Azawakh Basset Hound Mix

The Azawakh Basset Hound Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Azawakh and the Basset Hound. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Azawakh also known as the Sahel Sighthound is known for being affectionate, aloof, and attentive. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Azawakh or the Basset Hound? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Azawakh Basset Hound Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Azawakh Basset Hound Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Azawakh Basset Hound Mix puppies for sale.

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Azawakh Basset Hound Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Azawakh History

Originating in the West African Sahara Desert, the Azawakh is a profound Sighthound. Azawakh were primarily bred to guard livestock. Their owners were nomadic. Like most other dog breeds, they were regarded for their companionship and hunting skills, as well as their ability to work with livestock. They were bred to withstand harsh desert climates.

Their name comes from the Azawakh Valley. This valley lies in the desert between Mali and Niger. Translated literally it means the 'Land of the North.'
French civil servants and military forces stationed in the region exported them back to their home countries and they spread out from there. They are closely related to the Sloughi. They were officially recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in 2011, and are still incredibly rare outside of their native Sahel region.

Basset Hound History

This Basset, while French in origin like her cousin the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, is much more familiar to the American population. She has served since the mid-20th century as the mascot for Hush Puppies shoes. Many Hush Puppies Basset Hounds have come and gone; the current one’s name is Jason.

In the 1950s, Elvis Presley appeared on The Steve Allen Show to sing “Hound Dog” to a seated Basset Hound wearing a top hat. The performance appeared uncomfortable for both of them, but Presley was photographed playing with the dog after filming stopped. Television has also given us a TV commercial that finds a dour-looking Basset Hound accompanying a bored Maytag washer repairman along his route.

Don’t mistake the Basset Hound for a snooty Hollywood type, though. Her breeding makes her a formidable small game hunter, and her goofy personality is ideal for pet parents seeking a “fun” dog.

The Basset Hound is another product of the French passion for custom-breeding hunting dogs. The Basset Hound is closely related to the taller and slimmer Bloodhound; both are descendents of the “St. Hubert Hound,” a product of selective breeding credited to a French cleric and “patron saint of the hunt.” St. Hubert’s Hound resembled a bloodhound, and the modern-day bloodhound is his best-known ancestor; however, many people also believe that today’s basset hound resulted from a genetic mutation in the ancient breed.

The genetic maneuvering that produced the Basset Hound yielded a low-slung, solidly built, short-legged scent hound with a white-tipped tail that stands straight in the air, alerting her handler to the presence of game. Packs of Basset Hounds hunt in France and England to this day. Working alone or in packs, their long ears touch the ground and release the scent of small game, which the dogs then drive into warrens or quarries where the handler can retrieve them.

Azawakh Basset Hound Mix Size and Weight

Azawakh
Height: 24 - 29 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 33 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 10-12 years

Basset Hound
Height: 13 - 14 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 40 - 65 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years

Azawakh Basset Hound Mix Personality

The Azawakh and the Basset Hound are known for being courageous and protective. The Azawakh is known for being fierce, rugged, and refined. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Azawakh Basset Hound Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Azawakh mixed with the Basset Hound might be prone to asenstive skin, hyopthyroidism, seizures, myositis, cardiac problems, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Azawakh Basset Hound Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Azawakh Basset Hound Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Azawakh Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in