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Basset Retriever (Basset Hound & Golden Retriever Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Basset Retriever (Basset Hound & Golden Retriever Mix)

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 40–70 pounds
Lifespan: 8–12 years
Colors: Golden, brown, fawn, cream, white
Suitable for: Families that would like a canine companion, active people with time to spare, homes with children and other pets
Temperament: Sweet, loyal, intelligent, playful, friendly, calm, eager to please

If you’re looking for the quintessential family dog that is ready for either a hike or a lazy day in front of the fire, this mixed breed is for you. The Basset Retriever is a designer hybrid that is half Golden Retriever and half Basset Hound. Although both parents have quite different personalities, they make one great mixed dog for the family!

As we all know, there is a lot more to owning a dog than their family values, though. This is especially true when we are talking about a medium- to large-sized pup like this. There’s no need to throw away your canine companion dreams, however! We are here with all the info that you need. Read on for all the details about their diets, exercise needs, grooming care, and even the best way to find a puppy.

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Basset Retriever Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Like with most designer breeds, there is not a lot of documented information about the Basset Retriever. That said, you can get quite a bit of info from looking at their ancestors and checking in with current owners of this breed.

This cute and playful puppy will keep you laughing with their antics. They tend to be a bit on the clumsy side, and they often mistake themselves for ferocious beasts. They will love to tackle, pounce, and hunt their “prey” with happy abandon.

The puppy years do fly by, though. So, the most important thing to remember is that training your Basset Retriever now will make your life much easier later!

Parent Breeds of the Basset Retriever
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Basset Retriever 🧠

The Basset Retriever’s personality and characteristics can go one way or the other, depending on which side of the family is more dominant. The Golden Retriever, for example, is active with a need to make you happy at all times. The Basset Hound, however, tends to be lazy. They can also have a stubborn streak.

Be that as it may, you can typically expect this pup to exhibit both of these personality aspects. Furthermore, they are friendly, social, and intelligent dogs that are extremely loyal. They thrive in a family setting and do well with consistent interaction with their human family. They can also be quite protective.

This is a dog you will find to be calm with little to no anger or aggression. In fact, even as adults, they can be a bit clumsy and goofy. The Basset Retriever is also a hard worker, determined, and independent and can be stubborn at times. Overall, though, their jolly nature is usually dominant.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Absolutely! This is a great family dog with very few exceptions to the rule. They are great with toddlers and older children. They will become protective of the little ones, follow them around, and be eager to hang out with the older kids. As mentioned, this designer dog thrives in a family atmosphere. Boisterous and loud gatherings are right up their alley.

That said, this is also a good choice of pup if you live alone, as long as you have a lot of time to spend with them. With their eagerness to please, they rely heavily on the connection between them and you. Though they won’t typically suffer from separation anxiety, they will become depressed if you are away a lot.

If you are allowed to bring your pet along with you to the office or job site, they will be in doggie heaven. The same goes for families. You will get the most from your Basset Retriever if they are included in most activities.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes, they do! With their calm and friendly nature, this is a pup that will be happy to make new canine friends. Whether those friends or at the dog park, this hybrid is eager for someone to play with. Interestingly, they seem to be just as eager to please four-legged friends as two-legged friends.

The Basset Retriever also does well with other pets such as cats, rabbits, or guinea pigs. This is conditional on whether they were socialized as a puppy, however. Both of their parents were hunting dogs, so the prey drive is alive and well. With early training, though, their laidback cheerfulness is more likely to take over. Also, they are not an aggressive canine.

golden retriever and basset hound
Golden Retriever and Basset Hound, the parent breeds of the Basset Retriever | Image Credit: Joy Brown, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Basset Retriever

The Basset Retriever has so many good qualities that you may be asking yourself why you haven’t made the decision already. The answer is their overall care. It does not matter how awesome a pet’s personality is if you can’t take care of them properly. It will only cause you a lot of stress and cause them to suffer.

So, take a look at the BR’s care guide here.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Food is a consistent expense that you will be responsible for throughout your dog’s life. Keep in mind, though, that while the cost may be consistent, the diet will not be. As your pet grows from a puppy to an adult dog and then later into a senior pet, their diet will also change.

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that your Basset Retriever is getting the right nutrients is to discuss a meal plan with your vet. They will be able to provide you with the right amount of supplements, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to be healthy. For example, there are many benefits and drawbacks to different types of protein. There are also some benefits to single proteins, different carbohydrates, grains, fiber, and even fat. All of these details will make a difference in your pet’s overall health.

Snacks and Other Dietary Concerns

Besides their meal plan, you want to ask your vet about snacks and treats. This is an important part of your canine’s diet, and it will create a bond between the two of you. If you are ever unsure, go with treats that are low in sugar and salt. Also, look for products that are natural and organic and have no artificial ingredients.

Other than that, you can expect this hybrid to eat about 1 cup of food two times per day. It’s important that you also monitor their eating, as this breed is prone to weight gain and obesity. Keeping their meals as healthy as possible, and forgoing table scraps is key in keeping them fit and active.

Exercise 🐕

The Basset Retriever is a medium- to large-sized dog that is active and playful, yet they only require a moderate amount of daily exercise. They should be taken on at least one 1-hour walk or jog per day, though many pet parents prefer to split that between two 30-minute walks a day. This, coupled with some backyard or dog park playtime, is enough to keep them lean, active, and healthy. Keep in mind that not only is this designer breed prone to obesity, but they can also be a touch lazy. You want to make sure you are encouraging them to get outside to play.

Speaking of outside, the BassetRetriever does equally well in a house or an apartment. As long as they are getting adequate activity daily, they will thrive in either a living environment. Plus, they are eager to please and be with you, so if you want to run around outside, they will be right behind you!

Mental Stimulation

The Basset Retriever also comes from two working/hunting dogs that are very intelligent. Your pup inherited the brains, so they will also need mental stimulation to keep from being bored. They are a big fan of frisbee, fetch, rope pull, and any other activity you can do together.

They also enjoy learning tricks and other tasks. If you are a hunter, they will be a great companion, but even if you are not teaching them new things, plenty of playtime will ensure they are happy.

Training 🦮

The Basset Retriever is an easy pup to train with positive reinforcement. With their high intelligence and eagerness to please, you will not have a problem teaching them the basics of obedience, behavior, and housebreaking rules. They will also take quickly to socialization.

Keep in mind, however, that there is a chance your pup may inherit some stubbornness from their Basset Hound parent. If this is the case, you want to keep up with positive reinforcement but also be as consistent as possible. Repetition is the name of the game for stubborn pups. After all, their need to please you and the promise of a treat will quickly outweigh any tenacious thoughts.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming will depend on which side of the family tree your pup’s coat comes from. If they have the longer Golden Retriever fur, it is recommended that you brush them three times a week with a rake comb to get out knots and tangles. Doing so will also keep mats from forming and help with shedding.

If they have the shorter fur of the Basset Hound, you can reduce brushing to twice a week and use a rubber brush to keep them shiny and smooth. This type of grooming tool will also reduce any loose fur. Both coats have moderate sheds that should be taken care of with brushing. You can also bathe them as needed.

You will need to brush their teeth as often as possible to keep germs and bacteria at bay. Tartar and plaque can cause your pet’s hygiene to deteriorate, which is why it’s also a good idea to see a vet annually for check-ups.

Clipping your Basset Retriever’s nails should be done on an as-needed basis. As the golden rule says, if you can hear them clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. A guillotine clipper or grinder wheel works particularly well for this breed.

Ear Care

The last aspect of their care you need to be aware of is their ear maintenance. You will need to check and clean their ears several times a week. This is especially important if they have the flopped-over variety. Bacteria and other germs can easily hide in there, causing infection.

You will want to inspect them for redness, swelling, mites, and a buildup of earwax. You also should wipe the ear clean with an ear wash solution for dogs. What’s more, make sure you dry their eras thoroughly, as left behind moisture can also cause an issue.

Health and Conditions ❤️

All dogs can develop some kind of illness or health concern in their lifetime. It is even more likely if the parents suffer from any specific disease that could be passed down. Luckily, the Basset Retriever is a pretty healthy pup. To be safe, however, we have listed some ailments you should be aware of.

Minor Conditions
  • Entropion
  • Cherry eye
  • Cataracts
  • Obesity
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions

Based on lifestyle, health, age, and weight, there is still a possibility of your pet coming down with an illness. To keep their health as robust as possible, you should have them checked out by your vet once a year.

Male vs. Female

There don’t seem to be many differences between the two sexes for this hybrid breed. Basset Hound and Golden Retriever males tend to be larger than their female counterparts, though not by much. Female Basset Hounds tend to be more independent than males, and same-sex Goldens don’t always get along with each other, but your Basset Retriever may not match these characteristics at all.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Basset Retriever

1. They are a new designer breed.

The Basset Retriever is a new canine to the scene, thought to have originated in France in the last two decades. That being said, it is unsure why these two breeds were mixed.


2. The Golden Retriever parent is very popular.

The Golden Retriever has long been one of the most popular dogs in the United States. They came into existence during the Victorian era, when they were used as hunting dogs and companions.


3. Their appearance isn’t guaranteed.

The Basset Retriever’s appearance can vary depending on which parent they take after. For the most part, though, they have the squat and low body of the Basset Hound and the facial features and fur of the Golden Retriever.

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Final Thoughts

We hope that you have enjoyed this overview of the Basset Retriever. This is a loyal, happy, and playful dog that makes a great family companion. They are not hard to take care of, get along well with other pets, and can be around young children.

This designer breed thrives on human interaction. If you are looking for a canine companion to enjoy life with, we believe this may be a good choice for you. They have a calm demeanor and adorable antics that will melt your heart.


Featured Image Credit: Jon Osumi, Shutterstock

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