The Ultimate Guide to the Basset Hound Cross Poodle: The Perfect Blend of Beauty, Brawn, and Brains

Introduction

The Basset Hound cross Poodle, also known as the Poo-Basset or Bassador, is a designer dog breed that combines the best of both worlds. They inherit the sweet and gentle nature of the Basset Hound with the intelligence and hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. Whether you're looking for a playful companion or an active adventure buddy, the Poo-Basset is a fantastic choice.

History and Origin

The exact origins of the Poo-Basset are unknown, but it is believed to have first emerged in the 1980s in the United States. The breed was likely developed by crossing purebred Basset Hounds with purebred Poodles, primarily seeking to reduce shedding and enhance trainability.

Physical Appearance

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Size

The Poo-Basset is a medium-sized dog, standing approximately 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 40 to 65 pounds. They have a sturdy and compact build, with a long body and short legs.

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Coat

The Poo-Basset's coat is typically a combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. It can be short, wiry, and hypoallergenic like the Poodle's, or longer, softer, and slightly droopy like the Basset Hound's. Both coat types are generally low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing and professional grooming.

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Color

Poo-Bassets come in a wide range of colors, including black, brown, white, gray, and brindle. They often have white markings on their face, chest, and paws.

Temperament and Personality

The Poo-Basset is known for its friendly, affectionate, and playful personality. They are excellent family dogs and love playing with children. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.

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Energy Level

Poo-Bassets are moderately active dogs that require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy walks, runs, and playing fetch. However, they are not as demanding as some other breeds and can adapt to apartment living with regular exercise.

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Intelligence

The Poo-Basset is a highly intelligent dog that is easy to train. They are known for their problem-solving abilities and their love of food, which makes training a breeze.

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Vocalization

Poo-Bassets are not known for being particularly vocal. They typically only bark when they are excited or need something.

Health and Lifespan

The Poo-Basset is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Glaucoma
• Allergies

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Poo-Basset is relatively easy. Here are some essential tips:

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Grooming

Brush their coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent mats. They should be professionally groomed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat in optimal condition.

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Feeding

Feed them a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for medium-sized dogs. Monitor their weight and adjust their food intake as needed to avoid obesity.

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Exercise

Provide them with at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can include walks, runs, or playtime in the park.

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Training

Start training them early using positive reinforcement methods. They are intelligent and eager to please, so training should be relatively easy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when owning a Poo-Basset:

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  Overfeeding

  
  Poo-Bassets are prone to obesity, so it is important to monitor their food intake and avoid giving them table scraps or excessive treats.
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  Lack of Exercise

  
  Poo-Bassets require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Failure to provide adequate exercise can lead to boredom, destructive behavior, and weight gain.
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  Ignoring Training

  
  Poo-Bassets are intelligent dogs that need to be trained to learn proper behavior. Ignoring training can result in a dog that is difficult to control and may develop behavioral problems.

Why the Poo-Basset Matters

The Poo-Basset is a wonderful companion that can bring joy to your life. They are friendly, affectionate, and easy to care for. Here are some of the benefits of owning a Poo-Basset:

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  Great Companions

  
  Poo-Bassets are loving and loyal companions that will always be there for you. They are great for families with children and make excellent therapy dogs.
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  Low Maintenance

  
  Poo-Bassets are relatively low-maintenance dogs that are easy to care for. They do not require excessive grooming or exercise, making them a good choice for busy people.
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  Hypoallergenic

  
  Poo-Bassets' coats are typically hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies.

Pros and Cons of the Poo-Basset

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Pros

• Friendly and affectionate
• Intelligent and easy to train
• Low-maintenance
• Hypoallergenic
• Great companions

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Cons

• Prone to hip dysplasia
• Prone to elbow dysplasia
• Prone to allergies
• Can be stubborn
• May be prone to separation anxiety

Conclusion

The Basset Hound cross Poodle, or Poo-Basset, is a delightful designer breed that combines the best of both parent breeds. They are friendly, intelligent, and easy to care for, making them a great choice for a variety of families and individuals. If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion that will add joy to your life, the Poo-Basset is the perfect breed for you.

Additional Information

Table 1: Average Expenses of Owning a Poo-Basset

Table 2: Common Health Conditions in Poo-Bassets

Table 3: Tips and Tricks for Training a Poo-Basset

• Start training early using positive reinforcement methods.
• Keep training sessions short and fun.
• Use treats and rewards to motivate them.
• Be patient and consistent with your training.
• Socialize them with other dogs and people to prevent behavioral problems.
• If you're having trouble training your Poo-Basset, consider consulting a professional dog trainer.