Though it may sound like a weird name to give to a dog breed, the Walrus dog is not a pure breed. This dog is a mix between two purebred dogs, the Shar-Pei and the Basset Hound. The name walrus has been given due to the folds and the wrinkles that they come with (it resembles that of a walrus).

One thing to note is that there is a high probability that one walrus dog will be different from the other. This is because one dog may have different dominant genes inherited, even from the same parents. So, it is almost impossible to predict what the dog you choose will end up looking like or the temperament it will have.

Basic information

It is predicted that the origin of the Walrus Dog is the US, and the first litter was born in the 1990s. The walrus dog is also known by many other names as well, for example, Sharp Asset and Ba-Shar (a mix of basset and Shar Pei).

Appearance

There is a general idea about how the Walrus Dog will end up looking, but there is no way to tell what a puppy will end up looking. Sometimes puppies from the same litter will look completely different from each other.

They can reach around 10 to 13 inches high; the highest that they will go is about 16 inches, but that is in rare cases. They weigh between 25 and 50 pounds, depending on which gene the dog inherited.

They come in a range of colors, including brown, cream, fawn, chocolate, white and golden. Their coat is short and a bit harsh, and their skin is loose, which forms folds and wrinkles. Most of the dog may inherit the dwarfism gene from their basset hound parent, due to which their stature will be low.

Temperament

The temperament comes from both the parents; the result is usually a dog that is protective, loyal and devoted. They make good companions for children and also a great family pet. They don’t take too well to a stranger or small animals. Like almost every dog, they need socialization and behavioral training in the early stages. They need constant company or they may experience anxiety which may result in howling.

Training

While a Shar-Pei is stubborn and has an aggressive streak, and the basset hound has a laid back attitude; their puppy is likely to inherit these attributes. The Walrus Dog can sometimes be stubborn and also chase small animals, which is why training at an early stage is imperative and establishing yourself as the pack leader is a must.

To get the best possible result and effectiveness, reward-based training should be used. Negative training can harm the dog and they can turn aggressive. These dogs also need a moderate amount of exercise to tire them out; owners must make sure that this level is met every day.

Health issues

The problem is that both the parents of the Walrus Dog can have various health issues, which makes this breed prone to health issues as well. Even though people believe that mixed breeds do not have many health issues, that is not true, the Walrus Dog can inherit a bunch of disorders from its parents.

The main health issue that the Walrus Dog can experience is the risk of infection – this breed can get bacterial skin infections because of the folds and wrinkles, which can also reach their eyes or ears. It is important to your dog regularly to make sure that the infection does not develop.

Taking proper care of their coat, diet and exercise can ensure a healthy dog with a life span of approximately 8 to 11 years.

Pros and cons of the Walrus Dog

Pros:

  • These dogs are intelligent and devoted to their families and are also great with kids.
  • They can easily adjust to apartments or small houses.
  • Their exercise requirement is moderate, thus easy to manage.

Cons

  • They have a smaller lifespan compared to other breeds (8 to 11 years).
  • They like to run after other animals, so they may not be able to adjust with other pets.
  • They can be a little hostile to strangers and can be stubborn as well, which means early training and socialization.
  • They can have various health problems, mostly inherited by their purebred parents.
  • They can have separation anxiety.