Bassador: Complete Guide Of The Basset Hound Lab Mix

A bassador is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a basset hound. By combining these two purebreds, the goal is to get a dog with the loyal and friendly temperament of the lab, along with the mellow and low-key attitude of the basset.

Bassadors tend to be medium-sized, short-legged dogs that make good family pets. They require moderate exercise, and their smooth, short fur needs only occasional brushing. The bassador is a relatively new hybrid dog that offers the best traits of its parent breeds.

History of the Bassador

This designer breed has existed naturally for years. However, intentional breeding between Basset Hounds and Labrador Retrievers occurred in the late 1990s. They were originally bred in North America when a breeder saw demand for the Bassador puppies.

Since the two purebred dogs are distinct, breeders do not create them for specific aesthetics. Even puppies from the Bassador breed can look different. Check a rescue group or find a reputable breeder to bring a Bassador puppy.

Avoid puppy mills as they prioritize profit over puppy health. Besides, reliable breeders will do health testing before producing a Bassador.

What Is A Basset Hound Lab Mix?

Want to know more about the basset hound labrador retriever mix? Here is everything you need to know about these mixed-breed dogs.

Unique Crossbreed Between A Basset Hound And Labrador Retrievers

The Bassador is unique, captivating, and one of the most popular dog breeds. It combines the best traits of both parent breeds. The gentle, laid-back nature of the Hound with the friendly and sociable personality of the purebred Labradors.

This hybrid dog has become increasingly popular among pet lovers seeking a distinctive canine companion. Bassadors display an eye-catching blend. They inherit their stocky build from the Hound lineage and reflect Labrador coat colors like black, chocolate brown, or yellow. A Bassador bred from a yellow lab will have a yellow and white base.

The Bassador exhibits wide-ranging traits in temperament and physical characteristics. It is due to inherited genetic variations from Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever parents. Owners suggest the Bassador is typically affectionate and loyal. They enjoy playing but also provide a calming presence when needed.

Physical Appearance, Including Size, Coat Color, And Texture

The Bassador can vary in physical appearance depending on which parent breed they take after more. Generally, this dog breed is short and stocky, with broad chests and muscular legs.

A Bassador typically weighs 40-70 pounds and stands 12-24 inches tall. Their coat can come in various colors, such as black, brown, white, or a combination.

Since Bassadors are mixed breeds, their appearance may not fit into one specific mold. Some may have longer ears, like the Hound, while others may have shorter ears, like the Labrador side. Their size may also differ slightly depending on the parent breed genes.

Characteristics And Temperament Of The Basset Hound Lab Mix

The Basset Lab Mix is an affectionate and playful crossbreed. They get along with children and pets but may have common behavioral issues. Address them through proper training and exercise.

Affectionate And Loyal

The Bassador is an affectionate and loyal dog. They have an unwavering devotion to their owners. This medium-sized dog often follows them around the house seeking attention.

The Bassador’s loyalty can be seen in their strong bond with their owners. They thrive on human companionship and show affection through snuggles, cuddles, and even following you. Their gentle nature makes them great therapy dogs.

Playful And Energetic

The Basset Lab Mix is known for their playful and energetic nature. This mix breed loves to play, run around, and engage in various activities. Their adventurous spirit makes them perfect for hiking, swimming, or playing catch.

While naturally energetic, a Bassador still needs proper exercise routines tailored to their needs. A daily walk or jog is necessary to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Good With Children And Other Pets

The Hound Lab Mix is a great companion dog that gets along well with children and other animals. These dogs are also sociable creatures that enjoy interacting with other dogs. This makes them great candidates for households with other animals.

Common Behavioral Issues And How To Address Them

The Basset Lab Mix may display behavioral issues like any other dog breed. One common issue is moderate separation anxiety. Your Bassador becomes anxious and distressed when you leave them alone at home.

• To help with this issue, gradually increase your dog’s time alone. It can be in a room or crate without you being present. Early crate training is beneficial in this regard.

Another common issue is excessive barking. This can be due to boredom or frustration from lack of exercise or stimulation.

• Provide plenty of physical activity through walks and playtime activities like fetch or tug-of-war games.

Lastly, jumping up on people when excited can be unpleasant for some owners.

• You can instill good behavior in your Bassador by using positive methods like treats. Rewarding them will give an idea of acceptable behavior.

how long do basset hound Lab Mix live?

The average lifespan of a lab and basset hound mix is around 10 to 12 years. With proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, some can live nearly 15 years.

Watch for any changes in behavior or health issues as the Bassador puppies age. Early detection of certain genetic health problems improves the quality of your dog’s life. Annual vet visits ensure your dog stays healthy and happy throughout their lifetime.

Care And Maintenance Of The Basset Hound Lab Mix

Grooming Needs Including Brushing And Bathing

Bassador’s grooming needs are relatively low maintenance. But they still require regular brushing and occasional bathing. The Bassador has short fur, so you don’t need to worry about dog hair. Brushing your Bassador weekly will remove any loose hairs and prevent matting.

Bathing should only occur when necessary. Overbathing strips away their natural oils and lead to dry skin issues. Clean your Bassador’s ears regularly with veterinarian-recommended cleaning solutions to prevent infections. Daily teeth brushing is recommended, as dog dental hygiene is crucial.

Nutrition And Feeding

Like all dogs, a Bassador requires a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to maintain a healthy weight. Feed them high-quality dog food with plenty of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.

You can supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables for added nutrition. A Bassador can be very food driven. Do not overfeed your Bassador as they experience quick weight gain weight.

Exercise Requirements And How To Provide Mental Stimulation

The Hound Lab Mix is an active and energetic dog. It requires plenty of daily exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Aim to give them at least an hour of physical activity daily. It can include brisk walks, runs, playful games in the backyard or park, or even swimming.

With a mixture of Labrador’s love for fetch and Hound’s love for sniffing scents, playing interactive games can be fun. Hide-and-seek with treats around the house or yard will keep them occupied and entertained. Engage them in challenging activities that allow them to use their instincts.

Provide enough mental stimulation for your Bassador as they become bored easily. Especially when left alone for extended periods. Enroll them in dog sports to build discipline.

Training And Socialization For A Well-behaved And Social Dog

Training and socialization are vital parts of owning a Basset Hound Lab Mix. These dogs are incredibly intelligent, but they can also be stubborn. Socialization should start early on for this medium-sized breed. Basadors need to meet and interact with other people and animals to get used to new situations.

Positive reinforcement techniques like treats or toys work best during training sessions. They respond well to rewards and will quickly learn what is expected of them. Consistent commands by the owner are vital.

Common Health Concerns And How To Prevent Them

All hybrid dogs are prone to genetic health problems. Common health issues for the Basset Hound Lab Mix include hip dysplasia, ear infections, obesity, and bloat.

Health Problem	Description
Hip dysplasia	A genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop correctly. It can lead to pain and mobility problems in dogs.
Ear infections	Common health problems due to the floppy ears inherited from their parent breeds.
Obesity	A growing concern among all dog breeds, including Bassadors. Limit high-calorie diets and always ensure your dog gets enough exercise.
Bloat	Also known as twisted stomach, it is a potential issue that can be fatal. To minimize risk, a proper feeding routine should be established. Serve multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than one big meal.
Glaucoma	The progressive loss of vision. While it may occur in a Bassador, it is common in Basset Hounds.
Ectropion	Occurs in a Bassador puppy with excess skin under the eyes. It causes unnatural drooping of the lower eyelid.
Krabbe’s Disease	Caused by abnormal processing and storage of myelin sheath. This enzyme protects nerves in the brain and spinal cord. A Bassador may experience weakness or muscle tremors. The dog can stop growing and lose control as the condition progresses.

Training And Activities For The Basset Hound Lab Mix

Training and socialization are crucial for a well-behaved and happy Basset Hound Lab Mix. Discover the best ways to train and engage your best friend!

Obedience Training To Improve Behavior

Training is an important aspect of caring for a Basset Hound Lab mix. Obedience training improves their behavior while enhancing your bond with your furry pal. Training sessions should be positive and fun. They must consist of short intervals to keep your dog focused and motivated.

Consistency is key. Ensure that everyone follows the same commands to avoid confusing your pet. Positive reinforcement through treats, praise, or playtime encourages more desirable behaviors than punishing negative ones.

Exercise Routines Including Walks, Runs, And Games To Keep Them Healthy

Regular exercise is essential for optimal health conditions. Here are some exercise ideas:

1. Daily walks: A 30-minute walk daily is good for the Bassador’s physical and mental health. It allows them to explore new environments, socialize with other dogs, and bond with their owners.
2. Swimming: Like their Labrador Retriever parent, Bassadors love water. Swimming is a great way to provide low-impact exercise and help them cool off during hot weather.
3. Running or jogging: If you’re a runner or jogger, your Bassador can be your perfect workout partner! Start slow and gradually build up their endurance capacity.
4. Play fetch: Bassadors love to play fetch! They enjoy chasing balls, sticks, or even frisbees with their strong retriever instincts inherited from their Labrador parent.
5. Agility training: Set up an agility course with tunnels, hurdles, and jumps. It will keep your Bassador mentally stimulated while providing physical exercise.
6. Dog parks: Take your Bassador to the dog park. They can run freely in a safe environment among other dogs.

Overexercising your Bassador can lead to injuries, especially if they have short legs like the Basset Hound parent breed. Consult your veterinarian upon noticing limping or unusual signs in your dog after exercising.

Activities To Stimulate Their Mind And Keep Them Engaged

Mental stimulation is important for a Bassador to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Here are some activities that will keep your Basset Hound Lab Mix engaged:

1. Puzzle toys: Interactive puzzle toys like treat-dispensing balls or puzzles require your dog to work for a reward. It provides mental stimulation and keeps them entertained.
2. Training sessions: Regular training sessions with positive reinforcement improve behavior. It builds their confidence and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
3. Games: Playing fetch, hide-and-seek, or tug-of-war will keep them active and engaged.
4. Nose work: Hide treats around the house or use scent training kits to engage their sense of smell. Give them a fun task to complete and enjoy watching.

FAQs

Is a Bassador a good dog?

The suitability of a Bassador as a pet depends on several factors. It includes their personality, training, socialization, and the owner’s lifestyle. Bassadors make good dogs for families who provide required exercise, mental stimulation, and training.

What is a Bassador?

A Bassador is a mixed breed dog. It is a cross between the two breeds – Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever.

How big do Bassadors get?

The size of a Bassador vary depending on the traits inherited from each parent breed. An adult dog weigh between 40 and 70 pounds and stand up to 24 inches tall.

Are Bassadors hypoallergenic? do basset hounds shed?

No, Bassadors are not considered hypoallergenic. They shed their coat and can produce allergens.

What were Bassadors bred for?

Bassadors were bred to be companions and hunting dogs. They have the intelligence and work ethic of the Labrador Retriever and the keen-smelling sense of the Basset Hound.

Do Bassadors bark a lot?

The barking tendencies of a Bassador vary on their personalities and the traits inherited from each parent breed. They may bark to alert their owners of potential threats. But excessive barking can be minimized through proper training and socialization.

What is the life expectancy of a Basset Hound Lab mix?

The life expectancy of a Basset Hound Lab mix varies depending on their overall health, lifestyle, and genetics. On average, they live between 10 and 15 years.

What are the characteristics of a Lab Basset Hound mix?

A Lab Basset Hound mix is an intelligent, friendly, and affectionate dog. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

How much is a Bassador?

The cost of a Bassador varies depending on their age, pedigree, breeder, rescue organization, or animal shelter. Bassador puppies for sale cost between $800 to $1,500 on average.

Is a Basset Hound a good family dog?

Basset Hounds can make good family dogs. However, they require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Their stubborn nature may require additional training and patience.

What is the temperament of a Basset Hound mix?

Basset Hound mixes are friendly, loyal, and affectionate, sometimes stubborn dogs. They may also have a strong prey drive and a keen sense of smell. It makes them excellent hunting dogs.

Are Basset Hounds good beginner dogs?

Basset Hounds may not be the best choice for beginner dog owners. They have a stubborn streak and can be challenging to train. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors. It may be difficult for inexperienced owners to provide.