Basston

26-40 lbs
12-16"
United States
Basset Hound
Boston Terrier

The Basston is a mix between the Basset Hound and the Boston Terrier. This is a small dog with a big heart that makes for a wonderful companion dog and family pet. Since both Basset Hounds and Boston Terriers are even-tempered breeds, the Basston is also even-tempered and very friendly. They are medium sized dogs with short and fine feeling coats that tend to come in a number of different colors. While the Basston is very intelligent he does have a stubborn streak that is picked up from the Basset Hound side, meaning that training won’t necessarily come easy to him. If you practice patience and put a lot of time into training the Basston will eventually pick up on all of the cues that you teach him. This breed does not require too much exercise and will be perfectly happy with just a short walk and some quality playtime each day. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Basset Hound, Boston Terrier

Basston Health

Average Size
Male Basston size stats
Height: 12-16 inches Weight: 26-40 lbs
Female Basston size stats
Height: 12-16 inches Weight: 26-40 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Obesity
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
Minor Concerns
  • Cherry Eye
  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Hydrocephalus
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Elbow
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Basston Breed History

 Because the Basston is a relatively new breed, we don’t know much about their specific origin history. However, we do know a decent amount about the parent breeds; the Basset Hound and the Boston Terrier. The Basset Hound was created in France around the 7th century and was used as a hunting dog and companion. His laid back, easy-going temperament makes him the perfect family dog for those who are wanting a calm pet that still has enough energy to get outside and do something every once in a while. The Basset Hound first came to America in the 19th century and his popularity has stayed solid ever since. The second breed, the Boston Terrier, is nicknamed the American Gentleman. He is most likely a mix between the Bulldog and the White English Terrier, which explains the breed’s coloring and small stature. They were once known as the Bull Terrier but took the name Boston Terrier in 1889. Originating in the United states, the Boston Terrier was bred to be a best friend and has a happy-go-lucky personality.   When we combine these two unique parent breeds, we end up with the Basston, who is an even-tempered, very affectionate, outgoing dog who makes a wonderful family pet. This breed does extremely well with children, cats, and other dogs. While they may be a bit difficult to train due to their stubborn streak, they will eventually catch on and you will end up with a wonderful companion who will follow you anywhere!

Basston Breed Appearance

Because neither set of parents have a soft coat, neither does the Basston. It is short and fine, sitting very close to the body and can come in a number of different colors. These dogs are not hypoallergenic, even though it may seem like they should be. Shedding happens moderately throughout the year, however, not much grooming is needed when it comes to keeping your dog at his best. The Basston is a medium sized dog that has a short muzzle, bright eyes, and folded ears. They combine the best traits of the Basset Hound and the Boston Terrier in order to create a uniquely beautiful dog. 

Basston Breed Maintenance

Despite this breed’s moderate shedding level, the Basston requires low to medium maintenance work. Because their coat is so short and fine, no tangles occur and nothing really gets stuck in the fur. However, it is a good idea to brush them at least once a week in order to remove any dirt or loose hair that may be lying on the body. A rubber brush would be a great tool to use for this job. Bathing only needs to happen every few weeks or so, or when your Basston gets especially dirty. Besides brushing and bathing, proper ear care and nail trimming is very important. Because the Basston has folded over ears, any leftover moisture or foreign objects trapped inside them can cause irritation and infection. Always dry your dog’s ears thoroughly after a bath or swimming; doing so will lessen the chance of any infections. Trim your dog’s nails every few weeks or whenever you hear the nails clicking on the floor as the dog walks. 

Basston Temperament

 Whenever you combine an intelligent gentleman with an intelligent hunter, you are sure to get a dog breed that is an excellent balance between calm and upbeat. This is exactly what the Basston is; playful and alert while not being too over-excited. The Basset Hound was created to be a hunting companion with an excellent nose and intelligence. This breed is more calm and collected, a bit sluggish as some may say. The Boston Terrier on the other hand is lively, intelligent, and meant to be the perfect companion dog. Because the Basston has both of these breeds in him, his temperament can vary from litter to litter. However, the most common Basston temperament would be an easygoing, even-tempered dog that has enough energy to wear your kids out after school, but still calm enough to enjoy a good cuddle on the couch later. The only downside to this breed is that he can be a bit slow to train. While extremely intelligent, he does have a stubborn streak that may make housebreaking and manners difficult to accomplish. However, if you use patience and a gentle, yet firm, guidance your Basston will catch on eventually. So despite that one minor issue, if you are looking for an intelligent dog that is a great balance between calm and active, then the Basston may be the breed for you! 

Basston Activity Requirements

Even though the Boston Terrier is known to be a bit energetic, the Basset Hound is not. When it comes to the Basston, it is a happy medium between calm and energized. This means that not a lot of daily exercise is required in order to keep your Basston happy and healthy, however, it is a good idea to give him at least 20 minutes of physical activity a day. Whether that is a walk, playing fetch in the yard, or a good game of tug-a-war in the house. When the cold weather sets in, your Basston may not want to spend much time outside, but as long as you give him good quality playtime in the house, he will be perfectly content. This breed tends to prefer a warmer climate due to his short fur, but doesn’t mind the cold for short periods of time.  Overall, the fact that this breed is not too high energy and very easy to please makes the Basston a perfect dog for apartments or small homes.

Basston Owner Experiences

Nova Jo
8 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Bike ride
Walk
Chasing horses
Catch treats
Brushing
Bubbles
Ball
She is by far the very best dog I've ever owmed. She is now 8 years old, she did develop heart problems but it hasn't slowed her down. I would love to have another Basston. She was an accident and unfortunately her dad needed to be put down. I have no idea where her siblings are.
6 years, 4 months ago
Steve
3 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
chasing squirrels
My Basstin is nosey and likes to snuggle and tells everyone on the block he's home.
4 years, 8 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd