Bassugg
An oddly proportioned little dog with a cheerful disposition, the Bassugg is a mixture of the wrinkly Pug and the long-eared Basset Hound. While perhaps not the most attractive designer dog, these hybrids will have you falling in love as soon as they gaze at you with their deep brown, soulful eyes.
A dog that loves to be around both people and animals, the Bassugg makes a wonderful pet for owners of all ages. As they are generally laid-back and tolerant, they should be suitable for those with children. As this cross-breed is a real people-pleaser, they tend to be easy to get on with and should take to training well.
About & History
Bassugg dogs are one of the many (many!) designer dogs that have been created within the last few decades in response to rising consumer demand for the next best breed. Breed fanciers have fallen in love with their sweet personality and unique look.
The Pug
The Pug is an ancient breed that is thought to originate from China, where it can be traced back to the year 200 B.C. Their history within Europe began in Holland, where they were kept by the Dutch House of Orange-Nassau. Though the original Pug was fawn, other coat colours, such as black, are now accepted within the breed. The Kennel Club recognises the Pug within their Utility group.
The Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are renowned for their stubby legs, long velvety ears and droopy eyes. They were developed around the 16th century in France where their talent as scent hounds was honed. They would hunt with their noses close to the ground; their ears helping to accentuate the scents around them. They would typically pursue small prey, such as rabbits and hare.
While some may assume that longer-legged breeds, such as the Fox Hound, would make a better hunter, the slower speed of the Basset Hound was appreciated by those huntsmen who could not afford horses and would have no choice but to hunt at a more leisurely pace on foot.
Appearance
A small dog that should reach heights of between 23cm to 30cm, when fully grown, they will weigh in at around 5 to 10kg. They have a long body with short, bowed limbs that does not necessarily lend itself to athleticism.
The skull of the Bassugg is flat on top and they have a moderately long, well-defined muzzle. Some will have extensive wrinkling of their face, though this is not consistent in all breed members. While their ears may not be as long as the Basset Hound, they are usually noticeably long; sometimes even reaching past their chin. Their dark brown eyes are hard to ignore and are a deep brown that is typical of hounds and hound crosses.
Bassuggs have short, straight fur. Many dogs are fawn with dark colouring, especially around their muzzle. Other fur colours include black and tricolor (black, white and tan).
Character & Temperament
The Bassugg forms strong bonds with the people in its life and can be fawningly affectionate. They love to cuddle and make fabulous lap dogs; as long as you don’t mind the shedding! Their love of two-legged folk can sometimes be their downfall as they require a lot of attention and can develop separation anxiety, especially if expected to stay home alone for extended periods.
With two good-natured parents, it is little wonder that the Bassugg is patient and easy-going. Kind to children, they anecdotally do very well around little ones. Outgoing and cheerful, they can light up any room they walk in to. While the Bassugg will bark to alert their owners of any strange goings-on or unexpected guests, they do not make particularly good guard dogs and they are usually welcoming to most.
Trainability
Training the Bassugg should not pose an issue, even to the least experienced owners out there. They are an eager to please bunch and they have a sharp mind, though some individuals can be prone to laziness and may need a little prodding in the right direction.
Health
Certain health conditions crop up within the Bassugg population more so than in other mixed-breeds and should be closely watched for:
Ear Infections
As fetching as the long ears of the Bassugg are, the thick skin means that there is poor airflow within their canals and the inside of their ears can become overly warm and moist, leading to the growth of an excessive number of bacteria and yeast. We can largely prevent infections by keeping ears meticulously clean and dry.
Entropion
Eyelids that grow inwards result in eyelashes that scratch along the surface of the eye leading to chronic pain and infection. In severe cases, the cornea can ulcerate and, if left untreated, can cause vision loss. A relatively straight forward surgery can cure entopion forever.
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
The abnormally long back of the Bassugg means that it is prone to back problems such as IVDD. We can help to protect their back by ensuring they do not become over-weight and by avoiding high jumps and lots of steps.
Exercise and Activity Levels
While it is true the Bassugg derives from a hunting dog (the Basset Hound), their Pug parent is not likely to win any medals on sports day. It can be difficult to predict after which canine parent the Bassugg will take after but most dogs only require moderate levels of exercise and are happy to relax and ‘veg out’ in the evenings.
Grooming
The short coat of the Bassugg is easy to maintain and should only be brushed once a week to retain shine and help get rid of dander and fur. These dogs do shed quite a bit so it can be a good idea to brush them outdoors. Importantly, their ears should be cleaned out as needed; usually on a weekly basis.