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Have you ever heard of the Walrus dog? If you’re thinking about a new animal that’s part Walrus and part dog, then you might be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a great dog that can be your newest companion, then you’ll love the combination of the Basset Hound and the Shar Pei which creates a cute puppy with so many skin folds that it kind of looks like the Walrus. In this article, we share everything you need to know about these adorable pups and how to care for them should you decide to adopt one.
What is the Walrus Dog Breed?
The Walrus dog is a mixed breed between the Chinese Shar-Pei and the Basset Hound that incorporates their parents’ most desirable traits and rolls them into the more adorable pup. This fascinating breed is also known by other names such as the Sharp Asset and the Ba-Shar but because they look like the marine mammal, many refer to them as Walrus dogs. These exceptional dogs come with their own specific food, exercise, and health needs, all of which we discuss below.
History of the Walrus Dog Breed
Because the Ba-Shar is still a relatively new breed there isn’t much information on their history; luckily, their parents come with a rich history. The Basset Hound was first recorded in an illustrated book on hunting in 1585; these dogs were popular with French aristocrats before they became hunting dogs for common people. Their expressive faces and emotional maturity make them great service dogs; in 1885, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
When it comes to the Chinese Shar-Pei, historians believe that these dogs from the southern provinces of China are an ancient breed. They were first brought to the United States in 1973, and soon, the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America was formed. By 1991, these dogs were recognized by the AKC as part of the Non-Sporting Group and today, they’re known for their protective and loyal nature.
Walrus Dog Breed Appearance
This cross between two popular dog breeds combines the loyal Shar-Pei and the laid-back Basset which creates this cute and adorable puppy. However, some people may find that when these dogs grow too big, they can have an intimidating appearance. They can stand between 15 and 20 inches at the shoulders while weighing 40 to 60 pounds, and they inherit the perfect blend of characteristics from both parents.
This includes the Shar-Pei’s large heads and the Basset Hound’s floppy ears; however, this may lead them to have an acute auditory system. They also come with a dense and short coat that can come in colors such as white, black, brown, brindle, and fawn. However, among this breed’s most distinct characteristics is its wrinkled face, a trait that it shares with its Shar-Pei parent.
Walrus Dog Breed Temperament
The Ba-Shar is known for its playful and active nature, combining the goofiness of the Basset Hound with the loyalty of the Shar-Pei, which means that they can be good watchdogs and entertaining companions. Known for its adaptability, the Ba-Shar dog can thrive in all kinds of living situations although they won’t do well when left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety. Moreover, this pup will benefit from training and socialization at an early age, which will help to stop them from becoming stubborn dogs.
They are often loving and good-natured dogs with their favorite humans but can be wary of strangers. While they’re often friendly animals, they will still need to be gently introduced to new people, pets, and environments. But overall, these great dogs can become wonderful family members who will do all they can to protect and entertain their loved ones.
Walrus Dog Breed Care
As dog owners, it’s up to us to give our dogs a comfortable space to live; we’re also responsible for the physical health of dogs, which this guide can help you do.
Nutrition
When it comes to feeding your Basset Hound Shar-Pei mix, giving it a proper diet is of utmost importance. This breed of dog will need food that’s specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds with a low energy level. Providing them with food-motivated tasks such as filled toys or snuffle mats can help to stimulate their active minds.
Even if your dog isn’t much of a hunter, giving hunting-like activities such as hiding their treats all around the backyard can get them interested. Unfortunately, obesity is common in these dogs, so make sure to stick with low-calorie treats such as sweet potatoes to reward their behavior. If you’re still unsure of what to feed your pup, you can always consult your vet to find the best food and how much to feed your pup according to its needs.
Grooming
Your fur-legged friend will have a coat that typically needs very little maintenance which can be a great choice if you’re usually busy at work. A Ba-Shar puppy will typically need brushing once a week to prevent matting and remove debris. They’ll also need their nails trimmed once every two weeks, but be careful because you don’t want a bleeding nail bed.
Unfortunately, their long ears may prevent proper air circulation which may lead to ear infections so be sure to clean their ears carefully once a week once you get a lesson from your vet. Because of their wrinkled faces, you should keep an eye on the folds that make up these wrinkles and should be given a gentle wiping once every week.
Exercise and Training
When training these dogs, you will need to help them learn a specific set of skills to ensure that they become balanced and well-behaved dogs. Because of their Shar-Pei parents, these dogs may come with a stubborn streak so they will benefit from early training and socialization. Positive reinforcement is a popular method that many people incorporate as a part of their everyday life, which can have great results.
If you’re able to set some time aside to give these dogs the socialization and training they need, they can become great family pets who are loving and well-adjusted to life inside a house. Make sure to start with crate training to help them get used to staying indoors while helping them tell the difference between going to the potty inside and outside of the house. However, if you’re busy with prior commitments, hiring a dog trainer will ensure that they become well-trained, professional dogs.
Walrus Dog Breed Health Problems
Because dogs can’t tell us when they feel unwell, it’s up to us to take extra care of our furry friends, and to do this, we need to know about the types of conditions that they may come across. These dogs will live an average of 9 years which is shorter than the average life expectancy of a dog, but this is likely due to their mixed-breed heritage. Moreover, these dogs may come with genetic predispositions which you will need to be aware of.
Below are some of the most common health issues that these dogs may face:
- Hip dysplasia
- Foreleg lameness
- Obesity
- Bloat
- Eyelid issues
- Skin issues
- Glaucoma
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Allergies
While some of these conditions are more serious than others, obesity is a more common problem that these dogs face, as well as larger dog breeds. Be sure to keep your dog at a healthy weight and going on routine veterinarian wellness checks can help to keep an eye on potential health concerns. No matter the time of year, going to your vet regularly is a great way to stay up-to-date with your dog’s health.
Finding Your Walrus Dog Breed
Introducing a new furry friend to the family is an important decision but if you’re determined to get your hands on a Walrus puppy, there are a few additional measures you may need to take to ensure its health. Adoption is a great way to give one of these dogs a loving home, but it may be difficult to get your hands on one of these dogs since they’re a mixed breed. On the upside, you can look through a Shar Pei or a Basset Hound-specific shelter where you might find a similar mix.
But if you’re set on purchasing one of these dogs, make sure to look for a responsible breeder and conduct thorough research to ensure your breeder implements ethical practices. It’s also important that they place the well-being of their dogs above everything else while providing a healthy and nurturing environment for their puppies.
Conclusion
If this is your first time caring for Walrus puppies, then you’ll be happy to know that everything in this guide has got you covered. Your next step should be to prepare for the newest addition to your family, so you may want to look into different pet supplies such as traditional collars and maybe even a dog harness. Finally, it’s also a good idea to prepare your home and family for your puppy’s arrival and make sure that they will feel right at home.
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