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

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.

Bassador Characteristics

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.

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.

Things to Know When Owning a Bassador:

Owning any pet is a commitment for their entire lifetime. It is 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 is 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

Serious Conditions

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.

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.

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