Basset Heeler

33-40 lbs
16-18"
United States
Basset Hound
Blue Heeler
Australian Battle Dog

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.

purpose Purpose
Guard dog, Watchdog
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Basset Hound, Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog)

Basset Heeler Health

Average Size
Male Basset Heeler size stats
Height: 16-18 inches Weight: 33-40 lbs
Female Basset Heeler size stats
Height: 16-18 inches Weight: 33-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Cataracts
  • Lens Luxation
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Optical Examination
  • Complete Blood Test
  • Angiocardiogram
  • Echocardiogram
  • Electroretinogram

Basset Heeler Breed History

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.

Basset Heeler Breed Appearance

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.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Basset Heeler eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Basset Heeler nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
blue Basset Heeler coat
Blue
red Basset Heeler coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Basset Heeler straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Basset Heeler Breed Maintenance

The Basset Heeler is not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed and sheds moderately often. This breed is not known to drool nor contain any significant odors. His coat is short and  dense. Daily brushing with a pin brush or curry comb will keep his fur clean and looking sharp. If you would like to bathe your Basset Heeler, it is recommended not to bathe him more often than every  6 to 8 weeks to prevent overproduction of oils in his coat. His ears must be wiped and cleaned weekly to prevent bacteria buildup and it is also a good idea to look for mites and ticks. Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks minimum, more often if they grow quickly or tear easily. The teeth should be brushed weekly.


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Brushes for Basset Heeler
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Hemostat
Hemostat
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Basset Heeler requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Basset Heeler Temperament

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.

Basset Heeler Activity Requirements

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.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Basset Heeler Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Basset Heeler Owner Experiences

Cameron
3 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Dog Parks
Very lively personality loves to run around with our other dog and play, gets the zoomies often. very mellow for the most part, doesnt really like cuddling or affection but loves playing
2 years, 7 months ago
Oakley
8 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Our little girl was the love of our life. We just lost her to cancer. Can you help us find another Basset Blue Heeler - we love the combination.
6 years, 7 months ago
Ranger
13 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Nap
Ranger looks like a Heeler with Basset knees and a long body. He's incredibly stubborn and wants what he wants (especially if that want is the cats' food.) He has bursts of really high energy mixed with naps. I definitely wouldn't recommend this breed to someone who's never had a herding dog before because it would be overwhelming.
6 years, 6 months ago
Barney
2 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Cuddling
Walks
We got him as a rescue. He is the best dog I've ever had. He is a lifesaver and my best friend. He loves my son and is afraid of our 5 week old kitten. He is always by my side from the time we got him. He loves car rides, going outside, visiting Grandma, chaseing toys then running back to you without it. He has been amazing.
6 years, 5 months ago
Dotty
One Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Dot is very sweet with the family but very cautious with strangers. Good with other dogs but we have to keep the encounters low key. We have another, older dog who she loves but tends to protect from other dogs and the sweeper. Overall Dot is a great addition to our home, we just have to be ready to interact with her.
6 years, 2 months ago
Rex or Rexy (As in T-Rex from Toy Story)
8 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chasing Cattle
Horseback Rides
Long walks
Rex/Rexy is an angel to his family. He loves you if you love him, but if you're ambivalent to him he feels the exact same way back. Not too vocal, you know somethings wrong if he growls (or dare we say barks). He's INCREDIBLY protective of his family and has often scared the shorts of the UPS guy (even though he brings treats in hand). He was bitey as a pup but hasn't actually been physically aggressive as an adult. We live on a farm, but we've never used him to sort cattle. That has not deterred him, he goes and chases them around in his own time. He loves our cats (some say too intimately sometimes), and loves following along for long horseback rides. He had a bit of an accident back in the day (leaving him with one lazy leg) but that doesn't hold him back! He's as active as ever. When people aren't out with him (he's an outdoor man) he's kind of lazy from what we can see. But since he's a man about the farm he probably stays busy and we just don't see it. Smart guy for the most part, he kennels himself (finding a nook in the barn) every night.
5 years, 10 months ago
Sophie
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sophie is definately the smartest dog we have owned. She is very easy to train because she wants to please. She is very protective of her humans, Lab companion, and black cat Spencer. She thinks it is her job to make sure our cat stays in the area she thinks he is safest. She can be intimitading to those she does not know around our property but once she knows them she loves them. She goes hiking/snowshoeing like a champ, never seeming to tire. She rides in a drift boat and will swim out to be with us while we are fishing in the river. She is definitely one of the best companion and protective dogs we have owned :)
5 years, 7 months ago
Trigger
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loving quick learning and training very well as a medical alert dog
5 years, 6 months ago
Royalé Benjamin Blue
3 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Running
Walks
Royalé is a very very loyal dog. He is very smart and extremely low maintenance. My only issue with him ( and this may just be his personality and not anything to do with his breed ) is that he HAS to be by my side 24/7. If I try leaving him alone he either somehow manages to escape and/or he will nonstop bark until he sees me. If I were to tie him up outside of the store while I go in real quickly, as soon as I am no longer in sight the barking starts and continues until I come back out. He most definitely has some separation issues. I find myself having to get a sitter for him in order for me to go do my errands. But other than that, I absolutely LOVE Royalé and wouldn't trade him for anything in the world!
5 years, 2 months ago
Scout
4 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
Running
Dog Parks
Scout is very loyal and protective. She is very smart and picks up on things quickly! Although she is small in size she can be very aggressive on our leash or meeting new dogs at our house. It is strange because she is amazing at the dog park and truly enjoys socializing with other dogs. She fills our lives with so much joy and we don’t know what we would do without her!
5 years, 2 months ago
Bow bow
Three Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Play
Cuddles, plays with cat, and plays with us
5 years, 1 month ago
Kanan
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
training
It has been going great! It is super active and good to the kids! Perfect dog :D
4 years, 10 months ago
Spliff
9 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Napping
Swim
Tug-of-war
Walks
Still a puppy but a lovable high energy dog. Good with the kiddo.
4 years, 9 months ago
Callie
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Catch treats
Tug-of-war
Running
Nap
Callie is so sweet and protective of her family. She does great with those in the home and that visit frequently. She does try to bite strangers so she has to be monitored closely. She is energetic and stubborn. She loves chasing squirrels.
4 years, 7 months ago
Lucy
4 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Mine is stubborn, slow to pick up training. We adopted her at 5 months and already had an adult Beagle who trained her to go outside. She is very affectionate and food motivated.
4 years ago
Atticus
9 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Cuddling
Walks
Atticus is getting old so he definitely has less energy and prefers being a couch potato now. Training wasn’t the easiest when he was younger mainly because he was just too smart. He’s been a very loyal and obedient dog throughout the years and definitely bonded with me more than any other person he’s lived with. He always wants to be right by my side wherever I go and follows me everywhere. So far he’s been really healthy. We haven’t had any major health issues so far and he turned 9 in February.
3 years, 11 months ago
Boscoe
15 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Best dog ever, smart, loving, healthy, easy to take care of.
3 years, 9 months ago
Bella
12 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bella is very kind and excitable, she loves cuddles and loves to play.
3 years, 8 months ago
Livia
5 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Livia recently "adopted" us on 8/16/2020. She is an amazing companion and has brought incredible comfort and joy to us in the era of COVID. Livia loves our walks together and is the best "medicine" for living with Parkinson's Disease. Thank you Livia for being in our lives.
3 years, 8 months ago
Milo
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Walks, dog park
We adopted our Basset Heeler from a rescue after he was abandoned in rural Tennessee. He was not housebroken, had never been walked on a leash, and had never seen the inside of a home. He chews when bored or anxious, but picked up housebreaking and leash walking very quickly. He definitely does have a stubborn streak! We are currently working on socializing him with a variety of different people. He is already showing his guarding tendencies, but once he meets people, he is VERY sweet and accepting!
3 years, 5 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd