Basset Pointer
The Basset Pointer is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Pointer. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Basset Pointer. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a short-legged, heavy-boned scent hound of substantial size and presence despite standing no more than 14 inches at the shoulder. Males typically weigh 50 to 65 pounds and females 45 to 60 pounds, with a body that is considerably longer than it is tall. The breed's most immediately recognizable features are its extremely long, velvety ears set low on the head, its deeply wrinkled brow creating a permanently melancholic expression, and its loose, elastic skin that hangs in pronounced folds along the face and body. The large, domed skull houses an olfactory system rivaled only by the Bloodhound, with approximately 220 million scent receptors that make the Basset Hound one of the most capable tracking dogs in existence. The breed's distinctive short, crooked forelegs are the result of a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, deliberately selected to produce a dog that could follow scent trails at a pace slow enough for a hunter to keep up on foot. The massive paws turn slightly outward, providing stability for the heavy frame. The chest is deep and full, extending well below the elbow and providing ample room for the heart and lungs. The tail is long, tapering, and carried upright with a slight curve, featuring a white tip that serves as a visible flag for hunters tracking the dog through tall brush and undergrowth. The coat is smooth, short, and dense, providing adequate weather protection without the maintenance demands of longer-coated breeds. The classic tricolor pattern of black, white, and tan is most common, though the breed also appears in lemon and white, red and white, and various other hound markings. The coat sheds moderately year-round and requires only weekly brushing to manage loose hair. The breed's overall silhouette is one of strength, substance, and dignified purpose, combining an endearing, somewhat comical appearance with the functional anatomy of a serious working scenthound.
Key Characteristics
The Basset Hound possesses one of the most agreeable temperaments in the hound group, combining a gentle, patient nature with a stubborn independence that reflects centuries of autonomous scent work. This breed is notably mild-mannered and tolerant, qualities that make it one of the better hound breeds for family life. Basset Hounds are exceptionally good with children, displaying remarkable patience even with very young, unpredictable children, and they coexist peacefully with other dogs thanks to their strong pack instincts developed through generations of working in groups. The breed is friendly toward strangers and lacks the suspicion or protective aggression found in guardian breeds, making it a poor watchdog despite its impressive, deep voice. The Basset Hound's primary behavioral characteristic is its absolute devotion to scent. When a Basset Hound locks onto an interesting trail, it enters a state of focused determination that overrides virtually every other stimulus, including the commands of its handler. This scent obsession makes recall training genuinely challenging, and the breed should never be exercised off-leash in unsecured areas. The Basset's stubbornness is legendary within the dog world and is not defiance in the confrontational sense but rather the single-minded pursuit of olfactory information that the dog considers far more important than whatever its owner is requesting. Training requires patience, consistency, and food motivation, as the Basset's powerful appetite provides the most reliable motivational tool available. Despite this independence, the breed is deeply social and does not tolerate isolation well, often expressing its displeasure through prolonged, resonant baying that carries remarkable distance.
The Basset Hound's distinctive physical structure creates several breed-specific health vulnerabilities. The elongated spine combined with short legs predisposes the breed to intervertebral disc disease, a condition in which the cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate or herniate, potentially causing back pain, reduced mobility, or in severe cases paralysis. Weight management is the single most important preventive measure, as excess body weight dramatically increases mechanical stress on the spine. The breed's deep, pendulous ears trap moisture and limit air circulation within the ear canal, creating ideal conditions for chronic otitis externa that requires consistent preventive cleaning. Gastric dilatation-volvulus poses a risk consistent with the breed's deep chest conformation. Feeding multiple smaller meals rather than one large daily feeding and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after eating help reduce the risk. The loose skin around the eyes predisposes to entropion and ectropion, conditions in which the eyelids roll inward or droop outward, potentially causing corneal irritation or conjunctival exposure. Cherry eye, the prolapse of the third eyelid gland, is also seen at elevated frequency. Hip and elbow dysplasia affect the breed, with OFA data indicating significant prevalence. Obesity is an ongoing concern given the breed's hearty appetite and relatively low activity level, and maintaining appropriate body weight helps mitigate multiple orthopedic and metabolic risks. Glaucoma and von Willebrand disease type I have also been documented in the breed.
Pointer
The Pointer, sometimes called the English Pointer to distinguish it from other pointing breeds, is a medium to large sporting dog built for speed, endurance, and athletic grace. Males stand 25 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 75 pounds, while females measure 23 to 26 inches and weigh 45 to 65 pounds. The breed's silhouette is lean, muscular, and balanced, communicating the power and stamina required for long days of fieldwork without a trace of heaviness or clumsiness. The head is carried high and features a pronounced stop, a long muzzle with wide nostrils for maximum scent intake, and an expression that conveys alert intelligence and readiness. The body is compact and well-proportioned, with a deep chest providing ample lung capacity, well-sprung ribs, and a strong, slightly arched loin. The shoulders are long and sloping, allowing the free, ground-covering stride that is the breed's hallmark. The hindquarters are powerful and well-angulated, providing the driving force for the breed's characteristic gallop. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a fine point, and carried on a level with the back or slightly above, never curled over the back. The feet are oval, well-arched, and tight, designed for sustained movement across varied terrain. The coat is short, dense, smooth, and close-lying, with a lustrous sheen that reflects the breed's overall health and condition. The coat provides minimal insulation but adequate protection for fieldwork in temperate climates. Colors include liver and white, lemon and white, black and white, orange and white, and solid variations of each, with heavy ticking or freckling throughout the white areas being common and desirable. The breed's clean lines, athletic build, and noble carriage have made it one of the most admired sporting dogs worldwide, equally respected in the field, the show ring, and the home.
Key Characteristics
The Pointer's temperament reflects its heritage as a high-performance sporting dog developed to work in close cooperation with a human handler. The breed is energetic, enthusiastic, and deeply bonded to its family, displaying a warmth and affection that intensifies with the quality of the relationship. Pointers are notably even-tempered and gentle, qualities that make them excellent family dogs despite their considerable energy level. They are patient with children, friendly toward strangers, and generally cooperative with other dogs, though their high prey drive means small animals may trigger chase behavior. The Pointer's energy level is substantial and genuine. This is a breed developed for sustained athletic performance in the field, and it retains that stamina in a companion setting. A Pointer that does not receive adequate daily exercise will become restless, anxious, and potentially destructive. The breed excels at running, hiking, swimming, and any activity that allows it to use its athletic abilities. Field trials, agility, and other organized canine sports provide excellent outlets for the breed's energy and working drive. Unlike many hound breeds, the Pointer is reasonably biddable and trainable, responding well to positive reinforcement methods and displaying a genuine desire to please its handler. However, it can be sensitive to harsh corrections, which may produce anxiety or avoidance rather than compliance. The breed's combination of athleticism, intelligence, and affection makes it one of the most versatile sporting dogs available, equally capable in the field and as a devoted family companion.
The Pointer is generally a healthy, robust breed with fewer genetic health problems than many other breeds of comparable size. Hip dysplasia affects the breed at moderate rates, and OFA radiographic screening of breeding stock is recommended. Epilepsy has been documented in the breed, with idiopathic epilepsy being the most common form, typically manifesting between one and five years of age. The condition is manageable with anticonvulsant medication in most cases, though affected dogs should not be bred. Hypothyroidism occurs at rates consistent with many medium to large breeds and is manageable with daily oral supplementation. Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts have been reported, making periodic ophthalmologic examination advisable. Neurotropic osteopathy, a rare condition affecting the breed's skeletal system, has been documented in Pointers specifically and involves progressive joint destruction due to nerve damage. Allergic skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, are seen with some frequency and may require lifelong management through allergen avoidance, dietary modification, or medication. The breed's lean build and thin skin make it susceptible to cuts and abrasions during fieldwork, though these are management concerns rather than genetic health issues. Bloat poses a moderate risk given the breed's deep chest, and the standard precautions regarding feeding and exercise timing apply.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Basset Pointer may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Basset Hound and Pointer to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.