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basset retriever mixed dog breed pictures 1 - Basset Retriever

Basset Retriever

The Basset Retriever is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Basset Hound and Golden Retriever dog breeds. Friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.

You can find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add one of these pups to your home!

The Basset Retriever is a great family dog with a mild-mannered disposition, a willingness to please, and a loving and devoted nature. The mixed breed is extra friendly and gets along well with children, although due their hunting heritage, they will require a high amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. These dogs do best with active and busy families.

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:10 to 14 inchesWeight:40 to 70 poundsLife Span:10 to 12 years

More About This Breed

Highlights

  • Basset Retrievers are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Basset Hound and Golden Retriever parents.
  • The main colors that the coat of the Basset Retriever comes in are black, chocolate, golden, and white.
  • When it comes down to a grooming routine, brushing the coat once a week should suffice. The Basset Retriever is not a dog known for heavy shedding.
  • The Basset Retriever is usually a great fit with kids. Make sure to supervise playtime.
  • When it comes to other household pets, the Basset Retriever’s innate hunting instincts can result in it seeing cats and other small animals as prey to chase after. Strict boundaries must be set early on
  • The Basset Retriever is an energetic and active dog who will require around an hour of exercise every day. Ideally, this will be in an area where the dog is able to run freely and socialize with other pooches.
  • The Basset Retriever’s folded-over ears will require special attention. Look out for signs of infection or dirt building up and make sure to clean them regularly.

History

As a newer designer dog breed, you won’t find much in the way of accurate history on record about the Basset Retriever, although it is said that the mixed breed originated in France. Digging into the backgrounds of the dog’s parent breeds gives you a good handle on their heritage.

The Golden Retriever began as a hunting dog back in Victorian times. Since then, they have become one of the most popular dogs in the United States.

When it comes to the Basset Hound, the breed was also originally used as a hunting dog, where they became renowned for mixing up playful and stubborn streaks. These days, Basset Hounds are recommended as great companion dogs.

Even though the Basset Retriever got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the mixed breed for you!

Size

The Basset Retriever is a medium dog. As is always the case with newer dog breeds, exact size standards might vary.

Most weigh in at 40 to 70 pounds and range in height from ten to 14 inches.

Personality

The Basset Retriever is a strong mix of their parent breeds’ personalities. On the Golden Retriever side, we have a dog who’s energetic and always looking to please the humans in their life, while the Basset Hound can be more than a little stubborn and, oftentimes, lazy.

Out of this, the Basset Retriever is usually a great family dog who will form loving and playful bonds with the adults and children in their life–as long as early socialization is carried out correctly.

Being such a smart pooch, the Basset Retriever needs to be kept mentally stimulated–so you’ll want to provide smart toys and also keep up a solid training regime so that the dog can continually be tested to learn new tricks. Exercise is also key for the dog. While Basset Retrievers can adapt to smaller living spaces in general, they will still need ample outdoor access. A safe and fenced-in back yard would be perfect.

Health

Basset Retrievers are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the mixed breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Basset Hound and Golden Retriever face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your dog’s vet.

Some of the more common health problems Basset Retrievers suffer from include:

  • Eye issues
  • Elbow dysplasia

Care

As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Basset Retriever’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

The Basset Retriever is an energetic and active dog who will require around an hour of exercise every day. Ideally, this will be in an area where the dog is able to run freely and socialize with other pooches. Due to the mixed breed’s high intelligence, you’ll also want to include games and tasks that stimulate their mind as well as their body. Do not let your Basset Retriever get bored or sucked into the same old routine.

Beyond exercise, the Basset Retriever’s folded-over ears will require special attention. Look out for signs of infection or dirt building up and make sure to clean them regularly.

Trim the dog’s nails every couple of weeks, and also check paw pads every few weeks for any signs of damage that might have occurred during outdoors adventures. Also, ask your vet about how best to carry out regular teeth brushings.

Feeding

An ideal Basset Retriever diet should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy.

Basset Retrievers need to stick to a healthy diet as overeating can cause weight gain and associated health problems, especially if adequate exercise isn’t offered.

As with all dogs, the Basset Retriever’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Basset Retriever’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.

Coat Color And Grooming

The main colors that the coat of the Basset Retriever comes in are black, chocolate, golden, and white.

The mixed breed’s coat can be either short or long, depending on which of the parent breeds is most dominant. Usually, the coat is shiny and soft to the touch. When it comes down to a grooming routine, brushing the coat once a week should suffice. The Basset Retriever is not a dog known for heavy shedding.

When it comes to climate, the Basset Retriever is an adaptable dog who can usually live happily in most climates. But remember to dress the mixed breed up in a dog coat if it gets very cold outside, and always make sure adequate shade and fresh water is provided when the temperature spikes.

Children And Other Pets

The Basset Retriever is usually a great fit with kids. Due to the dog’s playful nature, don’t be surprised to find any children becoming best play pals with the dog. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set.

When it comes to other household pets, the Basset Retriever’s innate hunting instincts can result in it seeing cats and other small animals as prey to chase after. Strict boundaries must be set early on if you’re introducing the dog to a household with existing animals.

Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Basset Retriever for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family.

Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Basset Retrievers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Basset Hound or Golden Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:

  • Belly Rubs Basset Rescue
  • As Good as Gold
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