Basset Retrievers: Your Complete Guide

Basset retrievers are a hybrid mixed dog, sometimes referred to as a designer dog. This breed is a cross between the large and loving golden retriever and the smaller, somewhat stubborn, and loyal basset hound. Basset retrievers are not the most well-known mixed breed, but they are wonderful family dogs that are growing in popularity as more individuals learn about them.

Our complete guide gives you all of the details you need to know about this breed if you are considering adopting one, including the basset retriever’s temperament, their care needs, and whether or not this dog might be the most fitting breed for your lifestyle.

Quick Look at the Basset Retriever

Below, you can take a quick look at the basic facts of the basset retriever to learn more about what they might look like, their lifespan, their general temperament, and their grooming needs.

What Is the History of Basset Retrievers?

The basset retriever is known as a hybrid dog breed, or a designer mixed breed. This dog is created with a cross between the standard golden retriever and the standard basset hound, producing a dog that ranges in size between medium and large.

The basset retriever is known for having a mix of traits that make both of its parent breeds loveable, and you may find that your basset retriever has more traits of their golden retriever parent, more of their basset hound parent, or a perfect mix of both.

It is hard to track down the exact history of the basset retriever, as this is a relatively new mixed breed dog. This breed has likely been around for a few decades and is becoming more popular today as families and breeders take note of this pup.

That being said, it might still be difficult to find a breeder or rescue for basset retrievers, and there is no breed standard for this dog, so your basset retriever may have any size, coloration, and temperament.

It is important to note that the basset hound was originally a hunting dog, as was the golden retriever. This makes the basset retriever a very loyal dog with high intelligence and a great need for exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs make good family dogs, but they are also great companions to individuals who love staying active alongside their pups.

What Do Basset Retrievers Look Like?

The appearance of a basset retriever can vary quite a bit, as there are no standards or expectations of appearance of this mixed breed.

You can expect your basset retriever to have a combination of traits that belong to the basset hound and golden retriever. Most of the time, your basset retriever will have a shorter and stockier body, straight and silky fur, and droopy ears or eyes characteristic of the basset hound. They may have the face shape of a golden retriever and the tail of a golden retriever.

To get a better idea of what your basset retriever will look like, you can look at both of the parents and any other fully grown puppies that the parent dogs have produced.

Typically, a basset retriever will have a golden, brown, or black coat in a solid color, but bi-color and tri-color markings with hints of white are also often seen. The coat colors will be a combination of typical basset hound and golden retriever colors.

What Size Is a Basset Retriever?

The size of a basset retriever varies between medium and large. Your dog might end up having more basset hound traits and staying smaller, or they may inherit the genetics to be larger and taller like a golden retriever. On average, a basset retriever will weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, and they will stand between 10 and 14 inches tall at the shoulder.

What Is a Basset Retriever’s Coat Type and Length?

The basset retriever’s coat type and length will usually be a mix of both basset hound and golden retriever coats. It can be short to medium in length, soft, silky, and straight. Most of the time, your basset retriever’s coat will be tangle-free, but you will need to brush it a few times a week to remove any dead hair and keep it looking its best.

What Is a Basset Retriever’s Temperament?

The temperament of a basset retriever depends on the specific traits they inherit from their parents, though both basset hounds and golden retrievers are known to be loyal, loving, and affectionate. These dogs might have a hint of stubbornness thanks to the basset hound’s influence, though they are generally affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners.

Your basset retriever is likely to be energetic and playful, and they will need lots of playtime and mental stimulation to ensure they stay happy. These dogs will also need socialization from an early age to keep them gentle around other dogs, as they may sometimes be guarded or chase other animals due to their hunting instincts.

Are Basset Retrievers Good With Kids?

Basset retrievers can be good with children, as both basset hounds and golden retrievers are relatively good choices for families with children.

Sometimes, the basset retriever can be a little stubborn or grumpy, which means they might not be the best choice for those with very loud or young children who don’t know how to properly interact with dogs yet. However, these dogs are generally very tolerant, and they can fit in well with any kind of family.

Are Basset Retrievers Good With Other Animals?

Your basset retriever may be good with other animals, but this does depend on their individual personality and how strong their inherited hunting instincts are. Some basset retrievers love to chase other animals and they will need plenty of training to ensure they stay at your side and avoid running after small animals or other pets in your home.

In general, this dog is fairly social and they can get along well with other dogs and cats, though you should monitor your dog around prey animals and smaller cats to ensure no chasing takes place.

Are Basset Retrievers Aggressive?

Basset retrievers are not known to be particularly aggressive, and neither parent breed of this dog is notable for aggressive behavior. These dogs could potentially be territorial around food or other items towards other dogs, cats, or people in the home, but this is something that can easily be fixed with proper training and behavioral modification.

On average, you can expect a basset retriever to be friendly, sociable, and relatively calm.

Do Basset Retrievers Bark?

While golden retrievers aren’t known to bark a lot, basset hounds are, and this could mean your basset retriever is either very loud, not loud at all, or a mix of both. The bark of a basset hound is quite loud and distinctive, and if your dog takes more after their basset hound parent, this could be a slight problem if you live somewhere with noise restrictions.

However, these dogs do take well to training, and you will likely be able to curb your basset retriever’s loud behavior.

If your basset retriever takes more after their golden retriever parent, you can expect them to be relatively quiet and only bark when instructed to, to alert you to something, or as a part of play.

Are Basset Retrievers Affectionate?

Basset retrievers are fairly affectionate. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners, they enjoy attention, and they warm up rather quickly to strangers. Much of this friendly and loving attitude is due to the influence of the golden retriever, though if your dog takes more after their basset hound parent, they might be a little bit more reserved with strangers.

These dogs typically love to be pet, and they enjoy cuddling on the couch after a long day of exercise and play.

Are Basset Retrievers Intelligent?

Basset retrievers are considered intelligent, and both of the parent breeds of a basset retriever are considered fairly smart and trainable. These dogs are curious, eager to please, and alert, and they love to learn new things.

With a history of working as a hunting dog, basset retrievers typically need lots of mental stimulation in the form of training or other exercise and working jobs to stay happy around the home.

Are Basset Retrievers Energetic?

Your basset retriever will be fairly energetic, and these dogs are typically playful. You will need to walk your basset retriever at least two to three times a day, and they will also need a dedicated hour or two of playtime each day.

You can help your basset retriever socialize and get lots of their energy out by taking them on regular visits to a local dog park or by including them when you undertake outdoor activities like hiking.

It is important to note that smaller basset retrievers or those that take more after their basset hound parent might not need as much exercise as larger dogs or those that are more reminiscent of the golden retriever.

Are Basset Retrievers Easy to Train?

The basset retriever is relatively easy to train thanks to their intelligence, their history as hunting dogs, and their overall willingness to please their owners. These dogs can learn more complex tasks, and basset retrievers that are larger and more agile may even be able to learn agility training.

You can expect your basset retriever to be very alert and intelligent, and they will easily pick up on new routines and skills; training is almost essential for this dog to remain mentally stimulated and happy.

Are Basset Retrievers Good Watchdogs?

Basset retrievers make fairly good watchdogs, as they are often observant and generally not afraid to be loud to alert their owners of a threat. However, they are not the best guard dogs, as most basset retrievers are too friendly and happy to see other people to be much of a threat, though they are generally protective over their families if the situation calls for it.

Are Basset Retrievers Good Service Dogs?

A basset retriever could make a good service dog, but this does depend on their size and whether or not they have a little bit of stubbornness that comes from the basset hound side of their heritage.

Golden retrievers are considered one of the most ideal breeds for service dog work due to their gentle natures, intelligence, and willingness to please their owners, and these pups love to work alongside their handler. Basset hounds are equally intelligent and willing to learn and perform service dog tasks, though they might not be strong enough or large enough for certain tasks.

It is possible to have your basset retriever complete service dog work, emotional support animal work, or therapy dog work as they are fairly open to learning and working, though you will need to take into account their size and physical ability when evaluating their ability to perform service dog tasks.

How to Care for a Basset Retriever?

The basset retriever isn’t a particularly high-maintenance dog, but you will need to adhere to some basic care routines to ensure they are happy and healthy while at your side.

In general, you will need to walk your basset retriever two to three times a day, ensure they have regular daily playtime, and take them on outings to dog parks and on hikes.

Your basset retriever will need training and socialization to help them get along well with other dogs and stay mentally stimulated, and this dog will likely take well to working alongside you if you live on a farm or somewhere similar.

You will need to give your basset retriever their own space in your home with a bed, toys, food, water, and treats, and your basset retriever will need annual veterinary visits to ensure they stay in good health.

Make sure that your basset retriever receives lots of cuddles and affection, and that you don’t leave them alone for too long, as this can lead to loneliness or destructive behaviors.

Do You Need to Groom a Basset Retriever?

Your basset retriever will have around average grooming needs, and their fur will generally be short to medium in length, silky, and smooth. The type of fur on a basset retriever doesn’t matt or knot easily, though you will need to brush them once or twice a week to contain shedding and remove any dead hair.

You can take your basset retriever to a professional groomer every few months to get their coat trimmed as necessary and to ensure they stay looking and feeling their best.

Do Basset Retrievers Shed?

Your basset retriever may shed an average to slightly above average amount depending on how long their coat is and if they have more of their golden retriever parent’s genetics, as the golden retriever is known for its higher shedding amounts. Regular brushings and baths can help you contain shedding around your home. The basset retriever is not known for being hypoallergenic.

What Health Problems Do Basset Retrievers Have?

Like many breeds of dogs, the basset retriever is prone to certain health issues due to genetics. In the case of the basset retriever, they may inherit health problems from either of their parent breeds. Health problems to look out for with this breed include:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Bleeding disorders
• Eye issues
• Cancer
• Bloat

Proper care, exercise, and a healthy diet in addition to regular veterinary visits are the best ways to prevent health issues and catch health problems before they become too serious.

How Long Do Basset Retrievers Live?

The basset retriever has an average lifespan of between ten to twelve years, though they may live longer or shorter depending on their care and any health issues that arise.

What Should a Basset Retriever Eat?

Exactly how much your basset retriever eats depends on their specific size and activity level. In general, basset retrievers are fairly active, and they will need more calories the larger they are. You can feed your basset retriever between one and three cups of high-quality wet or dry food per day, split up into two to four meals.

Make sure to check the exact caloric content of the food you are feeding your dog to prevent overfeeding, and speak to your veterinarian if you have any questions about how much or what to feed your pup.

Is a Basset Retriever the Right Dog for Me?

The basset retriever is a fairly new mixed breed dog, and this breed is often referred to as a ‘designer breed.’ Basset retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate, and this playful dog makes a good addition to families or to homes full of active individuals.

Make sure that your basset retriever receives plenty of exercise, socialization, and training to ensure they stay physically and mentally stimulated, and spend lots of time giving them the affection they desire so you and your pup are happy throughout your lives together.