Have you been looking for a hybrid dog that combines two total opposites? Do you love quirky dogs with big paws, soft ears, and hilarious personalities? Are you seeking a loyal and devoted canine companion?
If this sounds like your dream pup, you may want to take a look at the Great Dane Basset Hound mix!
The Great Dane Basset Hound mix usually comes from breeding male Basset Hounds with female Great Danes.
The resulting puppies are short, compact, muscular, and downright adorable. With long floppy ears and tenacious personalities, these are dogs like nothing else!
However, before you adopt a Great Dane Basset Hound mix, there are a few things you should know. These dogs can be stubborn, noisy, and challenging to train. They are also prone to some health issues.
Overview and Traits of the Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
If you get a Great Dane Basset Hound mix, you are sure to be asked what kind of dog you have everywhere you go. Most people will likely guess that your mix is part Basset Hound.
However, it can be harder to figure out that this hybrid is mixed with a Great Dane! That is because these dogs are likely to be short, compact, and stodgy.
Great Dane History and Facts
Great Danes are large, powerful dogs. This dog was originally bred to do important guarding jobs.
They are thought to descend from ancient mastiff dogs and were once used by German nobility to protect land, carriages, livestock, and more!
Although this dog was originally developed for guarding and protection applications, they are very loving toward their humans.
Most consider Great Danes to be gentle giants in the home! The Great has a cool, calm, and collected personality. As the tallest dog breed, this is a powerful and imposing canine.
Basset Hound History and Legacy
Basset Hounds are instantly recognizable for their short legs, long bodies, adorable faces, and soft, floppy ears. These charming dogs usually stand about 14 inches high at the shoulder. They have remarkably powerful little legs and very big paws!
Basset hounds were originally bred as scent hounds. The origins of this breed stretch back to 1000 AD!
In the old days, short-legged dogs were valued for tracking and hunting. Dogs that were closer to the ground could pick up on subtle scents more easily. The Basset Hound also has a very keen nose!
Although this dog is short in stature, it has big dog stamina! Basset hounds also have agreeable temperaments, with the tendency to be stubborn at times.
One of the most recognizable traits of the Basset Hound is its loud, ringing voice. These dogs are steadfastly loyal and devoted to their families!
Reasons To Get a Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
If you want a quirky, fun, lovable hybrid, this mix is a great choice. They have adorable stubby legs, giant paws, and soft floppy ears. Great Dane Basset Hound hybrids also come in many coat colors!
This is a great dog for families who want a low-energy hybrid that will be loyal, devoted, and protective. Great Dane Basset Hound hybrids also make good watchdogs!
Reasons to Love Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
- Great watchdog
- Very cute
- Loyal and loving
- Low energy levels
- Great in family environments
Reasons Not to Get a Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
There are a few reasons to avoid getting a Great Dane Basset Hound hybrid. First of all, Basset Hounds and Basset Hound mixes can be very vocal dogs. They have deep, low, booming voices.
As such, this hybrid is likely to bark and howl. When you combine that with the protective nature of a Great Dane, you have a pooch that will bark at the door a lot.
Also, these hybrids are prone to certain health issues. You will need to be prepared to care for the potential joint and back problems of this short, stubby mix.
Finally, Great Dane Basset Hound hybrids can be stubborn and difficult to train. As such, you must prepare yourself to stay consistent and patient throughout the entire training process.
Reasons to Avoid Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
- Needs consistent training
- Can be very vocal and loud
- Might be stubborn and strong-headed
- Joint, back, and hip problems
- Possible prey and scent tracking drive
The appearance of the Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
This hybrid mix combines one of the tallest breeds and one of the shortest breeds! In many cases, the short, stubby legs of the Basset Hound will be a dominant trait.
As such, you can expect this canine to have the distinctive head and muzzle of a Great Dane with the long, low, compact body of a Basset Hound.
This mix will usually have large paws, a long tail, and a short, soft coat. Additionally, you can be sure that your Great Dane Basset Hound mix will have long, floppy ears.
These ears are undoubtedly one of their most endearing traits! Male Great Dane Basset Hound hybrids are likely to be larger than females. Expect this dog to weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds when fully grown.
Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Coat and Colors
This dog will usually have a short, soft coat. Coat colors vary widely with the Great Dane Basset Hound crossbreed.
These dogs can have solid coats, multicolored coats, brindle coats, sable coats, more. Colors include white, black, brown, tan, gray, and everything in between. It will all depend on the coat colors of the parent dogs.
Grooming a Great Dane Basset Hound Mix
The grooming requirements of a Great Dane Basset Hound hybrid are not extremely time-consuming. However, you will need to do some regular grooming tasks.
Since this dog is likely to have low energy levels, it will probably only need a bath once or twice a month.
However, the long, floppy ears of a Basset Hound can become dirty easily. You must regularly clean and wipe down any Basset Hound hybrid’s ears. There are many dog-friendly wipes specifically for these applications.
Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Personality and Temperament
This dog truly is a combination of opposites! The Great Dane is a large and powerful guard dog with a steadfast nature. The Basset Hound is a determined little dog with short little legs and a strong-headed, stubborn nature.
With this in mind, the personality of your Great Dane Basset Hound is a bit of a toss-up.
You might get a cuddly, friendly pup who never wants to leave your side. Or, you could get an independent dog who prefers to guard your family all day.
Much of your dog’s personality will depend on how they are raised and trained through puppyhood.
Training a Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Tricks and Tips
The Great Dane Basset Hound mix is moderately easy to train. Although this hybrid is very intelligent, they may become stubborn or slightly temperamental. This is due to the strong-headed nature of the Basset Hound.
To keep training moving along smoothly, be sure to offer lots of positive reinforcement. Treats usually go a long way toward motivating a Basset Hound during the training process! Puppy school or training classes may be helpful for Great Dane Basset Hound puppies as well.
The Great Dane Basset Hound Mix and Families
For families with children, this is a wonderful dog to get. Great Danes are protective, loyal, and loving.
Basset hounds are equally as loyal, with a steadfast personality. This mix will stay devoted and true to your family. Plus, they often get along very well with kids!
The only thing you need to watch out for is the way small kids interact with this hybrid. Since this mix will probably have a long, low-to-the-ground body, it can easily become injured.
This is especially problematic if a child tries to climb on its back. Also, this dog’s long, floppy ears may be pulled or tugged on by toddlers or young kids.
So, teach all children who come into contact with this hybrid how to properly interact with such a short, vulnerable dog.
Great Dane Basset Hound Mix and Other Pets
The Great Dane Basset Hound hybrid can get along very well in a household with other animals. Great Danes are not known for having a high prey drive. However, Basset Hounds may want to track and chase other animals.
Even though this hybrid is likely to be short, it may still have a desire to chase and catch prey. To ensure that your Great Dane Basset Hound mix gets along well with other pets, begin socializing them with dogs, cats, and small animals at an appropriate age.
Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Lifespan
In general, Basset Hounds live from 10 to 12 years. Great Danes usually live from 7 to 11 years. So, you can expect this mix to live anywhere from 7 to 12 years. To help extend the life of your Basset Hound Great Dane mix, be sure that they get regular physical activity and are fed a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Health Problems to Watch for in a Great Dane Basset Hound Hybrids
As with any breed or mix, this hybrid may be prone to a few health issues. Great Dane’s health problems include heart deformities, joint issues, allergies, and eye problems.
Basset hounds are prone to medical conditions such as DVM, panosteitis, angular limb deformities, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and back problems.
Some of these health problems are preventable While others are genetic. To help your dog leave a longer, healthier life, be sure to feed them a balanced diet and give them plenty of opportunities to exercise.
If your hybrid is a couch potato, you may have to encourage exercise and take action to ensure that your dog stays mobile.
Having a reputable vet in your corner can be helpful as well. Regular vet check-ups may help you catch health problems in a Basset Hound Great Dane mix early on, making potential issues easier to treat.
Food Requirements of Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Dogs
The Great Dane Basset Hound usually is not a picky eater. These dogs have very sensitive noses. As such, they are likely to happily chow down on most dog foods.
However, be sure that your Basset Hound Great Dane mix doesn’t get into the trash or eat human food.
This can be bad for the dog’s digestive system and may also be dangerous. Instead, feed your dog a healthy, well-balanced diet of dry, raw, or wet dog food.
If your Great Dane Basset Hound mix has extra-long ears, be sure that they do not get in the dog dish during mealtimes. There are some great ways to help keep a Basset Hound’s ears clean and dry when they eat or drink.
Exercise Requirements of Great Dane Basset Hound Mixes
If you want a dog that will love relaxing on the couch and taking long naps, the Great Dane Basset Hound hybrid might be right for you! This dog has moderate to low energy levels.
As such, they do well in small spaces and do not require vigorous daily exercise. Leisurely walks each day should do the trick!
Although all dogs are different, this mix is known for having couch potato tendencies. Just be sure that your dog isn’t overly lazy. With such a compact frame, the Basset Hound Great Dane cross is prone to obesity without proper physical activity.
What to Know When Looking for Great Dane Basset Hound Mix Puppies for Sale
Do you feel like the Great Dane Basset Hound mix is the perfect hybrid puppy for your family? If so, there are a few things that you should know before adopting a Great Dane Basset Hound crossbreed.
Since this mix gets along well with children and other animals in most scenarios, adopting a full-grown Great Dane Basset Hound hybrid won’t necessarily be an issue if you have kids or other pets.
However, you should always make sure that any dog you are thinking about adopting has been socialized with children and other animals. This will make the transition into your home easier for you and the dog.
If you have decided that you would prefer to adopt a Great Dane Basset Hound mixed breed puppy, be sure to only select one from a reputable breeder.
Puppy mills are known for selling unhealthy dogs and puppies with respiratory and genetic issues.
Instead of adopting from a puppy mill, find an experienced breeder who understands the Great Dane and Basset Hound breeds well.
Talk to your breeder about potential health issues as well. If you can, select a Great Dane Basset Hound breeder who has both of the parents involved in a litter on-site.
This will allow you to get a better idea of what to expect as your puppy grows and matures. It will also help you predict potential health issues. A healthy puppy is a happy puppy, after all!
