Ba Shar dogs, also popularly known as Walrus dogs, are a cross between the floppy-eared Basset Hound and the wrinkly-faced Shar-Pei. With their stout appearance, large head, and brown, wrinkly skin, it’s no wonder these Ba Shar dogs get the name “walrus.” They can be loveable and playful, as well as stubborn and alert. Walrus dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners and can be loveable family pets. They also tend to always know what’s going on in their surroundings, so they make a great watchdog, too.
Finding a Walrus Dog – Shar Pei Basset Hound Mix puppy
If you intend to buy a Walrus puppy, it’s important to locate a reputable breeder who can provide evidence of the health history of breeding pairs. This is due to the incidence of inherited disorders in both parent breeds.
Pet stores are not a good place to buy puppies.
Many obtain dogs from puppy mills. Conditions and breeding practices in such mills are often poor, leading to suffering and potentially immune-compromised pups.
Fun Facts About the Walrus Dog – Shar Pei Basset Hound Mix
Walrus dogs are growing in popularity on Instagram.
You only need to search the hashtags #walrusdog, #bashardog, or #sharpeibassethound to see why!
Walrus Dog – Shar Pei Basset Hound Mix Health
Mixed-breed enthusiasts often point out that mixed breeds can benefit from ‘hybrid vigor.’
Research suggests that purebred dogs are more likely to experience inherited disorders as a result of limited gene-pools and in-breeding. However, mixed breeds are not exempt from inherited disorders.
Indeed, if parent breeds suffer from particular health issues, they may well pass them onto mixed-breed offspring.
Therefore, it’s important to learn about health issues affecting parent breeds so you understand potential problems a mix can face.
Unfortunately, Basset Hounds have been found to be one of the breeds with the highest incidence of conformation-related disorders.
Basset Hounds have a low-slung stature.
Shar Pei are also at risk of a range of disorders.
These include respiratory problems, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues, immune-related conditions, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal issues.
Like Basset Hounds, Shar Pei also suffer from a number of eye conditions.
This breed may develop entropion, a condition causing the eyelid to fold inwards. This can be very uncomfortable for the animal, and, left untreated, may cause damage and scarring to the cornea, leading to blindness.
Recent research suggests that Shar Pei may inherit primary lens luxation.
This is a condition known to be heritable in particular breeds, including types of terrier, Border Collies and Welsh Corgis.
Primary lens luxation can lead to inflammation and glaucoma, both of which are painful and can lead to blindness.
Shar Pei may be at risk from SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome).
This is a rare disease which generally affects middle-aged dogs. Mixed breeds have been found to be more susceptible to SARDS.
This condition causes sudden blindness. At present, the causes of SARDS are still unknown, although it is thought to be immune-related.
Unfortunately, at this time, many veterinarians consider this condition to be untreatable.
Shar Pei may also suffer with retinal dysplasia. This is an inherited disorder in which the retina is malformed. It can lead to retinal detachment and, hence, blindness.
Cataracts and glaucoma can also occur as a result of retinal dysplasia.
Retinal dysplasia varies in severity. It may be limited to blind spots or problems with spatial awareness, or it can be more serious and lead to blindness.
FAQ
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