit physical traits of any of the parents or a combination of both of their genes. Therefore, there is no exact way of forecasting what features one of these pups might have when growing.
Nevertheless, these puppers typically have a low-slung body like their Hound parents and an athletic build similar to that of the Spaniels. Their bodies are further coupled with an elongated body, droopy features and a barrel chest with a long coat, a broad head, a wide set of eyes, and a bold muzzle.
When it comes to their coat texture, it usually ranges from short to medium with dense layers of fur. So, these canines will be needing a thorough raking every once in a while along with a deep, cleansing bath. Their coat colours include brindle, sable, white, black, cream, brown, red, pied, blue and in some rare cases silver.
How big do the Hush Bassets get?
Arriving in a medium sized stance, the Hush Bassets can grow upto 14 inches tall, alongside its Spaniel parents and weigh around 26 to 60 pounds. This makes the hybrid an optimum choice for apartment lifestyle as it doesn’t need much space to hover around.
How long does a Hush Basset live?
The Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mixes have an average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. However, with proper care, the right feeding regime and optimum exercising, some pups may even live longer than the number of years stated.
The hybrid is a healthy breed with not many health conditions. But, depending upon the dominant gene set and their parents’ health history, pet owners may have to be very careful about certain medical abnormalities. These include:
- Bloating
- Glaucoma
- Ear infections
- Eye problems
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Allergies
- Hip and Elbow dysplasia
- Skin infections and allergies
However, the above medical illnesses never mean that investing in the hybrid can be wrong in any way. Every purebred and their hybrids have certain shortcomings which can be detected and treated earlier with proper steps.
Additionally, pet owners should also conduct a thorough research before getting one of these woofers home. This step can ensure that your pup won’t have to suffer the consequences and lead an unhappy, compromised life forever.
Are the Cocker Spaniel Basset Hound Mixes Hypoallergenic?
NO!!! Rather these woofers are one of the many leading names in the list for canine hybrids responsible for dog allergies. Given their heavy shedding coat type, their bodies also naturally produce more dander, loose fur and hence there is a much more chance of harmful allergens in the air.
So, if you have a sensitive individual in your home, you may want to keep them far away from the pup’s direct contact zone.
How to groom this particular hybrid?
As stated above, they are heavy shedders just like their parents. Therefore, as a responsible pet parent you will be required to brush them frequently or if possible every alternate day in a week. This way, you will be able to get rid of the loose fur as well as dead skin cells from their bodies. Apparently, raking their dense coat is also a must as it allows their root follicles to get even circulation and hence grow a shiny smooth coat, instead of a dry frizzy one.
Next, always make sure to use a deep cleansing, mild-scented, dog-friendly shampoo when bathing them. Using such high quality bath supplements won’t leave any residues in their body, preventing the risk of skin infections or dermatitis. Meanwhile, you will also need to trim their nails, clean their eyes and ears, and even brush their teeth for a hygienic, lovely-smelling pooch.
Are the Hush Bassets good dogs? Do they bark?
These medium-sized puff balls are undoubtedly the best canine companions you can ever wish for. They are friendly, unfalteringly loyal, have an easy-going demeanour and loads of patience. Unlike other hybrids, they can easily get close to small children and other pets, although you might want to keep an eye on them when introducing them with smaller pets, due to their hunting instincts. Rest assured, they are the most gentle of all Cocker Spaniel hybrids.
Simultaneously, thanks to their compact size, they also make good apartment dogs. These woofers don’t take up much space and are also happy with a moderate amount of exercises, be that a 30 minute walk in the park or some ‘lovey-dovey’ time with their hoomans. What’s more? Their reputation never precedes them as yappers and hence you won’t have to hear complaints from your neighbours every time you are out working in the office.
How to train a Cocker Spaniel Basset Hound Mix?
Basset Hounds are known to be quite stubborn and hence based upon the personality traits your pup has you might need to train them vigorously and regularly.
Positive Reinforcement training methods work best on the canine hybrid, however, additionally owners also need to train their pups the ‘recall command’ properly. Their sense of smell is so strong that the pup may sometimes wander off mid training sessions or when left alone in the backyard. So apart from dog-proofing your residence, you will also be required to have them come back to you on command.
Never and I repeat NEVER go for choke, electric and what not collars that are marketed as ‘fail-proof training accessories.’ Trust me, they do more bad than good and at the end you might end up losing your best buddy just because you were too immersed in getting things as you want in the wrong way.
When training these rebellious pups, make sure to have a stack of their favourite treats or use their most beloved toys as a reward for good behaviour. The Hush Bassets are highly intelligent dogs and they will pick up all your command cues in no time, when trained properly.
In this blog, we tried covering every necessary detail regarding the Basset Hound Cocker Spaniel Mix. If you are thirsty for more such topics, don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list at spanieldogs.com.
If you are a dog lover then, Subscribe to our weekly newsletters. No Spams!
