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Ba-Shar (Basset Hound & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

Written by: Jordin Horn

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Jordin Horn

Ba-Shar (Basset Hound & Shar-Pei Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & Traits

Ba Shar dogs, also popularly known as Walrus dogs, are a cross between the floppy-eared Basset Hound and the wrinkly-faced Shar-Pei. With their stout appearance, large head, and brown, wrinkly skin, it is no wonder these Ba Shar dogs get the name “walrus.”

Breed Overview

Height:

10 – 13 inches

Weight:

30 – 60 pounds

Lifespan:

9 – 12 years

Colors:

White, tri-colored, tan, fawn, patchwork, piebald, black

Suitable for:

Active individuals, homes with lots of outdoor space, families with older kids

Temperament:

Reserved, loyal, intelligent, alert, affectionate

They can be loveable and playful, as well as stubborn and alert. Walrus dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners and can be loveable family pets. They also tend to always know what’s going on in their surroundings, so they make a great watchdog, too.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Ba Shar Puppies

Ba Shars are relatively healthy, but not much is known about the complete health outcomes of this dog breed. They need a moderate amount of exercise, but they are also plenty happy just laying around on your couch. Ba Shars can be leery of strangers if not trained well from the get-go, but if you get good training for your Ba Shar, he will go running to see what’s up when guests show up to your house.

Parent_breeds_Ba-Shar
Image Credit: Left – David Raihelgauz, Shutterstock | Right – Dr. Alan Lipkin, Shutterstock

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Ba Shar

Because they are not as popular, it is not so easy to know the exact intelligence level and temperament of a Ba Shar dog. What they are known for are their loyalty and their watchful disposition. If we look closer into these aspects of the parent breeds (Basset Hound and Shar Pei), we may find out more about Ba Shars.

Shar Peis, with their tough-dog appearance, usually behave as such. These dogs are super smart and are always watching what’s going on. Because of their apprehension towards strangers, it’s best that an experienced dog owner handles one, and that they get lots of socialization when they are young. Shar Peis are great guard dogs that can be good for families but might not be the best for families with small kids.

On the other hand, Basset Hounds have a more playful personality overall and can be great for families with kids. They are social and love to spend time with all kinds of people, even though they remain watchful the whole time. A Basset hound’s intelligence can get them into trouble when left alone for too long.

As you can see, these dog breeds differ greatly, so it’s hard to know what you’re going to get in a Ba Shar puppy. There’s no doubt that your Walrus will be smart, but also a little stubborn. These pups need consistent training and a lot of puppy socialization to familiarize them with strangers.

Bashar
Image By: Enbrunner, Shutterstock

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

They can be, if trained well. However, in their natural state, they don’t care for the boisterous nature of kids and don’t like to be teased. They do best in families with older children who understand the dog’s independent and stubborn streak.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Ba Shars come from Basset Hounds, which love to track and hunt small animals. Keep this in mind when bringing in an adult Walrus dog to the family of pets. When raised with the other pets as a puppy, though, there shouldn’t be an issue of pet conflicts between Ba Shars and other pets.

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Things to Know When Owning a Ba Shar:

Food & Diet Requirements

Any dog deserves high-quality dog food, and the Ba Shar is no exception. Talk with your vet first, but generally, your Walrus dog will need food that’s high in fiber and protein. Go for food with at least 24% protein and 5% fiber content.

Exercise

If left to its own devices, a lazy Walrus dog might become as big as a walrus! To keep your Ba Shar from gaining weight, you will need to exercise him some. The exercise requirements are not too demanding, though, and he will love to spend the extra time with you. Aim for walking your Walrus dog for 30 minutes to an hour a day. This can be split up into two walks if it works better. Keep in mind that Ba Shars like to roam around independently, so a fenced-in yard is essential.

Training

Being consistent is the key to successful Ba Shar training. They sometimes do well in group training classes, but we’ve got some tips for you if you plan to do it yourself. Keep it positive with positive reinforcement with treats and they will thrive. If you are training her yourself, make sure to maintain a confident stance, otherwise the Shar-Pei in them will sense a weak spot and try to take advantage of you.

If group classes and/or self-training are not going well, we recommend switching to one-on-one training with a pro.

Grooming ✂️

Your Walrus dog will do well to have his thick double-coat brushed two times a week. This will keep his coat in top condition and keep the excess shedding down. As fun and exciting as bath time is, don’t bathe your Ba Shar too often, or his skin will get too dry. Trim his nails around every 3 weeks and brush his teeth regularly.

Health and Conditions

Because the Shar-Pei and Basset Hound breeds are pretty hearty, the Ba Shar breed tends to be too, although we don’t know much about Ba Shars’ health history. This is due to its short breed history. As long as you walk your Walrus dog regularly and take him to the vet annually, he should stay in good shape. However, here’s a list of a few serious and minor conditions to look out for in Ba Shar dogs:

Minor Conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Digestive Problems
Serious Conditions
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Bloat
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Obesity

Male vs Female

The only big difference between male and female Ba Shars is in their size. Males tend to be slightly bigger than females in size and stature, but not by much. Male Walrus dogs can also be more stubborn than females. When you’re trying to make this decision, be sure to talk to the dog breeder, as they will have the most experience with size and behavioral outcomes of both sexes.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Ba Shar Dog

1. They were first bred in the United States in the 1990s.

The Basset Hound has been around for centuries, but the Shar Pei wasn’t brought to the US until 1973. The exact origins of the hybrid are estimated to have occurred after the AKC recognized the Shar Pei in 1991.


2. This dog goes by three different names.

The Ba Shar dog can also be called a Walrus Dog or a Sharp Asset. There are even those out there that call them Mini Walrus. This is why it can be difficult to find out information about the dog breed!


3. They can be athletic.

Even though Basset Hounds and Shar Peis are not known for their active abilities, Walrus dogs love to get moving, only if you convince them that it was their idea first!

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Final Thoughts

Where the Ba Shar lacks in popularity, it makes up in uniqueness. We don’t know a whole lot about Walrus dogs, but they sure are cute. For the individual who wants to know about the exact temperament, personality, and health outcomes of a dog they are getting, the Ba Shar might not be the greatest option. For people who want a small-sized, short-haired dog breed with medium exercise needs and a loyal but tough personality, the little-known Ba Shar is a great fit.

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Featured Image Credit: Enbrunner, Shutterstock

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