Walrus Dog: Shar Pei and Basset Hound Mix Traits, History, and Care Guide (2024)

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You can’t help but smile when you see that sweet, droopy-eyed face.

As a mix between a Shar Pei and Basset Hound, the walrus dog blends some of the best traits from both breeds into one lovably goofy package.

Though they can be stubborn, proper training and socialization go a long way.

Give them plenty of playtime and affection, and the loyal walrus dog will make for a delightful addition to any home.

What is the Walrus Dog?

Your Walrus Dog is a designer crossbreed mixing the Chinese Shar Pei and the British Basset Hound.

This unique canine fusion blends traits from two distinct breeds into a Basset blend that serves as a loyal companion.

As a Shar Pei hybrid, the Walrus dog exhibits some of the traditional Chinese breed’s strong guarding instincts and independence along with the charming scent-tracking talents of the low-slung Basset Hound.

Though more research on this mixed breed is needed, the Walrus dog temperament trends toward protectiveness, wariness of strangers, and attachment to family.

Proper socialization and training can help this hybrid canine become an affectionate and amusing pet in the right home environment.

With striking folds and a distinctive waddle, the Walrus dog’s appearance lives up to its amusing moniker.

Walrus Dog Appearance and Traits

When it comes to the Walrus Dog’s looks, you’ll notice:

• Its short, harsh coat and loose skin with folds.

This medium-sized crossbreed typically:

• Stands 10-13 inches tall.
• Weighs between 30-50 pounds.

Coat colors for the Walrus Dog include:

• Golden
• Brown
• White
• Black
• Cream
• Chocolate
• Fawn

Coat and Colors

Its coat and colors set the walrus dog apart, with a short, harsh coat and loose skin showing in hues of golden, brown, white, black, cream, chocolate, or fawn.

As a mixed breed, grooming routines focus on brushing out that distinctive coat twice weekly and regular baths to clean wrinkles and folds.

Their training challenges stem from the stubborn streak of their Shar Pei lineage, requiring dedicated socialization and positive reinforcement to curb chasing instincts.

With genetic health risks, their family compatibility shines through loyal protection balanced by affection.

Size and Weight

You’ll find this mix typically stands 10-13 inches tall and weighs between 40 and 65 pounds when fully grown.

Given the body type of the parent breeds, weight can fluctuate considerably in the Walrus dog.

Appropriate exercise is essential to maintain good musculoskeletal health and prevent obesity, which could exacerbate joint issues.

The compact size of this crossbreed means they can adapt to apartment living, provided their activity needs are met through daily walks and play.

Their training should factor in size considerations like stair use.

Monitor their diet and fitness levels vigilantly.

Origins of the Walrus Dog

This mixed breed likely originated in the United States in the 1990s when breeders crossed Shar Peis and Basset Hounds.

Crossing these two pure breeds resulted in the Shar Pei and Basset Hound mix now known as the Walrus Dog.

Shar Pei History and Traits

Coming from the Chinese origin of the Shar Pei parent breed, you’re looking at dogs initially used for hunting and later for dog fighting.

Brought to the U.S. in 1973 to save the breed from extinction, the American Kennel Club recognized the Shar Pei in 1992.

Shar Pei Traits

• Skin: Loose and wrinkly
• Coat: Short, coarse, and bristly
• Color: Solid or sable colors like red, fawn, cream, black, blue, silver
• Size: 18-20 inches tall, 40-60 pounds
• Temperament: Independent, stubborn, protective, devoted

The Shar Pei is known for its unique loose skin and wrinkles. Though originally a working dog bred for hunting and fighting, they make devoted companions when properly trained and socialized. The Shar Pei traits lend unique characteristics to the Walrus Dog when mixed with the Basset Hound.

Basset Hound History and Traits

Coming from Chinese hunting roots, the loyal yet stubborn Shar Pei found its way into many American homes.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the other half of this charming mix – the Basset Hound.

With its long droopy ears, sad eyes, and charming personality, the Basset charmed French aristocrats as early hunting companions in the 1800s.

Though initially prized for its keen sense of smell during hunts, today the Basset is better known as a family-friendly and patient pup.

Recognized by the AKC in 1885, the Basset contributed its signature ears, nose, and family-loving temperament to give the Walrus Dog its endearing and goofy appearance that owners have come to adore.

But those looks come at a health cost that we’ll explore next.

Walrus Dog Temperament

When it comes to the temperament of a Walrus Dog, there are a few important factors to consider.

First, training can be challenging due to their stubborn streak inherited from both parent breeds. It’s crucial that you provide consistent and reward-based training methods to promote obedience and calmness.

Additionally, early socialization is essential for them to develop good behavior around strangers and other animals.

Training Difficulties

You’ll find the Walrus Dog’s stubborn streak makes training challenging for even experienced owners.

Their strong-willed temperament and hunting instincts mean they can be difficult to train.

Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when working on obedience struggles resulting from their independent nature.

Early socialization helps curb behavioral problems.

Consider professional training if encountering handling or temperament issues.

Their intelligence means they’re able to learn, but their stubbornness necessitates creative, patient methods tailored to overcoming their stubborn streak.

Socialization

You should also properly socialize your Walrus dog from a young age due to their potential stubbornness with strangers.

Arrange regular canine friendships and puppy playdates to teach good manners, curb antisocial tendencies, and train acceptable behaviors.

Despite socialization challenges stemming from their Shar Pei lineage, consistency, positive rewards, scheduling breaks, and making slight behavioral adjustments will yield a friendly, well-adjusted dog.

Walrus Dog Health Concerns

Coming from the challenges of training this mixed breed, we must consider the Walrus Dog’s health.

As designer dogs, they inherit genetic predispositions from both parent breeds.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are crucial, as are health screenings for common issues like joint dysfunction, eye disease, skin conditions, and spinal problems.

Support holistic well-being through proper nutrition, exercise, socialization, training, and veterinary care.

Though crossbreeding aims to minimize certain disorders, these dogs still face higher health risks than the average pup.

Do your part by staying informed on their needs, getting tests done, and not supporting irresponsible breeding practices.

Give rescue Walrus Dogs loving homes, as shelters vet them for medical issues.

Exercise Needs of the Walrus Dog

Get your Walrus Dog out for daily moderate exercise to keep this mix fit and healthy.

As a medium-sized breed, the Walrus Dog needs activity to prevent obesity and joint issues. However, be mindful of overheating and breathing issues due to the Basset Hound lineage.

Activity	Duration	Frequency
Walking	30 minutes	Daily
Playing fetch	15-20 minutes	2-3 times weekly
Training sessions	15-20 minutes	2-3 times weekly

Mental stimulation is also crucial. Engage your Walrus Dog’s intelligence through playful exercises like hide-and-seek and through consistent obedience training.

Not only does this provide an outlet for their minds, but it reinforces the human-canine bond that this loyal mix craves.

Maintaining a regimen of physical and mental activity keeps the Walrus Dog fit, healthy, and happy.

Suitability as a Family Pet

Its demanding training and socialization requirements make the Walrus Dog best suited to experienced dog owners committed to proper obedience work.

They form strong bonds with family members and enjoy lots of affection, but may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Their hybrid vigor means they tend to have fewer health issues than purebred parent breeds.

However, they still require regular vet checks and grooming due to skin fold infections.

Rescuing a Walrus Dog can be very rewarding, providing an unwanted hybrid dog a loving home.

While challenging, Walrus Dogs can make loyal and fun-loving family companions with proper care, training, and socialization from an early age.

Their cute wrinkly faces may tempt impulse buyers, but these dogs need knowledgeable owners ready for their demanding traits inherited from Shar Pei and Basset Hound parentage.

Walrus Dog Rescue and Adoption

When considering a Walrus dog, we encourage you to explore adoption options first.

Shelters and rescues carefully screen each dog for health and behavior issues, providing you with full transparency into their background.

Adopting also reduces demand on questionable breeders and gives an unwanted dog a second chance at a happy home.

Benefits of Rescue

Rescuing a Walrus dog provides companionship while reducing the demand for irresponsible breeding practices.

By adopting a Walrus dog from a shelter, you open your heart and home to a deserving canine companion while promoting responsible dog ownership.

Health Screening

When adopting your rescue Walrus Dog:

• Request its medical records and ask the shelter about any prior health screening to understand your new pet’s health status.
• This allows you to provide preventive care tailored to your dog’s needs.
• Prior genetic testing also equips you to anticipate potential health issues.

Regular veterinary check-ups, plus holistic wellness approaches, further support your Walrus Dog’s wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)