Tzu Basset

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Tzu-Basset is a mix of the Shih Tzu and the Basset Hound. It is a docile, happy, affectionate animal that is best for families with children. Both the Shih Tzu and the Basset Hound, despite differences in origin and breeding purpose, are gentle dogs with stable temperaments, and deeply attached and devoted to their owners.

The Shih Tzu, an ancient breed originating from either Tibet or China, was for many centuries a favored lap dog of royals. It is an alert and friendly animal, requiring nothing more than attention and cuddling to be happy. Its coat, distinctively long and silky, is often a point of pride with owners and is groomed regularly to maintain its appearance.

The Basset Hound is a French breed, originally for hunting and tracking through ground-scenting, at which they excel. Their appearance, of long, drop ears and large eyes pulled down by dewlaps and wrinkles, add to to their charm, along with their short legs and long, heavy bodies.

Color

The Tzu-Basset may be in any hound colors, commonly the classic tricolor, the brown-white bi-color, pied, and mottled. The Shih Tzu parent may contribute its colors, which are commonly shades of yellow, white, and brown, bi-colored black and white, solids, and brindle.

Coat

The coat can be a single layer of short, smooth fur, or a double coat of a long fall of fur, straight and silky in texture.

Personality

Care and grooming for a long, dense coat is best done weekly, to ensure knots and mats are taken out and cleanliness is maintained. Trimming around the paws may be done for ease of mobility, as well as around the anus, to keep it clean. Long ears are a trap for moisture and a hiding place for parasites and infections, so special attention must be given to cleaning and keeping the ears dry. A shorter coat will require nothing more than twice-weekly brushing.

Care

The Tzu-Basset is a sturdy, patient, loyal dog that is happiest close to its owner. It is relatively sedate indoors, but can be surprisingly agile and energetic outdoors. It is an easy, friendly dog all-around, and will not be a problem with other pets or dogs in the house. It does not do well away from its owner, and could be barky to express loneliness or boredom. It may be aloof with strangers at first, but if properly introduced and socialized, it makes friends confidently and easily. It is sensitive to people and situations, and makes a great companion. Corrections when the Tzu-Basset shows stubbornness should be firm but gentle, so as not to damage the dog's personality. It is a biddable and tractable animal, but can get distracted by what they consider prey, and will be more difficult to handle then.

Training

Obedience training and socialization are recommended for a well-rounded personality that lends itself well to further commands. The Tzu-Basset is acclimated to living with people, and will not be difficult to housebreak. Puppies will do well with crate training, and any signs of balkiness must be dealt with consistently.

Activity

The Tzu-Basset will love indulging its hunting and scenting instincts, so walks and explorations should be with a leash or harness. Daily brisk walks or jogs will also help keep the dog's weight down and make up for its sedentary lifestyle indoors.