Hush Basset

20-60 lbs
11-14"
Unknown
Basset Hound
American Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Basset
The Hush Basset is a relatively new designer hybrid breed, the result of mixing the Cocker Spaniel with the Basset Hound. Despite their droopy, sometimes downtrodden look, Hush Bassets are generally happy dogs with a high level of affection and sociability with both people and other dogs, making them great pets for those with bigger families and/or high-traffic lifestyles. Because both parent breeds came from hunting backgrounds, one from the scent hound group, the other from sporting, this breed can still make a good overall hunting dog with the right training, but given its cute look and designer aim, is more often found as a companion pet than anything else. But the same lineage that provides their adorable look also provides the tendency to follow their nose, meaning they can often become stubborn and somewhat difficult to train, especially if not started early on. Overall, their friendly demeanor and drive to be social often overcome their less desirable tendencies.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Hunting
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Basset Hound and Cocker Spaniel

Hush Basset Health

Average Size
Male Hush Basset size stats
Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 25-65 lbs
Female Hush Basset size stats
Height: 11-14 inches Weight: 20-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Dysplasia
  • Seborrhea
  • Skin Problems
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Thrombopathia
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Corneal Erosion
  • Glaucoma
  • Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
  • Bleeding Disorder
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Skin Fold Dermatitis
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Dna For Phosphofructokinase Deficiency
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Skeletal Exam

Hush Basset Breed History

While the Hush Basset is a newer designer breed with a limited history, both parent breeds are deep-rooted in their respective countries of origin and beyond. The Basset Hound, "bas" in French meaning "low thing," is believed to have originated in France during the Middle Ages, the result of breeding together other Bassets of the time, the d'Artois and Normand. Their refinement is generally attributed to the monks of the Monastery of St. Hubert in Belgium, where breeding was aimed toward a low-slung, nose-heavy dog that was slow enough to follow closely on hunts. Over the years, these hounds increased in popularity and were even supplied to aristocracy in the seventh and eighth centuries. As they traveled and spread, they endured further changes, which were largely cemented in England in the late 1800s by breeder Everett Millais, widely considered the father of the modern version we know today. Since arriving in America, their mopey faces have quickly found favor in pop culture as early as the 1950s and 1960s in characters like the aptly-named Droopy. The Spaniel's history stems back as far as 1620, when first documented to be aboard the Mayflower, but they were not registered until the late 1800s. The Cocker Spaniel first arrived with hunting enthusiasts in the 19th century thanks to their skillful ability to hunt birds such as the gamecock, the origin of this Spaniel's namesake. American breeders, however, preferred them to be smaller in stature, making them easier to manage as hunters, show dogs, and companions. After the transformation, their popularity skyrocketed to the point where they spawned troublesome puppy mills and poor breeding habits just to keep up with demand, but many have since been deterred by law. Today, Cocker Spaniels remain in the top 30 of popularity (as ranked by the American Kennel Club) for their sweet disposition, intelligence, and overall aesthetics.

Hush Basset Breed Appearance

The Hush Basset takes many strong characteristics from the Basset Hound including its low-slung figure, elongated body, barrel chest, and droopy features but does take on the longer coat and slightly more athletic build of the Cocker Spaniel. They generally sport a short to medium boxy nose with sagging cheeks and brows to match long ears that hang with floppy disregard. Averaging only 14 inches tall, this breed often sports considerably more weight and length than height and generally has a straight to slightly sloping back, deep chest and even muscle throughout. Their coat is usually short to medium length and thanks to their Spaniel heritage, comes in a wide variety of colors.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Hush Basset eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Hush Basset nose
Black
brown Hush Basset nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Hush Basset coat
Brindle
sable Hush Basset coat
Sable
black Hush Basset coat
Black
white Hush Basset coat
White
red Hush Basset coat
Red
brown Hush Basset coat
Brown
cream Hush Basset coat
Cream
pied Hush Basset coat
Pied
blue Hush Basset coat
Blue
silver Hush Basset coat
Silver
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Hush Basset wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Hush Basset Breed Maintenance

There's no way around it: Hush Bassets, like their lineage, are high maintenance dogs. Because both parent breeds are high frequency shedders, they need to be brushed regularly, at least a few times a week, to remove excess hair and to prevent their coats from getting tangled and matted. Their faces will need to be wiped and cleaned regularly as well, as they have a tendency to develop tear stains and are also prone to drooling. Their large folded ears will also need frequent attention to make sure they don't hold too much  moisture that could lead to bacteria buildup and eventually infection - the same holds true for their excess skin folds. And, of course, like any other breed, they should receive nail trimmings, which are usually suitable every few weeks, tooth brushing weekly, and baths on a necessary basis (often around once a month) to keep their coats clean and their smell level down (Bassets are known to be a bit smelly due to their oily skin).

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Brushes for Hush Basset
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Hush Basset requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Hush Basset Temperament

Hush Bassets are generally happy, friendly, affectionate dogs that love attention and know how to get it (enter the sad puppy eyes). They generally thrive in social situations thanks to their easy-going demeanor around other dogs and people, and generally remain even-keeled even when there is a bit of a ruckus around them. Although they are relatively laid back dogs, this also translates into their regard for commands, and they often become quite stubborn and can be difficult to train, especially later in life. They are a vocal breed so potential owners should be mindful of their living situation and availability for training to help deter excessive barking.

Hush Basset Activity Requirements

While the Cocker Spaniel may be a mid to high energy dog, the Basset Hound takes very little exercise to be satisfied, leaving the Hush Basset to stand right in the middle. Like any dog, they do take exercise to stay happy and healthy, but given their size and short legs, it takes considerably less work than a dog of similar weight. Getting them out for regular walks is a perfect way to tire them out and signs of fatigue will quickly show in the speed of their movement. They generally do well in most living spaces as long as there is enough room to plod around, play and stretch out. Around 6 miles of walking per week and 30 to 45 minutes of play a day should suffice to satisfy this stout breed.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Hush Basset Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.80
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$36.00 - $54.00
food bag monthly cost

Hush Basset Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Hush Basset size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 32.5 lbs
Female Hush Basset size stats at six months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 29.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Hush Basset size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 38.5 lbs
Female Hush Basset size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 33.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Hush Basset size stats at 18 months
Height: 13.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Hush Basset size stats at 18 months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs

Hush Basset Owner Experiences

Rosie
1 Year
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Shopping
Explore the city
Off-leash
Shake
Speak
High Five
Nose work
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Nap
Play
Swim
Catch treats
Learn a new trick
Road trip
Walk
Boat ride
Go to Park
Go to Beach
We have really hit the jackpot with this dog. She has the most perfect personality and LOVES people. I take her to the office with me and she has the whole company doting over her. She is so submissive with other dogs so we never have any issues and she gets on very well with our cat. She’s just an all round social dynamite!! I would recommend a Hush Basset to anyone, they really are the perfect dog. Very adaptable and willing to be your loyal companion.
4 months ago
Wispa
6 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Never owned one before but absolutely love him
2 years, 6 months ago
Diva
15 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beautiful dog extremely affectionate loves children very food orientated.
6 years, 1 month ago
Parker Posey
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love at first sight.
5 years, 8 months ago
DOOBEY
6 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing Ball
Cuddles
DOOBEY is extreme lovable and amazing with kids. He is very sensitive to pregnant woman and concerned about babies. Aside from the fact that he looks so adorable he is one of the most amazing dogs we have ever had. He does love the bin though
5 years, 7 months ago
Bella
11 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Bella is very sweet and the easiest dog to train. She trained herself to go potty outside by knocking on the door. She is very relaxed and doesn't bother at all.
5 years, 7 months ago
Domino
Five Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
snuggling
Playing with kids
Playing with toys
High maintenance health wise, but you’ll never find a better dog for young children. Mine are 3 & 7 years old and often times play with Domino. He is gentle yet playful and excited with them. Also he is a love bug, always seeking praise and affection. His ears have often been the source of infections for him, despite doing what we can to prevent them. He also is a big scavenger and gets into things he should not. Overall though, he is a wonderful dog and I recommend his breed for a patient, loving family
5 years, 6 months ago
Sarge
6 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Just rescued him so we are getting to know each other.
5 years, 2 months ago
Meadow
13 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
loves walks
Cuddles
amazing temperament Loves affection Playful Loves children Extremely social
4 years ago
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