If you’ve ever seen a dog that looks like a low-slung, wrinkly loaf of bread with ears that nearly trip it up, you’ve probably met a basset hound and english bulldog mix. People call them Bully Bassets. Honestly, they are some of the most visually confusing yet charming dogs in the designer breed world. It’s a weird pairing if you think about it. You’re taking a scent-obsessed hunter from France and mashing it together with a thick-necked, flat-faced mascot of British tenacity.
The result? A dog that essentially wants to spend 22 hours a day on your sofa but will suddenly become an immovable object if they smell something interesting on a walk.
They are stubby. They are heavy. They’re usually a bit gassy. But if you are looking for a high-energy jogging partner, stop reading right now because this is not that dog. This mix is for the person who views "hiking" as a slow stroll to the mailbox and back.
The Reality of the Bully Basset Look
Genetics is a lottery, but with a basset hound and english bulldog mix, the house usually wins in the "short and wide" department. You’re almost guaranteed a dog with chondrodysplasia. That’s the scientific term for the dwarfism that gives both parent breeds their short legs.
Expect a barrel-shaped torso. The English Bulldog brings that broad chest and those thick, muscular shoulders, while the Basset Hound contributes a long, arched spine. It’s a recipe for a dog that weighs 50 to 60 pounds but stands barely 14 inches off the ground. Their coat is usually short and smooth, coming in various combinations of white, tan, brindle, or the classic tri-color pattern.
The face is where things get really interesting.
Some Bully Bassets inherit the Basset’s long, drooping muzzle, which is great because it helps them breathe better. Others end up with the Bulldog’s brachycephalic (flat) face. If you get the flat face combined with the Basset’s loose skin, you are looking at a lot of wrinkles. I’m talking deep, soulful folds that require daily cleaning with a damp cloth or baby wipes to prevent yeast infections. It’s a labor of love, but if you neglect those folds, your dog is going to smell like a damp basement.
Why the Ears Matter
Those ears are iconic. A purebred Basset’s ears are long enough to drag on the ground and stir up scents. When mixed with a Bulldog—who has small "rose" or "button" ears—the offspring usually get something in the middle. They’re floppy, velvety, and prone to infections. Because the ear canal is often narrow (thanks, Bulldog) and covered by a heavy flap (thanks, Basset), air doesn't circulate well. You’ll be doing a lot of ear cleaning. Get used to the smell of medicated ear drops.
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Temperament: Stubbornness Squared
If you think you’re going to win an argument with a basset hound and english bulldog mix, you’re wrong. You’ve already lost.
Basset Hounds were bred to follow a scent regardless of what their handler says. Bulldogs were bred to pin bulls by the nose and not let go. When you combine those two personality traits, you get a dog with a "what's in it for me?" attitude. They aren't "dumb," which is a common misconception. They’re actually highly intelligent; they just use that intelligence to manipulate you into giving them more treats.
Training is... a journey.
Don't expect your Bully Basset to sit the first time you ask. Or the fifth. They’ll look at you, sigh deeply—and they are very good at dramatic, heavy sighs—and then slowly lower their rear end to the floor only when they see a piece of high-quality freeze-dried liver in your hand. Positive reinforcement isn't just a suggestion here; it’s the only language they speak. If you use a harsh tone, a Basset mix will literally shut down and ignore you for three days. They hold grudges.
They are incredibly affectionate, though. They are world-class snugglers. Despite their heavy bones and awkward proportions, they will try to be lap dogs. Being pinned under 55 pounds of snoring Bully Basset is a unique experience that every owner eventually grows to love.
Health Concerns You Can’t Ignore
We have to talk about the health stuff because it’s the most important part of owning this mix. This isn't a "hybrid vigor" situation where all the problems disappear. In fact, the basset hound and english bulldog mix can inherit a "best of" list of genetic issues from both sides.
- Joint and Bone Issues: Because they are long-backed and short-legged, they are prime candidates for Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). One wrong jump off a high couch can result in a ruptured disc and paralysis. You need ramps. Buy them before you bring the dog home.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat): Both parents are deep-chested breeds. This means their stomach can literally flip and trap gas, which is a life-threatening emergency. Using a slow-feeder bowl and avoiding heavy exercise right after meals is mandatory.
- Skin Issues: Eczema, hot spots, and fold dermatitis are common. If your dog is scratching constantly, it’s probably an allergy. Bulldogs are notorious for environmental and food allergies.
- Cherry Eye: That red bulge in the corner of the eye? That's a prolapsed third eyelid gland. It’s common in both breeds and usually requires a quick surgical fix.
Weight management is the single most important thing you can do. Every extra pound on a Bully Basset is like five pounds on a human because of their frame. If they get fat, their joints will fail. You have to be the "food police." Those puppy dog eyes are lying to you; they aren't actually starving.
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Living With a Scent-Driven Tank
Walking a basset hound and english bulldog mix is less of a walk and more of a "stand in one place while the dog investigates a single blade of grass for ten minutes."
The Basset Hound DNA gives them a nose that is second only to the Bloodhound. If they catch a scent of a rabbit or even just a particularly interesting piece of trash, they will pull. And because they have a low center of gravity and the muscular build of a Bulldog, they are surprisingly strong. You won't be able to just jerk them away. You’re basically trying to move a boulder that has decided it wants to stay exactly where it is.
Always keep them on a leash. If a Bully Basset catches a scent, their brain "turns off" to everything else, including oncoming traffic or your frantic shouting. Their nose is their master.
The Noise Factor
They aren't "yappy," but they are loud. English Bulldogs are known for a variety of grunts, snorts, and "chewbacca" noises. Basset Hounds have a deep, melodic bay that can carry for miles. A mix might bark when the doorbell rings, but mostly they will communicate through a series of expressive groans and the occasional howl when they feel neglected. Also, they snore. Loudly. Like a chainsaw in a thunderstorm. If you’re a light sleeper, this is not the dog for your bedroom.
Grooming and Maintenance
You might think a short-haired dog is low maintenance. That's a myth.
The basset hound and english bulldog mix sheds. A lot. They have that stiff, needle-like hair that weaves itself into the fibers of your leggings and upholstery. You’ll never truly get it out. Brushing them once a week with a rubber curry brush helps, but your vacuum cleaner is going to be your best friend.
Then there’s the drool.
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Bulldogs have loose flews (lips), and Bassets have even looser ones. When they drink water, they don't just swallow it; they store it in their jowls and then distribute it across your kitchen floor. Many owners keep "slobber towels" strategically placed around the house. It’s just part of the lifestyle.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
This mix thrives in a specific type of household. They are excellent with children because they are sturdy and generally have a very high tolerance for being climbed on or hugged (though you should always supervise). They don't have a high prey drive in the "I want to kill things" sense, but they might chase a cat out of curiosity.
They do great in apartments because they don't need a yard to run laps in. Give them a 20-minute walk and a patch of sun on the floor, and they are set for the day. However, they hate being left alone. Both Bulldogs and Bassets are prone to separation anxiety. If you work 12-hour shifts away from home, you’ll come back to a chewed-up baseboard or a very depressed dog.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you are serious about bringing a basset hound and english bulldog mix into your life, don't just find the first breeder on social media. Many "designer" breeders are just puppy mills in disguise.
- Check the Shelters: Because these are high-maintenance dogs (health-wise), they often end up in rescues. Check Basset-specific or Bulldog-specific rescues; they often take in mixes.
- Invest in Pet Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Between potential spinal issues, eye surgeries, and skin allergies, the vet bills can easily reach the thousands. Get a policy early before anything is labeled a "pre-existing condition."
- Buy the Ramps Now: Don't wait for your dog to show signs of back pain. Put ramps next to the sofa and the bed. Train them to use the ramps using treats from day one.
- Watch the Calories: Use a kitchen scale to weigh their food. "Eye-balling" a cup of kibble is how dogs get overweight.
- Focus on Mental Stimulation: Since they can't do heavy physical exercise, use snuffle mats or puzzle toys. It burns off that stubborn energy without stressing their joints.
The Bully Basset is a dog of extremes. They are extremely stubborn, extremely lazy, and extremely loving. If you can handle the snoring, the slobber, and the occasional vet bill, you’ll have a companion that is essentially a living, breathing weighted blanket with a heart of gold.
Key Takeaways for Success
- Keep them lean. A thin Bully Basset is a healthy Bully Basset.
- Clean the folds. Daily facial hygiene prevents expensive skin infections.
- Embrace the pace. Don't rush them; let them sniff. It's their version of scrolling through social media.
- Prioritize spinal health. No jumping off high surfaces, ever.
The basset hound and english bulldog mix isn't for everyone, but for the right person, there is no better roommate. They teach you to slow down, enjoy the nap, and realize that sometimes, a good smell is worth stopping for.