Bully Basset

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: October 15th, 2016

About Bully Basset

Weight

40-65 lb

Lifespan

8-12 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles and families who are experienced dog owners, with children and other pets, living in house or large apartment with a yard

Temperament

Friendly, social, outgoing, loyal, affectionate, stubborn

Comparable Breeds

Basset Hound, Bulldog

Height

12-16 inches

Bully Basset Basics

If you’re searching for a dog who will get along with just about everyone he meets, the Bully Basset will not disappoint. These friendly dogs are also loyal and loving, but they can be a bit of challenge when it comes to training.

Check out the information below to learn more about this unique hybrid canine breed. Once you know more about these good looking dogs, you can decide whether or not they would be the right fit for your family.

The Bully Basset is loyal and loving, and gets along with everyone he meets.

Origin

The Bully Basset is a designer crossbreed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.

Pedigree

The Bully Basset is a cross between a purebred Basset Hound and Bulldog.

Food / Diet

To give your dog the nutrition that he needs, choose a high quality dog food that contains natural ingredients.

Because the Bully Basset is a larger dog, he will need a greater amount of food each day to sustain his energy. A good place to start is feeding your dog anywhere from 2½ to 3 cups of dry canine food each day, but split this up into a couple of meals per day.

If you want to also feed your dog a canned canine diet, just adjust the amount of dry food that you provide so that your dog doesn’t end up eating too much and gaining too much weight.

Bully Bassets are social, loyal, and affectionate canines that thoroughly enjoy meeting new people.

Training

The Bully Basset could be a little challenging to train, so get ready to be patient, positive, and consistent in your approach. With the right training routine, you can overcome this breed’s stubbornness, as well as teach your dog not to chew on anything except his toys.

If you want to have a companion that will be easy to train, the Bully Basset probably isn’t your best match. These dogs don’t typically train quickly, so you will need to commit a lot of your time to the process.

Bully Bassets are best for experienced dog owners instead of first-time owners. You will need to know how to always stay calm and patient, and you will need to use positive training techniques that include plenty of rewards, praise, and treats in order to encourage your pooch and keep him motivated. The earlier in your dog’s life that you can start training and socializing him, the better.

Weight

A medium to large-sized breed, the Bully Basset weighs between 40 and 65 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

Bully Bassets are social, loyal, and affectionate canines that thoroughly enjoy meeting new people. They will give anyone their friendship, and they love playing and having a good time.

These dogs are fearless and entertaining, but when they are ready to relax and regain their energy, they will also happily snuggle up to you and sleep next to you.

Common Health Problems

Because the Bully Basset is a hybrid canine breed, there is the possibility that he will inherit some of the health problems that most commonly affect its parent breeds. However, hybrid breeds have also been found to be hardy and healthy, and there is no guarantee that your dog will ever encounter any of the problems of its parent breeds. Knowing what conditions to keep an eye out for, and having your dog regularly examined by a vet, will help you pinpoint ailments in their early stages.

The conditions that commonly affect the Basset Hound and Bulldog include Von Willebrand’s disease, eye conditions, reverse sneezing, hip dysplasia, tail ailments, obesity, allergies, ear infections, skin problems, head shakes, bloat, patellar luxation, panosteitis, thrombopathia, brachycephalic syndrome, and intervertebral disc disease.

Life Expectancy

The Bully Basset has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.

Exercise Requirements

You should expect that your Bully Basset will be a pretty active pooch, so you will need to dedicate some time each day to letting your dog get his exercise. This will allow him to release his energy and remain happy and at a healthy weight.

A good exercise routine can include a couple of daily walks, along with time running around in your enclosed and safe backyard. You can also take him to the dog park, and you can use toys to play with your dog outside.

Short to moderate bursts of energy are typical for these dogs, who don’t have a high level of endurance, so a brief jog or walk is better than a long hike.

The Bully Basset could be a little challenging to train, so get ready to be patient, positive, and consistent in your approach.

Recognized Clubs

The Bully Basset is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Your Bully Basset will have a straight and short, but dense, coat. He will need a moderate level of grooming, and he will shed moderately to frequently. Expect to vacuum up dog hair often after you introduce this furry friend into your home.

To keep shedding under control and to keep your dog looking his best, brush him daily. Use a gentle canine shampoo to bathe him whenever he gets too dirty.

Puppies

Bully Basset puppies should be handled with care, just as you would handle any other breed. Also be sure to teach your children to be careful with your puppy so he doesn’t get hurt.

With proper socialization, puppies will grow accustomed to being around children and other pets, and these outgoing dogs will quickly become friends with everyone they meet.

Photo credit: Lovelee Puppies

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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How Often Should I Clean My Dog's Ears?

Some dogs have them long and droopy, others short and pointy – but whichever way they’re built, ears need to be cleaned! Of course, dog ears are much different than human ears, and they can accumulate dirt surprisingly fast, which is why it will be your job to keep them spotless at all times. Otherwise, the gunk and the dirt can lead to a whole range of problems that can be difficult to deal with – not to mention extremely painful for your pet.There’s no doubt that you need to include ear cleaning in your pet’s “beauty routine”, but just how often do you have to do it? Here’s all that you need to know about dog ear issues and how frequently – and when – you should clean them. How Often Should I Clean My Dog's Ears?Of course, the frequency with which you should clean your dog's ears depends on several major factors, including your dog's breed, ear shape, and any pre-existing ear conditions. In general, most dogs do not require any super frequent ear cleaning, and overcleaning can actually be harmful. The easiest way to go about this is “as needed”. One of the common reasons to clean a dog's ears is if they appear dirty or have a buildup of wax or debris. Check your dog's ears regularly for signs of dirt, discharge, redness, odor, or excessive wax. If you notice any of these issues, it's time to clean their ears. For dogs prone to ear issues, however, such as breeds with floppy ears ( Cocker Spaniel,  Basset Hound, etc), frequent swimmers, or those with a history of ear infections, you may need to clean their ears more often. This could range from once a week to once a month, depending on their individual needs. Furthermore, if your dog loves to swim, make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after each swim session. Moisture in the ear can create a conducive environment for ear infections. Remember that all sorts of critters live in water, and can enter your dog’s ear. That is why good cleaning and a thorough wipe after each swim is important and helps keep their ears healthy and clean.In addition to regular cleaning, you should be on the lookout for signs of ear problems in your dog, such as frequent shaking of the head, scratching at the ears, redness, swelling, foul odor, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian before attempting to clean the ears. Catching issues early can prevent them from becoming more severe, so it’s important to regularly check and clean your dog’s ears, no matter their age, size, or breed. Sometimes, of course, it's best to leave ear cleaning to the professionals. Your veterinarian or a groomer can clean your dog's ears safely and effectively, especially if your dog has a history of ear infections or if the ears are very dirty. If you are ever unsure of how to go about the cleaning process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. They can provide specific recommendations based on your dog's health and breed. 

Once-Abused Dog Celebrates First Christmas With Vet Who Saved Him

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What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

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Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

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Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

What Are the Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?

As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

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