Bassador puppies are a delightful mix of Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever, resulting in a loving and loyal companion.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy families. Basset Hounds are known for their calm nature, which is a great asset in a family pet.
Basset Hound parents tend to pass on their calm and gentle disposition to their bassetor offspring. This calm nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children.
Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever hybrids can grow up to 15 inches tall and weigh between 40-60 pounds.
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Physical Characteristics
Bassador puppies are a medium- to large-sized breed, weighing in between 45 to 70 pounds.
They range in height from 13 to 20 inches at the shoulder, with some individuals being taller than others.
Their long, low body is a characteristic inherited from their Basset Hound parent, making them well-suited for long hikes and runs.
Large, strong paws and a powerful chest enable them to swim well and keep up with active owners.
Their floppy ears, although not as long as a Basset Hound's, are still quite noticeable and adorable, often growing past their jaw lines.
Size
The Bassador's size can vary, but they tend to be on the medium- to large-side.
Most Bassadors weigh between 45 to 70 pounds.
Their height at the shoulder typically ranges from 13 to 20 inches.
Many Bassadors can be larger or smaller than these average sizes.
Appearance
Bassadors typically have the long, low body of the Basset Hound and the coloring of the parent Labrador Retriever.
Their coats are a mix of their parents' coats and colors, often featuring white with patches of black, brown, or yellow, or a combination of brown, black, white, and yellow.
Bassadors' coats are thick, short, and dense, requiring regular bathing due to their tendency to get stinky quickly.
Their ears are long and floppy, similar to those of their Basset Hound parent, although not quite as long.
Large, strong paws and a powerful chest enable Bassadors to swim well, hike long trails, and run around for ages.
Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats clean, especially in the wrinkly areas of their face if they have a wrinkly face.
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Temperament and Personality
Bassador puppies are known for their excellent companion animal nature, loving to be around their favorite humans and not tolerating being left home alone for long stretches of time.
They're outgoing and friendly, but may be a little more guarded around strangers if they have more Basset Hound in them, making early socialization and training crucial.
Bassadors are also intelligent and trainable, but may exhibit stubborn tendencies that can be overcome with firm, consistent training from a young age.
Their high prey drive means they'll do anything to follow a scent, including digging under a fence or tugging on their leash, so proper training is essential.
Bassadors tend to be food motivated, making treats a great reward for training, and their curiosity drives them to sniff around and track down whatever catches their nose.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great fit for families with children, who will likely become their best friend and shadow.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Bassador's temperament is a unique blend of their Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever parents. Generally, they are sweet, affectionate dogs that love their family and are sociable with other people outside the family too.
They are intelligent and trainable, but they do tend to exhibit stubborn tendencies, especially if not trained consistently from a young age. Firm, consistent training can help get through the stubbornness.
The Bassador is also a curious dog that loves to sniff around and track down whatever catches their nose. They have a strong prey drive, which means they will do pretty much anything to follow a scent.
Their high prey drive also means they will dig under a fence or tug on their leash if they get the chance. Proper training can help curb any unwanted prey drive-related behaviors.
Bassadors are non-aggressive, sociable, fun-loving, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They love humans, especially children, and will often bond with a specific family member they prefer over the rest.
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With early socialization and training, any Bassador can become more sociable, even if they have a strong Basset Hound influence. However, socialization from a young age is essential to ensure they get along with other animals in the household.
Overall, the Bassador's temperament is a mix of friendly, outgoing, and curious traits that make them a wonderful companion for the right family.
Independence
Bassadors are social dogs that thrive on human interaction. They love to be around their owners and will happily follow them around the house.
They're not fond of being left alone for long periods of time, which can lead to separation anxiety. This means they need a family that can provide constant companionship.
If you work from home or have someone at the house most days, a Bassador could be a great fit. However, if you're away from home for hours on end, you may need to consider alternative arrangements.
Their high prey drive is another aspect of their personality that's worth considering. This inherited trait from their hunting parents means they might not be the best fit for homes with small pets.
Trainability
The Bassador's trainability is a bit of a mixed bag. They're intelligent and trainable, but they also have a stubborn streak that can make training a challenge.
They tend to respond well to firm and consistent training from a young age, especially if you use treats as rewards.
Bassadors can be prone to resisting training attempts, especially if they're favoring their Basset Hound heritage.
Early training, starting as young as 8 weeks old, is crucial to overcoming their stubbornness and developing good habits.
Their Labrador side makes them highly trainable, but it's not a guarantee, and they may still require endless patience and consistent effort.
With the right approach, it's possible to train a Bassador and get them to follow commands and routines reliably, but it may take time and persistence.
Care and Management
Regular veterinary checkups are a must to detect any health concerns early on in your Bassador's life. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Bassadors are prone to weight gain, so it's essential to ensure they get enough exercise. A good half-hour to hour-long walk per day, along with active play sessions and shorter walks, will help keep them in shape.
Daily grooming is also crucial to prevent infections and keep your Bassador's coat looking its best. Brush their teeth daily, and trim their nails before they get too long.
Feeding
Feeding your Bassador requires careful consideration to prevent weight gain and ensure they receive the nutrients they need. A medium-sized breed with high energy, they need a diet formulated specifically for their needs.
Their tendency to gain weight if overfed means sticking to a regular feeding schedule is crucial. This will help prevent obesity and related health issues.
You should limit treats and not leave food out during the day. This will help regulate their eating habits and prevent overeating.
As your Bassador grows from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, their dietary needs will change. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on their diet, as individual dogs have varying needs.
A good rule of thumb is to ask your vet for guidance on creating a feeding plan tailored to your Bassador's unique needs. This will ensure they receive the right amount of nutrients at each stage of their life.
Daily Care Management
Daily Care Management is a crucial aspect of owning a Bassador. It requires a significant amount of time and attention to ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Bassadors are heavy shedders, so weekly brushings are a must, but during shedding seasons, you'll need to brush them daily. This will help prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
To prevent ear infections, it's essential to check your Bassador's ears daily for debris and pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Longer-eared Bassadors may need extra care to prevent infections.
Your Bassador's nails should be trimmed before they get too long, usually once or twice a month. You can also ask your groomer for help with this task.
Daily grooming doesn't have to be a chore; even 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your dog's health. This is a great opportunity to bond with your Bassador and help them feel more comfortable in their own skin.
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To prevent weight gain and related health issues, it's crucial to regulate your Bassador's food intake and ensure they get enough exercise. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes to an hour, along with active play sessions and shorter walks, is a great starting point.
Brushing your Bassador's teeth daily is also essential to prevent gum disease and rotten teeth. This is a simple task that can be done as part of your daily grooming routine.
Health and Grooming
The Bassador's thick, short hair may not look like it sheds much, but trust me, it does. They inherit their heavy shedding trait from both Basset Hounds and Labradors.
You can expect to brush your Bassador daily to control shedding and keep your furniture hair-free. This regular grooming will also help prevent hair from getting all over your clothes and home.
Health Issues
Bassadors are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Ear infections are a common problem in Bassadors due to their long, floppy ears. Frequent cleaning can help prevent infections.
Obesity is another issue that Bassadors can face, especially since they love food. Proper exercise and close monitoring of their food intake can help prevent weight gain.
Back problems can occur in Bassadors due to their long bodies. In severe cases, they may develop intervertebral discs, which can lead to paralysis and require surgery.
Hip or elbow dysplasia can also affect Bassadors, causing pain and debilitation. Surgery may be necessary to alleviate pain.
Some Bassadors may be prone to glaucoma or gastric dilatation volvulus (gastric torsion). Intervertebral disc disease, back injuries, and hip dysplasia are also potential health issues.
Here are some health issues to look out for in Bassadors:
- Ear infections
- Obesity
- Back problems
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Gastric dilatation volvulus (gastric torsion)
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Back injuries
- Hip dysplasia
The Shed
As a Bassador owner, you can expect a lot of hair. Both Basset Hounds and Labradors are heavy shedders, and their offspring will inherit this trait.
You'll need to brush your Bassador daily to control shedding and prevent hair from covering your furniture.
The Bassador's short hair may be deceiving, but it's actually very thick. This thickness contributes to the heavy shedding you can expect.
Regular brushing will help reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your floors and furniture.
Family and Socialization
Bassador puppies can make excellent family pets, as long as they receive proper socialization and training. They're great companion animals that love to be around their family members.
Bassadors are generally gentle with children and love to play, making them a great fit for families with kids. Games like fetch are perfect for keeping your children and Bassador occupied.
However, it's essential to teach children how to interact with your Bassador to ensure everyone's safety. This includes gentle petting, no teasing, and respecting the dog's personal space.
Bassadors can get along with other pets, but a slow introduction and monitored socialization are crucial. They may have a higher prey drive, so it's essential to keep an eye on their interactions with smaller animals like cats.
With proper training and socialization, many Bassadors get along just fine with other dogs and cats. But it's not a guarantee, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and introduce them slowly.
As a responsible pet owner, it's essential to be aware of the feeding, training, health, and other requirements your Bassador will have throughout their lifetime. This will prepare you for a lifetime of happiness with your companion.
Find in Shelter or Rescue
Finding a Bassador in a shelter or rescue can be a rewarding experience. You may be able to find one in a shelter or rescue, especially in regions with a large presence of purebred Labradors and Basset Hounds.
The chances of finding a Bassador in a shelter or rescue are higher than with other designer breeds. It may take some patience and effort to search and wait, but it's worth it.
Bassador Rescue Groups may not be readily available, but you can try contacting Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues. They often care for mixes, so it's worth a shot.
Here are two rescues you can try:
- Belly Rubs Basset Rescue
- Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a bassador puppy?
A Bassador puppy typically costs between $700 and $1,500, depending on the dog's pedigree. Prices may vary, but this range covers most pet and companion dogs.
What is the life expectancy of a bassador dog?
A Bassador's average lifespan is 10-13 years, influenced by factors like diet, exercise, and genetics. Proper care and a healthy lifestyle can help your Bassador live a long, happy life.
Are Bassadors hypoallergenic?
No, Bassadors are not hypoallergenic dogs. They require daily grooming to manage their moderate to heavy shedding.
Sources
- leaving your dog home alone (animalhumanesociety.org)
- stress, high temperatures, dental problems, allergic reactions, or nausea (vets-now.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption (luckylabrescue.com)
- Belly Rubs Basset Rescue (bellyrubs.org)
- Obesity (vcahospitals.com)
- Bassador Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Basset Hound (akc.org)
- A post shared by Freddie & Jackson (@bassadorbros) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Lady Clementine Tootsie Woo (@clementinethebassador) (instagram.com)
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