- Breed Group: Mixes and More
- Height: varies
- Weight: 50 to 70 pounds but varies
- Life Span: 10 to 12 years
The Basador is a cross between two very different breeds, the Basset Hound and the Labrador Retriever. He is usually short and stocky and generally has a good-natured personality. His activity level can range from calm to highly active.
Bassador Breed History
The Bassador is a hybrid mix of two popular, well-loved breeds, the Basset Hound and the Labrador Retriever. Though this hybrid has been a popular choice for nearly twenty years, little documentation is currently available on the mix, and it is presently only recognized by the Dog Registry of America. As such, the history is limited and reviewing the histories of the parent breeds is necessary to understand the disposition and other character traits of the Bassador. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog and was first developed in Canada to assist fisherman. Surprisingly, this breed nearly faced extinction in the 1880s when female Labradors were culled from litters in Canada due to the high tax rates. Thankfully, the Labrador was imported to England and America by this time and was gaining popularity as a hunting companion and retriever. The Labrador’s happy, easy going disposition make him an ideal family dog who has stayed top dog in the US, Canada, and England for several decades. The Basset Hound was first developed a French curiosity among the aristocracy, but after the French Revolution, this breed became a popular choice among commoners for hunting. The common French folk were unable to hunt on horseback and needed a dog they could keep up with on foot. The short, sturdy legs of the Basset Hound were perfect for foot hunting. The Basset Hound did not gain popularity in the United States until the 20th century, despite being brought over during Colonial times. The 1960s saw the introduction of the Hush Puppy, and the popularity of the Basset Hound only grew from there.
Bassador Breed Appearance
The Bassador looks like both a Basset Hound and a Labrador. Both breeds have expressive eyes that can appear sad or thoughtful. The most prominent Basset Hound trait on this hybrid is the short, sturdy legs of this low to ground hybrid. The front paws turn out slightly as well. The muzzle is long and thin, and the ears are slightly longer than a Labrador but shorter than a Basset Hound. However, the ears are quite large. The body on the Bassador is exaggeratedly longer than it is tall, just like on the Basset Hound. The coat is short and dense and usually seen in a solid colour like that of the Labrador. However, patches of white may grace the chest and feet of the Bassador.
Bassador Breed Maintenance
The Bassador is a hybrid mix between two dogs known to shed moderately to heavily depending on the season. This is not a hypoallergenic dog and requires daily brushing and grooming to help keep the shedding down. A stiff brush and a hound mitt will help remove dead and loose hair. While brushing your Bassador, always check their ears and remove any wax, dirt, or debris. This hybrid has larger ears and is more prone to collecting unwanted build-up that could lead to an ear infection. Daily grooming will significantly reduce the chances of your Bassador developing a hound “doggy” odour, but you may need to occasionally bathe your Bassador with a hypoallergenic shampoo to help clean him. Frequent baths are not suggested as this may strip the natural oils from your Bassador and cause dermatitis.
Bassador Activity Requirements
The Bassador has an excellent temperament thanks to both parent breeds. The Labrador is one of the most well-known, all-around family dogs, and no one questions its top dog position in popularity. The Basset Hound, though not equally as popular, still enjoys notoriety for its gentle, docile nature. Considered well-mannered, if not a lazy dog, the Basset Hound is rarely animated unless on the scent trail and even then, he’s still much more well-mannered than his Hound cousins. Together, the Labrador Retriever and the Basset Hound equal a slightly stubborn but great family dog that is exceptional with children and friendly towards strangers. Their stubborn nature may make the Bassador more difficult to train, but with proper praise and food-based motivation, they make excellent dogs for novice, inexperienced dog owners. The Labrador Retriever amps up this hybrid’s exercise needs, but moderate energy levels mean the Bassador only requires medium intensity exercise, like a good walk at a steady pace.