You’re walking down the street and see a dog that looks like a Rottweiler—classic black and tan markings, massive head, thick neck—but it’s hovering about six inches off the pavement on stubby, bowed legs. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher. That’s the Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler, often affectionately (or jokingly) called a "Battie" or a "Rottie Basset." It is one of the most visually confusing designer crosses in the canine world.
It's a weird mix. Honestly, on paper, it shouldn't work. You’re taking a scent-driven, independent pack hound and mashing it together with a high-intensity, territorial guardian breed. One wants to follow a rabbit for three miles; the other wants to make sure the mailman isn't a threat to the perimeter. What you get is a dog that is heavy, surprisingly fast in short bursts, and incredibly stubborn.
People usually end up with this mix by accident, or because they wanted a "guard dog" that was small enough for an apartment. But don’t let the short legs fool you. This isn't a "small" dog. It’s a big dog on short legs. A full-grown Basset-Rottweiler cross can easily tip the scales at 60 or 70 pounds. Your back will feel every bit of that weight if you ever have to lift them into a car.
The Reality of the Basset Hound Mixed with Rottweiler Physique
Genetics is a lottery, but with this cross, the "dwarfism" gene from the Basset Hound usually wins the battle for the legs. This condition is known as osteochondrodysplasia. It’s why Basset Hounds have those signature curved front limbs. When you combine that with the sheer muscularity of a Rottweiler, you get a very dense animal.
Their coat is almost always short and thick. You’ll see the Rottweiler’s "mahogany" points—those tan spots over the eyes and on the muzzle—showing up quite clearly. However, the ears are the wild card. Sometimes they hang long and velvety like a Basset; other times they’re the shorter, triangular drop ears of the Rottie.
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The health implications here are real. You have to watch their weight. If a Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler gets obese, their long spine and short legs are under immense pressure. We're talking about potential Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or early-onset arthritis in the elbows and hips. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, so a "hybrid" doesn't automatically escape these skeletal issues. It’s a common myth that mutts are always healthier. In this case, the structural contrast can actually create new mechanical stresses on the joints.
Personality Clashes: Scent vs. Protection
What happens in their brain is even more fascinating than their looks. Basset Hounds are famous for "selective hearing." If they catch a scent, they are gone. Mentally, they’ve left the building. Rottweilers, conversely, are usually very tuned in to their owners—they want a job and they want direction.
A Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler often develops a "guardian-on-his-own-terms" vibe. They might bark deeply at a stranger (the Rottweiler side), but then get distracted by a fascinating smell on the guest’s shoe (the Basset side) and forget why they were barking.
- Training is a challenge. You aren't just fighting stubbornness; you're fighting two different types of intelligence.
- The Nose Rules. If you take them off-leash, expect them to wander.
- The Bark. It’s loud. It’s a mix of the Basset’s baying howl and the Rottweiler’s chesty growl.
Socialization isn't optional. Because the Rottweiler has a natural instinct to protect, and the Basset can be wary or shy, an unsocialized mix can become fearful or overly defensive. You’ve got to get them around people, cats, and other dogs early. Honestly, if you don't, you end up with a 70-pound low-rider that thinks it owns the neighborhood and has the jaw strength to back it up.
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Daily Life and Maintenance
Shedding is a constant. Both breeds have double coats to some degree, and they will blow that coat twice a year. You’ll find short, stiff black hairs woven into your carpets like needles.
Exercise needs are moderate but mandatory. They don't need to run five miles—their legs literally aren't built for that—but they need long, "sniff-heavy" walks. If you don't let a Basset mix use its nose, it gets bored. A bored Rottie-mix is a destructive Rottie-mix. They will chew through a baseboard if they feel ignored.
- Check the ears. Those floppy ears trap moisture. If your dog is shaking its head, it probably has a yeast infection or ear mites. Clean them weekly with a vet-approved solution.
- Mind the wrinkles. If they have the saggy Basset skin, you need to wipe the folds. Bacteria loves a warm, damp skin fold.
- Watch the jump. Don't let them jump off high couches. Their joints just can't take the impact over time.
Feeding and Nutrition
Don't follow the bag's instructions blindly. Most commercial dog food charts are calibrated for high-energy dogs. A Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler often has a slower metabolism. If you can't feel their ribs, they're too heavy.
Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) is a terrifying possibility. Both Bassets and Rottweilers have deep chests, which puts them at higher risk. To lower the risk, use a slow-feeder bowl and avoid heavy exercise for an hour after eating. Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer, often emphasizes that bloat is a true emergency where every minute counts. If you see them pacing or trying to vomit without anything coming up, get to an emergency vet immediately.
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Why This Mix Isn't for Everyone
This isn't a dog for a first-time owner who wants a "Golden Retriever experience." It’s a dog for someone who appreciates a bit of a "weirdo." You have to be okay with a dog that might ignore you when you call it. You have to be okay with drool. Bassets drool, and Rottweilers with loose flews drool. Your walls will have "slime zones."
But the loyalty? It’s unmatched. The Rottweiler side is incredibly devoted. They will follow you from room to room—slowly, with a heavy thump-thump-thump of their paws. They are excellent "movie night" dogs because they are generally happy to just lounge near your feet.
Actionable Steps for Owners
If you're serious about bringing a Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler into your life, or if you just rescued one, here is how you handle the first few months:
- Invest in a Harness: Do not use a standard neck collar for walks. Their necks are often as wide as their heads, and they can slip out. A sturdy Y-front harness protects their trachea and gives you better control over their heavy centers of gravity.
- Scent Games: Since they have a world-class nose, hide high-value treats (like freeze-dried liver) around the living room. It tires them out mentally more than a walk ever will.
- Consistent Boundaries: Decide on day one if they are allowed on the furniture. This mix will test you. If you give an inch, they will take the whole sofa, and moving a stubborn 65-pound Basset-Rottie is like trying to move a boulder.
- Joint Supplements: Start them on Glucosamine and Chondroitin early. Talk to your vet about starting these by age two or three, rather than waiting for them to start limping.
- Grooming Routine: Get them used to having their paws handled. Trimming the nails of a dog this strong is a nightmare if they fight you. Touch their paws every day and reward them with treats so nail-trim day isn't a wrestling match.
The Basset Hound mixed with Rottweiler is a testament to the strange beauty of dog genetics. They are funny, stubborn, protective, and deeply affectionate. Just keep a towel handy for the drool and a good vacuum for the hair.