33-40 lbs
16-18"
United States
Devoted and dedicated, the Basset Heeler is a medium-sized hybrid breed developed from the Basset Hound and the Australian Cattle Dog (also known as the Blue Heeler). The Basset Heeler is an occasional barker and does not pose a nuisance. The breed’s origination is not well-documented but it is suspected that the breed was initially developed to create a dog that was strong-willed and devoted to guarding and protecting. The Basset Hound’s original purpose was to hunt rabbits while the Blue Heeler’s purpose was to protect against intruders. The Basset Heeler’s current purpose is to provide protection and also to serve as a companion. The Basset Heeler most closely resembles the Blue Heeler in appearance. Its coat is short and dense like both parent breeds. Its coat color comes in a variety of combinations such as blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, and red speckled. Its coat requires minimal grooming and is easy to maintain.
While the exact origin of the Basset Heeler is unknown, it is suspected that the breed originated in the United States. The Basset Heeler is believed to have originated when the idea of hybrid breeds began to rise in popularity. The Basset Heeler was created by the mix of the Basset Hound and the Blue Heeler. The Basset Hound was bred to be a short, stocky dog with a slow-pace for easier hunting. The Basset Hound dates back to the pre-French Revolution era when the Friars from the French Abbey of St. Hubert took a huge interest in the breed. After the French Revolution, the Basset Hound continued to rise in popularity among commoners and hunters who desired a breed that would be capable of successfully capturing small game. The Basset Hound’s nose was a much desirable trait in the breed. The Basset Hound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935. The Blue Heeler was highly sought after due to its talent in travelling long distances over rough terrain. The breed was able to successfully control cattle without resorting to barking. Experts suggest that blue-merle Highland Collies were cross-bred with dingoes in the 1840s. It is rumored that the white blaze found on the Blue Heeler’s head is a result of the breeding. Brothers Jack and Harry Bagust desired to improve the Blue Heeler due to its effectiveness at working in the field. The breed went through several name changes throughout the years. It was called the Queensland Blue Heeler at one point and then the name was changed to Australian Heeler. Eventually, the name was settled on as the Australian Cattle Dog. In 1897, the breed standard was brought to the public’s attention. In 1897, Robert Kaleski began to breed the Blue Heeler and showed them in 1897. In 1980, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Blue Heeler. Due to the Basset Heeler’s hybrid status, it is not officially recognized by the AKC.
The Basset Heeler resembles both breed parents – the Basset Hound and the Blue Heeler. It has flappy ears but not quite as long and pendant as the Basset Hound. Its color most closely resembles the Blue Heeler and can come in a variety of combinations such as blue, blue mottled, blue speckled, red mottled, and red speckled. Its coat is dense, short, thick, and water-repellent. Its build is muscular and it has a defined body. With an expression of strength and intelligence, the Basset Heeler has a broad skull that flattens to a stop between the eyes. It has muscular cheeks with a medium-length and powerful muzzle. The ears are small to medium in size and are set apart. Its neck and shoulders are strong and the forelegs are straight and parallel. Its feet are rounded and arched with small, but sturdy toes.
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The Basset Heeler is known as a tenacious and energetic breed with much to offer to its family. It is independent and fierce and requires appropriate mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. The Basset Heeler does require caution around strangers as it has a tendency to want to protect its family. If early training is not provided, your Basset Heeler will likely act guarded and may become aggressive towards others. Extra precaution must be taken in regards to the Basset Heeler around people. The Basset Heeler also requires early training to allow it to accept children, other animals, and other dogs. The Basset Heeler is not recommended for the new owner as both parent breeds are known to be stubborn in training. Positive reinforcement is highly recommended in order for your Basset Heeler to warm up to learning. The Basset Heeler has high energy levels and must be exercised daily.
Your Basset Heeler has a high energy level and requires the appropriate outlet for exercise. Your Basset Heeler would fare best with activities such as fetching, running, and several walks per day. Walks can be split throughout the day and can be brisk in order to provide spurts of activity that allow for rest in between. The Basset Heeler would fare best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard, well contained to prevent him from going for a run on his own. He can live in both urban and rural locations as long as he is provided with the recommended amount of exercise per day to expend the energy and spunk. 60 minutes should be the minimum; he can take more and will always be willing to go wherever you go. This dog is ready to move.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 11/01/2017, edited: 12/22/2021
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