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

The combination of a Labrador Retriever and a Basset Hound makes an interesting dog! The Bassador's long torso and short legs give them a comical appearance. However, their loyal and affectionate disposition makes them an ideal family dog.

Although the parents are quite different types of dogs, Bassadors seem to inherit good traits from each. They are friendly and loyal like the Lab and calm and laidback like the Basset Hound. Their unique parentage means your Lab Basset Hound mix may grow to be a medium or large dog. One thing that 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 them.

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 that each Bassador dog 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 Lab Basset Hound mix as soon as you can, since they tend to have 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 too. 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 the stubbornness. Since the Bassador dogs tends to be food motivated, using treats as a reward for training can be helpful.

The Lab Basset Hound mix is also a 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 that like to be with you, whether you are relaxing on the couch or going out for a hike. Provided that they have received proper socialization and training, Bassador dogs 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, so they tend to have a strong prey drive. Careful monitoring and training, however, can make it possible to have your Bassador dog 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'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 experts 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 pet.

Exercise 🐕

If you are outside moving around, your Bassador dog 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 dog.

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 dog live in peace with smaller pets.

Grooming ✂️

The Bassador dog 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 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 🏥

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

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 that maintains a healthy weight is less prone to some of the other health problems mentioned here.

Serious Conditions

• Back Problems: Due to their long bodies, Bassadors may have back problems. In more serious situations, they may develop intervertebral discs. This condition can lead to paralysis and may require surgery.
• Hip or Elbow Dysplasia: Both of these conditions can be painful and debilitating. They 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 dog 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. The Bassador Dog Sheds 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 Body Makes Them Susceptible to Back Injuries

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

3. The Bassador Loves to Eat and Is Prone to Weight Gain

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, so they are quite content to lie around and relax with you. They may need a little encouragement to get moving. Both Labradors and Basset Hounds love food, so it is no surprise that the Bassador also enjoys 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 around, you could have a best friend for life.

Featured Image Credit: Svea Neitzkie, Shutterstock