Rottie Basset (Rottweiler & Basset Hound Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Mixed breed dogs are mutts no more! These days, it’s not unusual to see combinations of modern-day breeds—now known as “designer dogs.” The Rottie Basset is nothing short of this new concept, crossing the brave Rottweiler with the slow-paced Basset Hound. When you take two vastly opposite breeds like this, what is the outcome?

There are a ton of cool physical possibilities in this cross. Let’s hash out exactly what you can expect in terms of looks, personality, and overall care with this unique hybrid. Is the Rottie Basset a good fit for you?

Rottie Basset Puppies

If you find a Rottie Basset at a breeder, they should be able to provide a clean bill of health for their litter. All puppies should be vet-checked, up to date on shots, and dewormed.

Beware of backyard breeders trying to make a fast buck. Anyone can claim they have a Rottie Basset litter. But ultimately, care is key. You want a pup that came from a healthy litter. Ensuring both parents and the puppies are healthy and have sound temperaments is key.

Since this is a cross of two widespread breeds, there’s a big chance you could find one at a local shelter or rescue. You can contact nearby agencies or look online to explore the possibility.

You could find a litter of this mix, or you could give a full-grown dog a new, loving home. What’s better than that?

3 Little-Known Facts About the Rottie Basset

1. Both the Rottweiler and the Basset Hound have an excellent sense of smell.

Apart from the Bloodhound, the Basset Hound has one of the best noses of all canines. Rottweilers are also known for their olfactory sensory. So, your Rottie Basset will be quite the sniffer.

2. This mix can lead to so many physical and mental possibilities.

Your Rottie Basset could be short, tall, spotted, masked, long-muzzled, short-muzzled—the list goes on. These breeds are so drastically different in terms of looks, you won’t be able to pin down exactly what to expect.

3. The Rottweiler and Basset Hound were once next-door neighbors.

The Basset Hound hails from France while the Rottweiler came right next door from Germany.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Rottie Basset 🧠

When it comes to intelligence, you can expect your Rottie Bassett to have a moderate intelligence level. It’s not that they aren’t sharp, but their goofiness tends to overpower their keenness. These attributes make them fantastic playmates and will give you lots of laughs.

They will most likely be soft, kind dogs with an affection for naps and cuddles. The Rottie Basset will be protective of their families and love each member with all they have. They are incredibly devoted, no matter how stubborn and hard-headed they can sometimes be.

Rottweilers, especially males, can sometimes be situationally aggressive. To prevent any poor behavior, you should socialize your Rottie Basset as early as possible. Exposing them to a wide array of animals, people, and situations will better acclimate them in the future.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Rottie Basset makes a perfect family addition in most situations. Rottweilers are usually very gentle and loving with their owners. Basset Hounds are typically relaxed and good-natured. So, when you combine the two, you have a well-balanced, laid back dog.

Sometimes, Rottweilers tend to be reserved, suspicious, or even aggressive with strangers. But remember that the more experiences they have with strangers of all ages, the friendlier they will be. Combining these two breeds generally cancels out any overly aggressive tendencies, but it’s still within the realm of possibility.

Because they will likely be a medium-sized dog, they would do well in practically any living situation—whether you live in an apartment or on several acres of land. Their short but thick coats work well in most outdoor environments, too.

So, no matter if you’re a rural dweller or a city slicker, these dogs can be part of the family.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Both Rottweilers and Basset Hounds are generally very good with other dogs. There may be some competition with same-sex companions, especially if they are not neutered or spayed. However, most of the time, especially when raised together, these dogs benefit greatly from having another canine companion around.

When it comes to smaller animals, early socialization is necessary to prevent unwarranted prey drive. These dogs may never be suitable for animals like rodents or farm animals because of their hunting roots. But if they are introduced at an early age, they can be very compatible with supervision. It will be up to your discretion, and it will vary from dog to dog.

Things to Know When Owning a Rottie Basset:

Here are some day-to-day things to keep in mind if you’re considering bringing one of these pups home.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Rottie Basset mix requires a high protein, top quality dry kibble. The food you select should have at least 28% protein for appropriate muscle mass. Higher protein is essential when you have a growing puppy so that they can develop appropriately.

You want to pick a food that is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and other beneficial nutrients, steering clear of foods that have fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These ingredients are a common trigger for allergies in some dogs.

You can use wet food as a topper, but it’s not the best standalone diet. Wet food tends to be higher in calories, which can lead to obesity. Since both breeds are susceptible to weight gain, it should really only be a treat or appetite stimulator.

Since there is such a big range for this canine cross in terms of weight, you’ll need to feed your Rottie Basset based on their size.

Exercise 🐕

On average, a Rottweiler is a very active dog requiring about 2 hours of exercise per day. Basset Hounds are a bit less wound up, needing only about an hour. So, when you combine the two, you’ll get a dog with an activity level needing 1-2 hours of exercise per day.

Thanks to their short leg probability, you might not have to worry about your Rottie Basset clearing fences, but always make sure to supervise, anyway. Basset Hounds can be diggers, so make sure any fencing is well-secure to prevent sneaky escapes.

Because of their inclination to sniff, they will adore walks to explore the sights and smells. These dogs won’t like being trapped all day in a kennel. If you need a dog that can stay crated all day while you’re at work, this is not the best breed. They require some level of freedom.

Once they reach full maturity, you may have a dog who can stay free to roam the house while you’re away. That verdict will ultimately depend on your particular canine and their temperament.

Training 🦮

Training your Rottie Basset to do simple tasks like go to the bathroom outside should be relatively simple. They tend to pick up on concepts at a moderate pace. However, Basset Hounds do have a stubborn streak that can make them resistant to your desires sometimes.

Rottweilers can sometimes develop territorial aggression or aloofness. Early obedience training and socialization can curb these tendencies to make them happy, amiable pets. It might be best to take them to a professional trainer to develop excellent manners.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming should be fairly simple with the Rottie Basset. They have short hair that sheds moderately. But the sleek coat requires a few brushing sessions per week. You won’t have to worry about getting their fur trimmed with expensive and fancy haircuts.

Since Basset Hounds have lots of skin folds and wrinkles, your Rottie Basset may smell sooner after bathing than other breeds. Keeping the folds clean with semi-frequent wipe-downs can keep these dogs fresh between baths.

Depending on the traits your pup gets, they may be prone to ear infections. Keeping the ears free of moisture, clean, and tidy reduces the risk of infection.

Health Conditions ❤️

When it comes to health, hybrids can take on problems from both parents. They may have no issues at all, but any ailment between the two breeds is within the realm of possibility.

Male vs Female

Because of their mixtape of breed traits, you’re already going to get a vast display of differences between pups. But sex can also play a role.

Male Rottweilers tend to be more headstrong, aggressive, and territorial than their female counterparts. So, if your Rottie Basset takes on more of the Rott side of things, you may have to deal with extensive behavioral training to shape good manners and proper behavior.

In both Basset Hounds and Rottweilers, males tend to be more stubborn while females are more likely to listen. If you are a first-time dog owner, a female Rottie Basset may be the best since they will likely be easier to train and handle.

Marking their territory can also be a massive deal for males—even after they are fixed. While this may not happen in your house, you can probably find them marking the neighborhood with their “scent.” Neutering may curb this inclination, but not always.

Female Rottweilers have a chance at a longer lifespan, approximately 2 years more than males. This fact may influence your Rottie Basset, but it also may not matter since they are a mix. It’s a gamble.

In any case, these dogs will develop their own unique character quirks that aren’t necessarily reliant on their sex.

Final Thoughts

Even though there’s a broad range of possibilities when you get a Rottie Basset, one thing is for sure—you’ll get a spunky pup full of personality. Your dog may require obedience training to make sure they have fabulous manners and perfect sociability. But with love and care, you will have a family companion that you will adore for years to come.

Don’t forget to check with local shelters or rescues for a Rottie Basset. Your adoption includes vet care, and you can give a pup a second chance at a better life.

See also:

• Bloodhound Rottweiler Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

---

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock, mariait