Bassador

Quick Take

• Two breeds with almost nothing in common produced this mix, and the physical result is stranger than you'd expect. See the physical traits →
• Bassador puppies hide a quirk that can blindside even experienced owners, something you won't know about until after you bring one home. Learn about puppy surprises →
• One seemingly harmless feeding habit can turn into a life-threatening emergency for this breed. See feeding recommendations →
• Its prey drive isn't just a training inconvenience. It could override everything you've taught it the moment you least expect it. Understand the leash warning →

The dutiful and friendly Bassador is the fusion of two unlikely and unrelated breeds: a Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever. The Basset Hound is a low-slung dog, originating from France and Belgium, with huge, droopy ears, an elongated body, a wrinkled brow, and almost sorrowful-looking eyes. The Labrador Retriever, by contrast, is a tall, spirited, well-proportioned breed that was first bred in Newfoundland, Canada, as a duck retriever and fisherman’s companion.

The common term for a mix of two purebred dogs that combines elements from both is a designer dog. In this case, the Bassador will probably inherit a low frame and some drooping features from the Basset Hound, although its head looks a bit like a Lab. The short and dense fur comes in a variety of colors and markings. If it’s bred from a yellow Lab, then the dog will have a white and yellow base coat mixed with black and brown markings. If it’s bred from a black Lab, then the dog will probably have a black base coat with white or yellow colors mixed in.

3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Size and Weight

The Bassador is a medium-sized dog with the long, low-slung shape of a Basset Hound. Males may be slightly heavier than females, but there is also considerable variation between individuals. The Bassador typically stands between 13 and 20 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 70 lbs.

Common Health Issues

The Bassador is a fairly healthy dog with a lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. As a mix, it may inherit any of the health problems from its two parent breeds, such as glaucoma, allergies, cancer, ear infections, back problems, dermatitis, ectropion (excess drooping of the lower eyelid), hip dysplasia (a genetic condition in which the hip joint forms incorrectly, leading to looseness or laxity that can result in partial or full dislocation), and bloating (a very serious condition that can cause the stomach to expand rapidly). A good breeder will try to eliminate or reduce the chances of some genetic conditions arising, but no dog is completely free of at least some predisposition to health problems.

Temperament, Personality, and Behavior

The Bassador is an outgoing and genial companion who will exhibit an unwavering loyalty toward its friends and family. Its fun-loving personality and playful behavior are best matched for an active and engaged owner. Depending on which traits it inherits from its parents, the Bassador might be slightly guarded around strangers, but this can be overcome with a little time and effort (as well as proper training as a puppy). Its tendency to bark or howl when a stranger approaches the home also makes it a good watchdog.

Like most dogs, a Bassador can have a wide range of personalities. Both Labs and Bassets are generally good-natured dogs that love to hunt. However, the bassador is more of an independent thinker and can sometimes be a stubborn companion.

Although the Bassador can be stubborn, a well-socialized and properly trained puppy will grow into a friendly and trainable dog.

In appearance, Bassadors are usually short and stocky, with front legs that may turn slightly inward.

Care

The bassador is recommended primarily for owners with some prior experience caring for dogs. Its heavy shedding, its somewhat stubborn demeanor, and its need for lots of playtime and attention all require a highly engaged and attentive owner.

Bassador puppies should almost always be purchased from a high-quality breeder with an excellent reputation in your area. If you need more information before making a purchase, then you should ask the breeder for proof of the dogs’ health and lineage. It is not a good idea to buy from a low-quality breeder or puppy mill. While you may be saving money in the short term, these dogs are more likely to develop health problems, which will cost you in the long run.

If price is a concern, then you might want to consider adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue. Bassadors might sometimes show up at a general shelter or a Basset or Labrador-specific group.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your dog’s care, then you should consult with your vet. You should also plan on having regular physical examinations at the vet, even when your dog appears otherwise healthy.

Best Dog Food

The Bassador needs high-quality dog food, preferably one that’s specially formulated for fairly energetic dogs. The exact amount will depend on the dog’s size, age, and activity level. The Bassador has no other special dietary needs, but it is recommended to prepare multiple meals throughout the day. This should hopefully minimize the chances of bloating if your dog is prone to it. Owners should not feed it more than necessary, since the dog may tend to gain weight.

Maintenance and Grooming

With its dense, heavy-shedding coat, the Bassador needs to be brushed at least once a week to remove dead and loose hair. During the heavy shedding season of the spring and fall, the frequency should be increased to about once a day. Owners will also need to check the ears and brush the teeth almost every day to maintain proper health. The nails should be trimmed less often, around once or twice a month. If they start clicking on the floor, then the nails are already too long.

Training

In terms of the ease with which it can be trained, the bassador tends to fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. it may inherit some stubbornness from the Basset Hound or the more compliant and trainable nature of the Labrador Retriever, but generally, this breed will require some patience and understanding to get the most out of it. Owners should try to minimize or eliminate the dog’s worst tendencies, including its strong prey drive and chewing behavior.

Crate training might also be a good idea if you plan to crate the dog for at least an hour each day. As with many other dogs, the bassador will respond best to positive reinforcement methods like praise and treats. Negative training methods might just discourage it or cause it to become unresponsive. If you are struggling to train it yourself, then you might want to seek the help of a professional trainer.

Exercise

The bassador’s energy level varies considerably based on its inherited traits, but it will usually need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every single day. This can be done through a mixture of long walks and shorter playtime. The bassador does best with a fenced yard to run around in. Owners should be cautious about letting it off the leash since its strong prey drive might take over and override its obedience training. The bassador’s dense coat can tolerate all types of climates, but it might have a tendency to become uncomfortable in hot weather, so ensure plenty of rest and shade during summer.

Puppies

As a designer dog, the characteristics of Bassador puppies can be somewhat unpredictable. You may not even know what behavioral and personality traits it has inherited until after you’ve already brought your dog home, so you should definitely be prepared for the entire range of different possible characteristics. The bassador needs to be trained and socialized from an early age to become a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult.

Children

The Bassador loves to bask in the attention of children. Provided everyone shares in the responsibility of its care, this is a good dog for the entire family.

Similar Dogs

If you’re a fan of the Bassador, then you might also want to consider the following mixes:

• Basset Retriever: A mixture between a Basset Hound and a Golden Retriever is a fairly athletic and intelligent dog in the mold of the Bassador. It is also a friendly and eager family companion.
• Basset Shepherd: Sporting the black and brown coat of its German Shepherd parent, this unusual mix is a very alert, loyal, and intelligent dog that should form a strong bond with its owner. It also needs plenty of care and interaction from its human companions throughout the day.
• Aussie Basset: A cross between a Basset Hound and an Australian Shepherd, this friendly, intelligent, and athletic dog thrives on the companionship and attention of people.