Bassador Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

20-31 kg

Height

33-50 cm

Lifespan

10-12 years

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About the Bassador

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

The Bassador is a charming and friendly breed that is the result of combining two of the most popular dogs around. They’re intelligent and playful, and make devoted companions to their owners.

Though they may look a bit unusual their unique appearance makes them stand out from the canine crowd, and though their coat and size may vary quite a lot, they’re always guaranteed to be adorable.

Our detailed guide will give you all the information and key facts you need to get yourself familiarized with this one-of-a-kind breed.

What is the history & origin of the Bassador?

As with many mixed breed dogs, the exact origins of the Bassador are not known but they’ve likely been around for a long time due to accidental cross-breeding in the wild. It’s thought that they were first intentionally bred in the United States in the late 1990s.

The best way to learn about designer dog breeds is to study the history of their parent breeds, which in this case are two purebred dogs, the Labrador Retriever and the Basset Hound.

Basset Hounds first appeared in France and were bred by monks to be short with large paws so that they could track hares, rabbits and other game through mountainous terrain.

They arrived in the United States sometime during the 18th century and first became popular as hunting dogs. Today, they are mostly cherished family pets but can still be found hunting in the fields of Europe.

Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada and became popular in the United States as working dogs and for retrieving waterfowl.

Like Basset Hounds, this breed is now mostly known as a loveable pet but they’re also used as therapy dogs, seeing-eye dogs and search and rescue dogs.

What is a Bassador breed?

As the Bassador is a cross breed of two dogs with very different looks it does have a fairly unusual yet adorable appearance.

They have long, hanging ears quite a long tail and inward-turning front legs. They’re typically quite short but with a sturdy build although this can vary between each individual dog.

The colours of their coat are pretty unpredictable but are often a blend of the colours of their Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound parents.

Depending on whether their Labrador Retriever parent was black or yellow their coat could be white with patches of brown, yellow or black, or could be a mixture of white, yellow, black and brown.

It’s safe to say that with a Bassador puppy you’re never quite sure what you’re getting, apart from the guarantee of one cute pooch!

Who is a Bassador best for?

Bassadors can make great pets for anyone looking for a loyal companion who loves spending time with their owners and families.

If they’ve inherited more from the Labrador Retriever parent then they will be very energetic and playful and will require a good walk each day. This type of Bassador would be best suited to an owner with an active lifestyle that can keep their dog engaged.

If the traits of the Basset Hound parent are more dominant then they will probably be more docile and reserved and will be happy to spend more time relaxing at home. These Bassadors would perhaps be better for seniors or people who live a more sedentary lifestyle.

You should always try and meet your puppy’s parents before agreeing to adopt them, as you’ll be able to get an idea of what traits your Bassador is likely to inherit. That way, you’ll get the pooch that’s perfect for you!

Bassador Grooming & Shedding

The Bassador’s coat is smooth, short and dense and they shed a lot. You’ll need to brush them every day to reduce the amount of dog hair they leave around the house and to keep their coat looking vibrant and shiny. They also have a tendency to get smelly easily, so regular bathing is a must.

Some Bassadors will have facial wrinkles which require cleaning with a damp cloth. Once cleaned, they then need to be dried off and powdered to prevent them from becoming too damp.

Due to their long, hanging ears, Bassadors can be prone to ear infections so you’ll also need to clean them out with a cotton swab quite regularly.

Do Bassadors bark a lot?

As a mixed-breed dog, the amount a Bassador barks will depend on which one of its parent breeds it most takes after.

The Basset Hound is a very vocal breed and will tend to bark at most things including strange people and other dogs. Labradors, on the other hand, are pretty quiet and don’t have a high tendency to bark.

What is the average weight & height of a Bassador dog?

Bassadors are medium-sized dogs but their size can vary quite a lot from dog to dog. They usually weigh between 20kg to 31kg and their height is usually between 33cm and 50cm.

Are Bassadors easy to train?

Bassadors are an intelligent breed and tend to learn quickly when being trained. However, if your Bassador takes after the Basset Hound more than the Labrador it’s quite likely that they’ll be a bit stubborn and less enthusiastic about training.

Either way, early socialization is key and you should start training your puppy as early as possible.

How do Bassadors behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Bassadors are known for being loving companions who enjoy playing and cuddling with their owners. They’re usually very friendly and social, but if the Basset Hound genes are more dominant they can sometimes be a bit shy around strangers.

They usually get on well with other dogs but they do have a strong prey drive which they’ve retained from their hunting heritage. This means they’re likely to chase other pets such as cats and rodents, so it’s usually best if they’re not in a home with other small animals.

Does the Bassador have any common health issues?

Bassadors are generally healthy dogs but they can develop genetic health problems that are common in their parents’ breeds, such as:

Glaucoma – an eye disease where intraocular pressure within the eye is increased. This causes the eye to become cloudy, swollen and painful and can lead to blindness.
Hip Dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint has formed abnormally and doesn’t snugly fit into the socket. It can cause pain, and limping and lead to arthritis.
Bloat – a condition where the dog’s stomach fills with food, liquid or gas causing it to twist. This is a very serious condition and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

What is the lifespan of a Bassador?

The average life expectancy for a Bassador is 10 to 12 years. With the right care, diet, and regular visits to the vet they can exceed this.

How much does a Bassador need to be fed?

As they’re a designer breed, Bassadors’ weight and size vary quite widely from puppy to puppy so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to their diet.

Generally, you should feed them twice a day with high-quality dry food that’s full of nutrients.

One thing that’s common amongst Bassadors is that they love to eat, and so they can be prone to obesity. The best way to make sure that your pooch stays at a healthy weight is to consult a vet so that they can help you to formulate a diet plan.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bassador in Australia?

The average price of a Bassador is between $900 to $2,000. The price varies depending on whether you buy your puppy from a breeder or adopt them from an animal shelter. If you choose to buy, make sure you’re using a reputable breeder as this is the best way to avoid puppy mills.

Bassador FAQs

Is a Bassador ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Bassadors can be ideal for first-time owners as they’re easy to care for and don’t require a huge amount of exercise. If they’ve inherited their personality from the Basset Hound they can be a little bit stubborn, but training them still shouldn’t be too big of a task.

Do Bassadors suffer from separation anxiety?

Bassadors love being around people and so do have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety. They don’t cope well with being left alone for long periods of time and this should definitely be avoided.

Are Bassadors hypoallergenic dogs?

Bassadors are definitely not hypoallergenic dogs as their coats are high-shedding. They can leave a lot of hair around the place and this means they’re not suitable for people with dog allergies.

Will a Bassador need professional grooming?

Bassadors need to be brushed daily to avoid excessive shedding and if they’re not bathed frequently they do tend to get a bit smelly.

This can be managed at home but if you’re finding their grooming regime quite time-consuming then there’s no harm in taking them to a professional groomer from time to time.