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Bassador (Labrador Retriever & Basset Hound Mix): Pictures, Info & Care

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

Bassador (Labrador Retriever & Basset Hound Mix): Pictures, Info & Care

The combination of a Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound makes an interesting dog!

The long torso and short legs of the Bassador give them a comical look. Their loyal and affectionate disposition makes them ideal family dogs.

Breed Overview

Height:

13 – 20 inches

Weight:

45 – 70 pounds

Lifespan:

10 – 15 years

Colors:

Black, brown, white, yellow, mixed

Suitable for:

Families who have time and attention to give them

Temperament:

Affectionate, sociable, trainable

Although the parents are very different types of dogs, Bassadors seem to exhibit good traits from each. They are friendly and loyal like a Lab and calm and laid back like a Basset Hound. Their unique parentage means your Bassador may grow to be a medium or large dog. One thing you can be sure of is that you will have a great family companion, as long as you put in the required time and attention to train the Bassador.

Keep reading to discover more about these friendly canines.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Bassador Puppies

Like all dogs, Bassadors have specific traits and needs. They need firm, consistent training, attention, and exercise. If given these things, Bassadors make wonderful family pets. Remember, each Bassador is different and they may not all exhibit the same characteristics.

Generally, Bassadors love going on adventures and being with their owners. They create strong bonds with their families and children, especially if you give them a lot of playtime and take them with you to explore the outdoors. Start training your Bassador as soon as you can, since they tend to have some stubborn traits when it comes to training. With enough exercise, food, training and plenty of love, your Bassador will become a loving and loyal member of your family.

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Image Credit: Left – Baevskiy Dmitry, Shutterstock | Right – Dr. Alan Lipkin, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bassador

The Bassador is generally a sweet, affectionate dog. They love their family and are sociable with other people outside the family as well. They are also intelligent and trainable. However, they do tend to exhibit stubborn tendencies. Firm, consistent training from a young age can help get through stubbornness. Since the Bassador tends to be very food motivated, using treats as a reward for training can be helpful.

The Bassador is also a very curious dog. They love to sniff around and track down whatever catches their nose.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Yes! Bassadors generally make excellent family pets. They make great companion animals who like to be with you whether you are relaxing on the couch or out for a hike. Provided they have received proper socialization and training, Bassadors are gentle with children and love to play. Games like fetch are the perfect activity to keep your children and Bassador occupied.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

If you plan to bring a Bassador into your home, you should be careful introducing them to other pets, especially smaller animals like cats. Bassadors can get along just fine with other pets, but they are descended from two hunting breeds Hounds. Because of this, they do tend to have a strong prey drive. Careful monitoring and training, however, can make it possible to have your Bassador and cat living peacefully together. When it comes to other dogs, Bassadors generally are quite friendly as long as they are introduced slowly.

Fred the majestic Bassador
Fred the majestic Bassador (Image credit: Jmaley1, Wikimedia Commons CC 3.0 Unported)

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Things to Know When Owning a Bassador:

Owning any pet is a commitment for their entire lifetime. It’s important to do your homework before bringing any new furry friend into your home. That is why you should always be aware of the feeding, training, health, and other requirements your new pet will have. This will prepare you for a lifetime of happiness with your companion.

Food & Diet Requirements

Bassadors love to eat! Like both the Labrador and Basset Hound, they are food motivated and will overeat if not properly monitored. Most recommend feeding your Bassador a food formulated for a high-energy, medium-sized breed. As their food needs will change as they age, you should keep in contact with your vet about the right amount and type of food for your Bassador.

Exercise

If you are outside moving around, your Bassador will want to do the same. Since they are prone to weight gain, you will need to encourage your dog to get plenty of exercise. Luckily, the Bassador loves to play with their family. They enjoy fetch and other games. They also like sniffing and exploring so long walks or hikes are great activities to do with your Bassador.

Training

Bassadors are intelligent and trainable. It’s just important to remember that they do have a stubborn streak. This can be overcome by firm and consistent training, beginning when they are as young as 8 weeks old. The earlier you start training your Bassador, the better they will respond. Training is also necessary to overcome their prey drive if you plan to have your Bassador live in peace with smaller pets.

Grooming ✂️

The Bassador is a shedder so you should be prepared to brush them daily. They also require regular baths to prevent them from acquiring a “doggy” smell. You should also be prepared to monitor and clean their ears and any wrinkles on their faces and necks regularly. They also tend to drool, so you may need to wipe your dog’s face after they eat or drink. The Bassador’s nails should be trimmed frequently and their teeth should be brushed daily, if possible.

Health and Conditions

Because the Bassador is a mix of two breeds, they are slightly less susceptible to the diseases and other health conditions many purebred Labradors and Basset Hounds tend to have. However, there are health conditions you should be aware of before bringing a Bassador into your home. As always, you should consult with your veterinarian about specific health concerns you may have for your pet.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear Infections
  • Obesity
Serious Conditions
  • Back Problems
  • Hip or Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Conditions

  • Ear Infections – Many Bassadors are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. They should be carefully monitored and treated by a veterinarian. Frequent cleaning will help prevent infections.
  • Obesity – Due to their food-loving nature, Bassadors are prone to weight gain. Proper exercise and close monitoring of their food intake can prevent them from becoming dangerously overweight. A Bassador who maintains a healthy weight is less prone to some of the other health problems mentioned here.

Serious Conditions

  • Back Problems – Because of their long bodies, Bassadors may have back problems. In more serious situations, the Bassador may develop intervertebral disc d This condition can lead to paralysis and may require surgery.
  • Hip or Elbow Dysplasia – Both conditions can be painful and debilitating. These occur when the cartilage around the joints has not developed properly. Sometimes surgery is necessary to alleviate pain.

Male vs Female

Neither the male nor female Bassador displays a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs or people. Both are friendly and sociable. The only real difference between the two is that the male Bassador tends to be slightly larger or heavier than the female.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Bassador

1. Bassadors Shed…A Lot!

Even though the Bassador has short hair, it is very thick. Both Basset Hounds and Labradors tend to be heavy shedders. They will pass this trait on to their offspring. Expect to brush your Bassador daily to control the level of shedding and keep your furniture from becoming covered in hair.


2. Their Long Bodies Make Them Susceptible to Back Injuries

Part of the Bassador’s charm is its long torso and short legs. They are adorable! However, the elongated body is prone to back problems and injuries. Keeping your Bassador at a healthy weight can lessen the risk of back trouble.


3. Bassadors Love to Eat And Are Prone to Weight Gain if Not Properly Exercised

When you think of a Labrador, you probably think of an energetic dog. While Bassadors do like exercise and activity, they are part Basset Hound, too. They are quite content to lay around and relax with you, so they may need a little encouragement to get moving. Both Labradors and Basset Hounds love their food, so it is no surprise the Bassador would also enjoy eating. Avoid free feeding with this breed.

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Final Thoughts

If your family is hunting for a friendly, affectionate, and somewhat goofy-looking dog, the Bassador mixed breed may be right for you. They make great pets for anyone who likes a loyal and sociable companion. If you love hiking or long walks and don’t mind frequent stops to let your Bassador sniff, you could have a best friend for life.


Featured Image Credit: Svea Neitzkie, Shutterstock

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