Just what kind of dog is a Walrus?
Inquiring minds need to know!
Every so often, my husband and I like to take our kids to the pet store to play with the puppies.
I end up having to explain ad nauseam why we can’t take one home, but the joy on their faces as those darling little puppies play and lick them – worth it.
On our most recent trip, we were walking along looking at the puppies, and I saw one labeled “Walrus.”
I thought, “Since when is a walrus a breed of dog?”
He had the sweetest face with deep skin folds on his face and adorably droopy eyes; I immediately thought he looked part Basset.
And he is!
A Walrus is a mixed breed of a Basset and Chinese Shar Pei (which explains the wrinkly skin).
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What Kind of Dog Breed is a Walrus?
“Walrus” is a nickname for a Ba-Shar (also sometimes referred to as a “Sharp Asset”), and Ba-Shar is the designer breed name recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and International Designer Canine Registry.
Learn about his temperament ► What Type of Temperament Does the Mini Walrus Dog Have?
Temperament
If you’re looking for a laid back dog who is a good family companion, this might be the dog for you.
They are relatively inactive but tend to have small bursts of energy (and like to chase). If you’re worried about leaving a dog home alone much of the day, you needn’t worry with a Ba-Shar.
They may be a bit stubborn (a common characteristic of the Shar Pei), so training and socialization early in life are important.
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Size and Body Type
A Ba-Shar is a medium-to-large dog, typically weighing anywhere from 40-60 pounds.
Most of their physical characteristics (body shape, size, and ear shape) are that of a Basset Hound with the wrinkles and head shape of a Chinese Shar-Pei.
Though they are laid back and a bit lazy, it’s important to provide them with exercise so they don’t get out of shape.
►►Don’t miss these beautiful pics of the Walrus. Read our article: 14 Walrus Dog Pictures We Just Can’t Stop Looking At
Life Expectancy and Health Concerns
For a medium dog, a Ba-Shar has a rather short average life expectancy at just 8-10 years.
With some mixed breeds, health concerns of each breed are exacerbated, and that may be the case with a Ba-Shar. Common health challenges in a Basset are canine thrombopathia, foreleg lameness, and eyelid issues (both entropion and ectropion), among others.
In a Chinese Shar-Pei, owners need to particularly watch for ectropion (the bottom eyelid turning in) and canine hip dysplasia. Keeping your Ba-Shar active and regular vet visits are important to identify any health problems early.
Ba-shars, or Walruses, are sweet, yet stubborn, and make great family dogs.
Training is important, so if you’re a first time dog owner, this mixed breed could be a difficult place to start. With the cutest traits of each breed, this dog is sure to be a great conversation starter!
Do you have a Ba-shar? Tell us about your special Walrus pup!
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