Category: mixed-dog-breed

Although several hybrid dogs are produced with Poodles, Hounds are becoming more common in mixed-breed pairings. If floppy ears, musical baying, and a nose for trouble are your favorite characteristics in a dog, a Hound is the pup for you. When one just won’t do it, you might find the Bloodhound-Basset mix is the perfect companion. Keep reading to learn all about this unique mixed-breed dog.

Breed Overview

The Bloodhound-Basset mix combines two of the most talented noses in the canine kingdom. Bloodhounds are probably the most famous tracking dogs in the world, with signature wrinkles and droopy faces. Known for their charm and short legs, Basset Hounds are thought to be second only to the Bloodhound in scenting power.

Together, these two breeds form a mix that might be unusual in appearance but will almost certainly make a tireless and talented trailing hound. In this article, you’ll learn more about the Bloodhound-Basset mix, including what it’s like to live with one.

Bloodhound-Basset Mix Puppies

The Bloodhound-Basset mix is a newer hybrid dog and may be difficult to find. Although it’s worth checking, you’re unlikely to find a confirmed Bloodhound-Basset mix available for adoption or from a rescue group. People who fall for the adorable faces of these pups without doing their research might find the grown dogs are more of a handful than they expected and surrender them to a shelter.

A breeder is probably the best place to acquire a Bloodhound-Basset mix puppy. Some breeders specialize in purpose-bred mixes; they cross breeds whose skills complement each other to produce dogs who excel at dog sports or hunting. As you research breeders, look for one who performs all the recommended health checks on the parent dogs.

Predicting how fast or big a Bloodhound-Basset mix puppy will grow can be tough. Adult Bloodhound-Basset mixes are generally stubborn dogs with an independent streak. Early socialization and training are especially beneficial for these puppies.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bloodhound-Basset Mix

The personality of any mixed breed dog can be hard to predict accurately because they may take after either parent or display a combination of their traits. Because they’re both hounds, the Bloodhound and Basset Hound have similar temperaments.

Generally, you can expect a Bloodhound-Basset mix to be relaxed at home but absolutely driven when they have a scent to follow. They are usually friendly but not outgoing about it. They’re smart but a challenge to train.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Basset Hounds are usually excellent with kids, while the Bloodhound’s size can make them a little overwhelming for small children. Depending on how big they are, the Bloodhound-Basset mix will usually get along well with kids. Early socialization will help.

If you’re looking for a dog who will tire the children out playing for hours, this may not be the mixed breed for you. Although Bloodhound-Basset mixes can be playful in bursts, they don’t have the sustained energy to keep up with rowdy kids. Some kids may find trying to play with them frustrating.

Always supervise dogs and kids and teach the children to respect their pet’s boundaries and space. Because they will follow a scent as far as it takes them, the Bloodhound-Basset mix does best if they have a fenced yard to explore safely. They’re generally too loud to live in crowded city locations, such as apartment buildings.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Bloodhound-Basset mixes usually get along with other dogs, but their size may pose an issue for smaller canine friends. The earlier your puppy can meet and get used to other dogs, the more likely they will grow up to be social and relaxed around them.

While they aren’t necessarily driven to chase cats, any dog bred to trail game may not be the best housemate for a kitty. If properly introduced and supervised, dog-savvy cats will probably get along fine with a Bloodhound-Basset mix.

Things to Know When Owning a Bloodhound-Basset Mix:

No dog is a perfect match for every family, and the Bloodhound-Basset mix has some quirks that can make them tough to live with. Here’s what you need to know when owning a Bloodhound-Basset mix.

Food & Diet Requirements

Healthy Bloodhound-Basset mixes can eat any nutritionally balanced dog food. More important for this mixed breed than the type of food will be how much they eat. They love to eat and can quickly pack on the pounds, given their typically low-energy personalities.

Carrying too much weight can be tough on the Bloodhound-Basset, especially if they inherit the Basset Hound’s short legs and long back. Calculate how much food they need carefully, and be sure to subtract any treats you use for training, which will probably be a lot!

Exercise

The Bloodhound-Basset mix needs daily exercise, but you probably won’t need to spend much time tiring them out. A long walk or playing with other dogs is usually enough to satisfy them. Afterward, you’ll probably find them happy to snooze on the couch all day.

No matter how well-trained, the Bloodhound-Basset mix is not trustworthy off-leash, so keep your dog secure when you walk. If you have a fenced yard, be aware they’ll probably dig and can make an escape attempt at any time. The Bloodhound-Basset mix will likely enjoy tracking competitions, another option for exercise.

Training

Training a Bloodhound-Basset mix will most likely require a lot of patience and treats. They are generally intelligent dogs who may hide their smarts behind a stubborn and independent streak. If they can be convinced to learn, they’ll do it, but you may have to outlast them in a battle of wills first.

First-time dog owners may find training the Bloodhound-Basset more than they bargained for, so they’re usually better suited for someone with experience. Positive training methods that rely heavily on food rewards are generally the most effective.

Grooming

Bloodhound-Basset mixes will have short coats and long ears no matter which parent they take after. They’ll probably shed a lot more than you’re expecting, but brushing their hair at least once a week will help keep the hair under control.

Because of their droopy ears, Bloodhound-Basset mixes are prone to ear infections. Check and clean their ears regularly. Bloodhounds can be droolers, so you may need to wipe their faces daily to keep them dry and prevent issues.

Keep their nails trimmed and provide preventative dental care by brushing or using dental chews as recommended by your veterinarian.

Health and Conditions

Bloodhound-Basset mixes can inherit any genetic condition present in their parent breeds. Dogs with short legs and long backs are also more at risk of spinal injuries, so it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight and limit jumping on and off stairs or furniture.

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Male vs Female

Male Bloodhound-Basset mixes are typically taller and heavier than females, but the size differences are not as obvious as in some breeds. They may also be more of a challenge to train and handle, especially if they aren’t neutered. Females will go into heat about twice per year.

If you don’t plan to breed your Bloodhound-Basset mix, talk to your vet about the best time to get them spayed or neutered.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bloodhound Bassett Mix

1. This Isn’t the First Time Someone Thought of Mixing Them.

Bloodhounds have been around longer than Basset Hounds. When Basset Hounds were being developed, breeders crossed them with Bloodhounds to make them bigger. So the purpose-bred Bloodhound-Basset mix might be new, but the two breeds have a long history together.

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2. They Aren’t Shy About Expressing Their Feelings.

As a group, Hounds are among the noisiest members of the dog kingdom. Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds both bay loudly when on a trail. If they aren’t tracking, you’ll still hear what they have to say anyway. As you might guess, they aren’t the best apartment dogs!

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3. It’s Thought That Their Long Ears Help Stir Up the Scent as They Sniff With Their Nose to The Ground, Perhaps Helping Explain Why The Bloodhound-Basset Is Such an Excellent Tracker.

Their long floppy ears are adorable, but they are also functional.

Final Thoughts

While they can be a loyal and relaxed family pet, the Bloodhound-Basset mix can also be loud, messy, stubborn, and challenging to train. They are best suited to experienced owners with the patience and tolerance to handle their personality quirks.

The Bloodhound-Basset mix also makes a fine working companion for those looking for a talented trailing dog to train for search-and-rescue or tracking competitions. Keep a towel handy to wipe up the drool and a pocket full of treats for bribery, and the Bloodhound-Basset mix may just charm their way onto your couch.

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Featured Image Credit: GoDog Photo, Shutterstock

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The Beagle Bloodhound mix combines two beloved breeds: the Beagle and the Bloodhound. Both dogs have excellent dispositions and tracking abilities, making them wonderful companions for families and hunters. If you are considering the Beagle Bloodhound mix for your family, this article will examine the hybrid breed’s personality and care needs, so keep reading or learn more.

Breed Overview

Beagle Bloodhound mixes typically inherit a combination of the Beagle’s and the Bloodhound’s physical and personal characteristics. While the exact result of the combination can be unexpected, the Beagle Bloodhound’s traits are generally simple enough to predict. In many ways, the Beagle and the Bloodhound are quite similar, so there shouldn’t be too much variation in personality between different Beagle Bloodhound mixes.

Beagle Bloodhound Mix Puppies

Beagle Bloodhound mix puppies are curious creatures whose noses may get them into mischief. While energetic, they can be easygoing at times, but they will need lots of attention and playtime. Despite their occasional mischief-making, the Beagle Bloodhound mix puppy is a sweet-natured, friendly companion.

They enjoy exploring their surroundings and will be more receptive to new situations and people during this time, so take advantage of their receptiveness and socialize your puppy.

Finding a Beagle Bloodhound mix puppy may be more difficult than finding a purebred puppy, so you may need to do some extra digging to find a breeder specializing in Beagle Bloodhound mixes. While researching, make sure you look for a responsible, reputable, and ethical breeder.

If finding a breeder is too challenging for you, you can check with your local animal shelters to see if there are any Beagle Bloodhound mixes you can adopt. However, finding a Beagle Bloodhound mix puppy at the shelter is likely to be difficult, too.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Beagle Bloodhound

While the Beagle Bloodhound mix’s temperament and intelligence can vary from individual to individual, the nature of this hybrid breed is fairly consistent. Most Beagle Bloodhound mixes are friendly, gentle animals with plenty of affection for their loved ones.

They are energetic but also enjoy moments of relaxation. They have bright minds and can quickly pick up on new tasks, but they can occasionally be self-willed. They tend to be eager to please as long as their owner knows how to work with them.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Beagle Bloodhound mix is an excellent dog for a family. Their amiable, energetic personalities make them ideal for participating in family fun. Beagles are excellent with children, and Bloodhounds are patient and tolerant. As a result, the Beagle Bloodhound mix is often great with children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Beagles get along well with other dogs since they were bred to hunt in packs. On the other hand, Bloodhounds tolerate other dogs, but they may be more reserved. Therefore, the Beagle Bloodhound mix may range from extremely friendly with other pets to tolerant, if somewhat distant.

Things to Know When Owning a Beagle Bloodhound:

Before bringing a Beagle Bloodhound mix home, you’ll need to know about the specifics of the breed’s care. Factors such as food and diet, exercise, training, and grooming should be at the forefront of your mind.

Food & Diet Requirements

Serving a high-quality, AAFCO-approved commercial dog food is the best way to keep your Beagle Bloodhound mix in good condition. Dog food recipes that include a protein such as beef, chicken, or turkey as the primary ingredient will typically be the healthiest options.

You can find recipes geared to your dog’s age group, such as puppy food, adult food, or senior food. Likewise, if your dog has any allergies or dietary concerns, make sure the food you choose meets those needs.

Exercise

Your Beagle Bloodhound mix will need moderate daily exercise. Plan to take your dog out for several short, brisk walks each day and play fetch or other active games. Beagles were bred to be pack animals, so there is a chance that your Beagle Bloodhound will prefer to participate in team activities. Look for opportunities to be active as a family, and your Beagle Bloodhound mix will happily join in.

Training

While the Beagle Bloodhound is typically biddable, they can also be highly curious and occasionally self-willed. They may try to take charge, so make sure that you firmly place yourself in charge. At the same time, Beagle Bloodhound mixes are sensitive and don’t respond well to harsh punishments, so be positive and supportive. Early socialization and obedience training are essential to ensure your dog is a well-behaved companion.

Grooming

The physical traits that your Beagle Bloodhound mix inherits will determine what grooming them looks like. Both parent breeds have short, smooth coats, so weekly bruising will be sufficient. However, if your Beagle Bloodhound mix takes after the Bloodhound, you must bathe them often to prevent foul odors from building up.

Similarly, wiping your dog’s skin folds will keep them clean and fresh. Their ears will need to be checked and cleaned regularly.  If your Beagle Bloodhound mix is very similar to their Bloodhound parent, you should expect a lot of drool.

Bloodhounds are likely to leave strings of slobber everywhere they go, which can be unsettling for those who like to keep their area tidy. Regardless, cleaning up after a slobbery Beagle Bloodhound mix requires continuous maintenance.

Health and Conditions

The Beagle Bloodhound mix is a relatively healthy dog, but like any other breed, it may be susceptible to specific health conditions. Some of the most serious conditions your Beagle Bloodhound mix may face include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and bloat. As for minor conditions, watch out for ear infections, as the Beagle Bloodhound often has droopy ears.

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Male vs Female

The sex of your Beagle Bloodhound mix likely won’t have a huge impact on their personality. Instead, the parent that they take after the most will play a larger role in determining their temperament. If your male Beagle Bloodhound mix is not neutered, he may be prone to wandering; if your female Beagle Bloodhound mix is not spayed, she will experience regular heat cycles.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Beagle Bloodhound

1. Their Ears Help Them to Smell.

The Beagle and the Bloodhound have a useful skill due to their long ears, but surprisingly, that skill has little to do with hearing ability. Instead, their long ears help them detect scents quickly; their ears capture scent particles and bring them closer to their nose.

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2. They Love Putting Their Nose to the Test.

Bloodhounds try to smell whatever they can. They were bred for their scenting ability, so even if you don’t take a Beagle Bloodhound mix hunting with you, there is a decent chance that they will try to track scents around the home.

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3. With Such Powerful Noses, They Have Had Some Unique Jobs.

Beagles and Bloodhounds are appreciated for their powerful noses, which has led to some of them having interesting jobs. For example, a Beagle named Elvis was employed to inform zookeepers whether or not a polar bear was pregnant simply by sniffing her feces.

Final Thoughts

Beagle Bloodhound mixes are excellent companions. They have a friendly disposition, making them ideal for families. Their kind nature makes them suitable for young children and other dogs, but at the same time, their exemplary scenting skills make them an irreplaceable hunting partner.

They love to participate in family activities, so be sure to keep your Beagle Bloodhound mix involved in all the fun events you and your family have planned. If you think the Beagle Bloodhound mix is the right breed for you, research ethical breeders or contact your local animal shelter to find this special breed.

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Featured Image Credit: Boulatov Dmitry, Shutterstock

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There are all kinds of interesting hybrids these days. Have you ever heard of a Bloodhound mixed with a Pit Bull? It’s a thing! If you have spotted one of these pups at the rescue or shelter, or you see someone getting rid of a mix, you might wonder if this breed would make a good fit for your home.

In this article, we will explore who this pup could be good for and what you can expect when you own one.

Breed Overview

When you mix the Bloodhound and Pitbull, you’re going to get a medium to large size dog that loves to use its sniffer. Since the two parent breeds look very different from one another, this mix can take on traits from either parent.

They might have long or short ears or a combination. Some will have the long snout and drooping jowls of the Bloodhound, while others have the blockier heads and goofy smiles of the Pittie parent. These dogs will often present a pretty good mashup of all traits.

Bloodhound Pitbull Mix Puppies

You likely didn’t find a reputable breeder mixing Bloodhounds and Pitbulls together. These puppies will most likely result from an accidental litter or a surrendered animal. You’re much more likely to find these dogs from private sellers, rescues, and shelters.

When you buy one of these puppies, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time with them. And they will absolutely love being close to their owners and spending time with each household member.

They are going to need positive reinforcement for good behavior. Both of these dogs thrive on personal connection and require love and acceptance from their people. They certainly shouldn’t be alone for long periods or left to their own devices.

Because of the breed combination, these dogs will be highly intelligent and shouldn’t be so difficult to train. They should succeed with potty training, learning, commands, and walking on a leash.

If you feel like you’re in over your head, you can always consult a professional trainer for tips, guidance, or a training course. Training courses can be beneficial, especially if you’re a novice owner. You can work hand-in-hand with your dog to foster a strong bond and establish a hierarchy.

These large puppies will grow quickly, so prepare to be amazed. They will develop until they are roughly 1 1/2 to 2 years of age.

Regarding appearance, these puppies can look vastly different from one another in the same litter. Some of them might have the long ears of the Bloodhound, short ears of the Pitbull, droopy jowls, or blocky, stocky bodies. It’s hard to tell! They certainly will be cute, though.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bloodhound Pitbull Mix

These dogs will certainly be intelligent creatures. Bloodhounds have an impeccable sense of smell, the best of all canines. They will be able to pick up on anything, making them very good candidates for scavenger hunts and advanced scent training.

The Pitbull is also known for being quite intelligent but goofy. They have a very good combination of seriousness and silliness, which makes them fit in with several lifestyles.

When you combine both parent breeds, you could get the intelligence of either parent, so it will vary from situation to situation. However, both of these dogs love to learn something new and contribute interesting characteristics on both sides of the coin.

Both the Pitbull and the Bloodhound can be a bit stubborn. So even though they can learn complex tasks, they also have a mind of their own. Each dog will need to be worked with accordingly.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Bloodhound Pitbull mix can work very well for several people. The Pitbull is well revered for being extremely family-oriented and lovable. The Bloodhound is notorious for being slow, docile, and easy-going.

When you combine the two, you get a dog compatible in several living situations. They work best in homes with lots of land, preferably somewhere you actually own instead of rent. Minimally, they need a large fenced-in backyard to run and play.

This breed needs plenty of space to stretch its legs. They likely won’t be the best candidates for apartment living.

Pitbulls also have quite a bad rap and often find themselves on banned lists for apartments and other public housing. However, if they look enough like a Bloodhound, you might be able to get past this.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Permitting your Bloodhound Pitbull mix is raised with other animals, they should do quite well. The Bloodhound is usually extremely good with other canines and tends to be laid-back all the way around.

Pitbulls also love to have doggy buddies around. However, they might be the more territorial of the two. Some Pitbulls also have a problem with same-sex aggression. So we highly recommend that you socialize them early if you get this mix.

Bloodhounds typically don’t have this problem. They get along with just about anyone or anything. So, hopefully, the characteristics combine to create an amiable, friendly dog that can easily make friends with others.

Things to Know When Owning a Bloodhound Pitbull Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements

A Bloodhound Pitbull mix will need a high-quality, protein-rich diet that will nourish its muscular body. No matter which way the cookie crumbles, these dogs will be substantially large and require an age and species-appropriate meal. You will have several different choices, and the pet food market is changing all the time!

Dry kibble and wet, canned food are still options these days. But they are quickly being sacrificed, however, for more species-specific diets. Many companies are adopting the idea of creating fresh food recipes on a subscription-based service.

Pitbulls are a little prone to being overweight, so always make sure to portion foods appropriately. Being big eaters, they will likely scarf down anything you put in front of them—so make sure it’s quality.

One more thing to mention is that Pitbulls are prone to food sensitivities and allergies. You might want to speak with your vet about food trials if you notice any irritation, dryness, recurring yeast infections, and other signs.

Exercise

Both parent breeds require quite a bit of exercise. On average, this dog needs roughly 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, and it will depend on the energy level of the dog. This breed, regardless of which parent they take after, will require lots of space to roam.

It will be very beneficial if you have a large, fenced-in space where they can run and play. If you don’t have a large fenced-in yard, ensure you take them on daily walks and provide plenty of interactive games.

Both parent breeds love being outdoors. Bloodhounds are built for it, while Pitbulls just love to sniff around and experience the adventure. You’re certainly going to have a companion animal that will love long walks, hikes, and visits to the dog park to burn those calories.

Training

Your Bloodhound Pitbull mix will be capable of learning a variety of tasks and commands. This is an intelligent and eager-to-please breed, which can certainly work in your favor when teaching them bigger concepts.

They will be very food-motivated, so make sure you have treats on hand. You can definitely get to this dog’s heart through their stomach! Just be careful to portion correctly, and don’t overfeed them in the process.

Some might be stubborn, so you should be an experienced dog owner before taking on this hybrid mix. If you have any issues, consulting a professional for help is usually the best course of action.

Grooming

The Bloodhound Pitbull mix will be moderately easy to groom. The Bloodhound has a thicker, longer coat than the Pitbull, so the puppies can have a variety of coat lengths. However, a Bloodhound is not considered a long-haired dog.

These dogs will shed continually year-round, so they are unsuitable for allergy sufferers. Like all dogs, the Bloodhound Pitbull mix needs a bath once every 4 to 6 weeks. You can follow up bath time with teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.

Pitbulls are known to have very sensitive skin. Always buy fragrance-free shampoos and products when you can.

Health and Conditions

When it comes to hybrid breeds, health can be a gamble. Each one of these puppies can take on health issues from either parent. Since this is a breed mix, they won’t have any testing done prior to breeding to warn of any genetically transmissible health conditions.

In this scenario, the best thing you can do is take your puppy to the vet on a regular schedule. These appointments will help your vet monitor their growth and overall health. If anything should crop up, you can stay ahead of it rather than wait until a big problem arises before addressing it.

Here are some common health ailments you might see between the Bloodhound and the Pitbull.

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Male vs Female

In most breeds, you can tell the difference between males and females based on weight alone. In each of the parent breeds here, the size is very different between males and females. However, since it is a hybrid breed, they can be any size between the two parents.

When it comes to Pitbulls, many of them have same-sex dog aggression. So if you plan on bringing in an adult, it is crucial to ensure that they are compatible with your existing pets. Males also take a bit longer to mature than their female counterparts.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bloodhound Pitbull Mix

1. Bloodhounds have an impressive sense of smell.

Bloodhounds have a better sense of smell than all of their canine competitors. They can even detect humans for several miles, making them well-tasked with searching for missing folks and escaped prisoners.

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2. A Pitbull is not an official breed.

Pitbulls are not an official breed, but a term used to refer to a group of bully-type dogs, creating the familiar faces we see today. Dogs that are often called Pitbulls include the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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3. Both breeds have European influence.

Both the Bloodhound and Pitbull have European roots. The Pitbull was developed in the United Kingdom and the United States. The Bloodhound is native to the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the Bloodhound Pitbull mix will make a happy, faithful family companion, working amazingly in the right circumstances. Because of this dog’s large nature and activity needs, they don’t make the best candidates for smaller homes.

Also, Pitbulls and dogs with Pitbull in them are often banned from certain apartment complexes due to their bad reputation. So, you must ensure you can own this breed before committing.

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Degtyaryov Andrey, Shutterstock | Right – CrystalHeadbandz, Pixabay

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