Tzu Basset

27-32 lbs
9-12"
Unknown
Basset Hound
Shih Tzu

The adorable Tzu Basset is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Basset Hound. These loveable canines range in size from small to medium and stand between 9 and 13 inches tall. As adults, most weigh in at less than 40 pounds. Their coats vary greatly and may be short and smooth or long, silky and straight. They also come in a range of colors, including white, brown and brindle. Many are bi-colored or tri-colored. These little dogs have moderate activity needs, so they do well in cities and apartments. Their Basset Hound ancestry drives a strong tracking instinct, though, and they may be prone to wandering if not kept leashed or in a fenced-in yard. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Shih Tzu, Basset Hound

Tzu Basset Health

Average Size
Male Tzu Basset size stats
Height: 10-12 inches Weight: 29-38 lbs
Female Tzu Basset size stats
Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 27-32 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease
  • Eye Problems
  • Hypothyroidism
Minor Concerns
  • Glaucoma
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None Known
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Blood Tests

Tzu Basset Breed History

Because the Tzu Basset is a mixed breed, little of its history is known. The breed originated as the result of mixing two much-loved breeds – the Basset Hound and the Shih Tzu. The result is a loving companion with the best features of both breeds. The Basset Hound originated in France around the 1500s, and his ancestors are the Basset d’Artois and the Basset Nomads. Additional short-legged hounds were also used in the development of the modern Basset Hound. This breed was developed for hunting small animals like hares and rabbits. Unlike other hounds, the Basset was bred to be slow and easy to follow on hunts. The beloved Basset Hound has made many appearances in pop culture and has been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1935. The Shih Tzu is also a beloved breed with a long history. Originating in China in ancient times, these lovable lap dogs were bred to be companions. Believed to have been developed by crossing a Lhasa Apso with a small Chinese dog, like the Pekingese, they were favored by Chinese royalty buy also kept by common people. The breed was nearly wiped out during the Chinese Revolution, by seven females and seven males survived. All modern Shih Tzus descended from those 14 dogs. Shih Tzus started making their way around the world in the 1900s, and many arrived in the United States following the end of World War II. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 and is currently one of the nation’s most popular breeds. 

Tzu Basset Breed Appearance

The Tzu Basset is a short, long dog that may range significantly in terms of size, color and coat type. While many have short, smooth coats like the Basset Hound, others have long, silky, smooth coats that are more reminiscent of the breed’s Shih Tzu roots. The coat comes in many colors, including yellow, white, black, brown, brindle and tricolor. The dog’s markings are often similar to the markings of the Basset Hound. Also like the Basset, the Tzu Basset has short legs and a long body. The legs are strong and end in large, powerful pads. Droopy ears are common to this breed, and some have the underbite that is commonly associated with the Shih Tzu. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Tzu Basset eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Tzu Basset nose
Black
brown Tzu Basset nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Tzu Basset coat
Black
brown Tzu Basset coat
Brown
brindle Tzu Basset coat
Brindle
white Tzu Basset coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Tzu Basset straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Tzu Basset Breed Maintenance

While the Shih Tzu sheds little, the Basset Hound tends to be a heavy shedder. The Tzu Basset is a moderate shedder. His Basset Hound ancestry also tends to make him a bit of a drooler, and he may have an odor that is difficult to eliminate. Tzu Bassets need to be brushed regularly, especially those with long coats. Bathing should also take place on a regular basis to eliminate smells and ensure your companion’s health. The nails need to be trimmed every three to four weeks, and the teeth should be brushed at least once per week. The Tzu Basset’s floppy ears may be prone to infection, so they should be cleaned and inspected no less than once per week. 

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

Tzu Basset Temperament

The Tzu Basset makes an excellent companion. These lovable dogs are well known for their happy and docile natures, and they tend to be quite affectionate. They enjoy spending time with their owners, and they do not tend to do well when left alone. Boredom and loneliness often lead to excessive barking in this breed. They have moderate energy levels, and their exercise needs are not extreme. A quick walk or a short game of fetch will do. However, they may be prone to obesity and may need extra activity to keep the weight off. The Tzu Basset is intelligent but sometimes stubborn. They have a lot of personality and are eager to please their owners, though, so most respond well to positive, patient training. 

Tzu Basset Activity Requirements

The Tzu Basset can be quite sedentary. With low energy levels and a love of food, he is prone to obesity. However, the breed does enjoy tracking and will gladly spend time enjoying the smells on a walk. Because of their low energy levels, they are ideal pets for working people and people who live in apartments. They should not be left outside unattended unless they are in a fenced-in yard due to their tendency to wander off while following an interesting smell. A few brisk walks or visits to a dog park are enough to make sure your canine companion is getting the exercise he needs. 

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
30 minutes
activity minutes

Tzu Basset Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$35.00 - $40.00
food bag monthly cost

Tzu Basset Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Tzu Basset size stats at six months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 13.0 lbs
Female Tzu Basset size stats at six months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Tzu Basset size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 23.5 lbs
Female Tzu Basset size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 22.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Tzu Basset size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 33.5 lbs
Female Tzu Basset size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 29.5 lbs

Tzu Basset Owner Experiences

Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Opal
16 Weeks
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's funny full of energy and loveable
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Nala
3 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very loving and empathetic eager to please stubborn. Very intelligent. Loves to play with everyone. Hates to be left alone. Easily housebroken picky about food not greedy a joy to own. Wish I had more space.
6 years, 1 month ago
Jack
17 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jack has been my companion since he was six weeks old he very rarely leaves my side he is stubborn but he’s highly intelligent and extremely treatable very affectionate best companion you could hope for I’m scared to think of what it’s gonna be like without him. He recently had a stroke and came through in 2 1/2 weeks with absolutely no signs or symptoms of it it was a long 2 1/2 weeks change the diet lost almost 12 pounds is hearts good his eyes are good as far as great as energy has slow down
4 years, 5 months ago
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