You’re walking down the street when you see it. A dog with the massive, blocky head of a Rottweiler and the mahogany "eyebrow" pips that make that breed so iconic. But then your eyes travel down. Instead of a powerful, athletic frame standing two feet tall, the dog is hovering about six inches off the pavement on stout, bowed legs. It’s got the long, velvety ears of a hound and a tail that doesn't stop wagging. Meet the Rottie Basset Hound mix, one of the most polarizing and fascinating "designer" dogs you’ll ever encounter.
It’s an architectural anomaly. Honestly, seeing one in person feels a bit like a glitch in the matrix. You’ve got two breeds that couldn't be more different in purpose—the guardian and the tracker—mashed into one furry package. Some call them "Bassetweilers." Others just call them adorable. But before you go hunting for a breeder, there’s a lot of nuance you need to understand about what’s actually happening under the hood of this crossbreed.
What is a Rottie Basset Hound Mix?
When we talk about the Rottie Basset Hound mix, we’re looking at a first-generation cross. This isn't an established breed like a Golden Retriever. It’s a gamble. Genetics isn't a 50/50 blender; it’s more like a chaotic deck of cards. You might get a dog that looks like a miniature Rottweiler, or you might get a Basset Hound with the temperament of a guard dog.
The Basset Hound brings the "low and slow" vibe. These are scent hounds, bred to follow a trail for miles without tiring, which is why they have those heavy bones and short legs (a condition called chondrodysplasia). On the flip side, the Rottweiler is a powerhouse. Originally cattle drivers and protectors, they are incredibly loyal, highly intelligent, and sometimes a bit stubborn. When you mix them, you’re essentially crossing a couch potato with a focused athlete.
It’s weird. It’s charming. It’s also a lot of dog to handle.
The Reality of the "Designer Dog" Look
People usually want this mix because it looks like a cartoon character. I get it. The stubby legs combined with a big, serious face is objectively funny. But that physical build comes with baggage.
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Most Rottie Basset Hound mix dogs inherit the elongated spine of the Basset. Because they carry the heavy musculature of a Rottweiler on that frame, their joints take a beating. Imagine putting a truck engine inside a small sedan—something is going to creak. You'll notice that many of these dogs have a "rolling" gait. It’s distinctive, but it also means you have to be incredibly careful about their weight. Even five extra pounds can lead to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is as painful as it sounds.
Temperament: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Don't let the floppy ears fool you. The Basset side is famously independent—which is a polite way of saying they have selective hearing when they find a good smell. The Rottweiler side is devoted but can be wary of strangers if not socialized properly.
A Rottie Basset Hound mix often ends up being a "velcro dog." They want to be where you are. They might try to crawl into your lap despite weighing 60 pounds. It’s sweet, until they decide they don't want the mailman coming anywhere near "their" human. Because of the Rottie lineage, you cannot skip training. You just can't. A bored, 60-pound dog with a Basset's baying bark and a Rottweiler's jaw strength is a recipe for a destroyed living room.
Health Concerns You Can't Ignore
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: health. Hybrid vigor is a real thing, but it’s not a magic shield.
- Joint Dysplasia: Both parent breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Your mix won't magically be immune. In fact, the disproportionate weight-to-leg-length ratio can actually make it worse.
- Gastric Torsion (Bloat): This is the big one. Both Rottweilers and Basset Hounds have deep chests. This makes them high-risk for bloat, where the stomach twists. It’s a life-or-death emergency. If you own this mix, you need to know where the nearest 24-hour vet is. Period.
- Ear Infections: Those long Basset ears are basically moisture traps. They don't get much airflow. If your dog inherits the heavy, drooping ears, you’ll be cleaning them weekly to avoid yeast infections and that "houndy" smell that can take over your house.
Life with a Bassetweiler
What’s a Tuesday morning like with a Rottie Basset Hound mix? Well, it’s probably loud. Bassets don't bark; they howl. It’s a deep, mournful sound that carries through walls. If they pick up a scent in the backyard, they will let you—and the neighbors three blocks over—know about it.
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Training is an exercise in patience. Bassets are motivated by their noses and food. Rottweilers are motivated by work and praise. You have to find the middle ground. Using high-value treats like freeze-dried liver is usually the only way to get them to focus when there’s a squirrel nearby.
Exercise is another paradox. They need it, but they can't overdo it. You aren't taking this dog on a 10-mile run. Their short legs and heavy bodies aren't built for high-impact cardio. Instead, think long, slow "sniffari" walks. Letting them use their nose for 30 minutes is more exhausting for them than a mile-long sprint. It’s mental stimulation over physical exertion.
Feeding and Weight Management
I cannot stress this enough: do not let this dog get fat. A fat Rottie Basset Hound mix is a dog in pain. Because they have that Rottweiler appetite, they will act like they are starving 24/7. They are masters of the "sad eyes" look. Stay strong.
Consult with a vet about caloric intake. Many owners find success with "puzzle feeders" or slow-bowl inserts. Since they are prone to bloat, eating too fast is dangerous. Breaking their meals into three smaller portions instead of one giant feast can also help keep their digestion steady.
Finding a Mix Responsibly
You won't find a "National Rottie Basset Club." Because this is a crossbreed, you’ll mostly find them in two places: shelters or "backyard" breeders.
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If you see someone selling these for $2,000 as "rare" or "exotic," run the other direction. Responsible breeders of purebreds usually don't cross their dogs with other breeds for profit. Often, these mixes happen by accident or through breeders who aren't doing the necessary health testing (like OFA clearances for hips).
The best place to find a Rottie Basset Hound mix is actually a breed-specific rescue for either Rottweilers or Basset Hounds. They often take in mixes. Adopting an adult is actually a great move here because you can see exactly how big they’ve gotten and what their temperament is like. With a puppy, you have no idea if you’re getting a 40-pound dog or an 80-pound tank.
Is This the Right Dog For You?
Let’s be honest. This mix isn't for everyone. If you live in a third-floor walk-up apartment, carrying a 70-pound dog with back issues up the stairs is going to get old fast. If you want a dog that will catch a frisbee in mid-air, keep looking.
But if you want a loyal companion who will guard your house with a fearsome bark but then immediately fall asleep on your feet, this might be your soulmate. They are goofy. They are stubborn. They are undeniably unique.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Owners:
- Check your stairs: If you have a lot of hardwood or steep stairs, invest in runners or ramps. This protects their joints from day one.
- Find a "Scent Work" class: These dogs have incredible noses. Engaging that Basset instinct in a controlled way is the best way to prevent destructive behavior at home.
- Budget for the vet: Between the risk of IVDD and bloat, you need a solid emergency fund or a comprehensive pet insurance policy. Don't wait until they're limping to look into it.
- Start socialization early: Expose them to different people, sounds, and other dogs while they are young. You want that Rottweiler protective instinct to be tempered with confidence, not fear.
- Get a good vacuum: Both parent breeds shed. A lot. You’re going to find short, stiff black and tan hairs in places you didn't know existed. Accept it now.
Owning a Rottie Basset Hound mix is a commitment to a dog that doesn't fit into a standard box. They require a bit more care than your average mutt, but the personality they bring to a home is unmatched. Just be prepared for every single person at the dog park to ask you, "What kind of dog is that?"