Basset Retriever
Hybrid Breed Description
The Basset Retriever is a cross between the Basset Hound and the Golden Retriever. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Basset Retriever. 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 presents a distinctive appearance with its remarkably low-slung body carried on surprisingly short, stocky legs. Standing only thirteen to fifteen inches at the shoulder, these medium to large dogs typically weigh between forty and sixty-five pounds, creating an impression of substantial weight compressed into a compact frame. Their heavy bone structure gives them exceptional stability despite their short stature, while their long, elongated body creates a characteristic rectangular silhouette that is instantly recognizable. The breed's proportions are unique among hounds, with a body length that significantly exceeds their height, contributing to their unmistakable profile. The Basset's head is large and well-proportioned, featuring a broad, slightly domed skull with a wrinkled forehead that contributes to their endearing, somewhat melancholy expression. Their most striking feature is undoubtedly their extremely long, velvety ears that hang well past the jawline and often drag along the ground when the dog lowers its head to track scents. These pendulous ears serve a practical purpose, helping to funnel scent particles toward the nose during tracking work. The eyes are dark and soulful with a gentle, sad appearance enhanced by loose skin around the face and prominent haws. The muzzle is deep and substantial, with loose-fitting lips that contribute to the breed's tendency to drool. The Basset Hound's coat is short, dense, and smooth, requiring minimal grooming while providing adequate weather protection. Color patterns typically include tricolor combinations of black, tan, and white, or bicolor variations such as lemon and white or red and white. The tail is long, slightly curved, and carried high with a cheerful carriage. Their large, round paws provide excellent traction and support for their considerable weight, while the loose, elastic skin creates wrinkles and folds particularly evident around the head and neck, adding to their charmingly droopy appearance that has made them favorites in popular culture and advertising.
Key Characteristics
The Basset Hound possesses a remarkably friendly and easygoing temperament that makes them excellent family companions. These gentle dogs are known for their calm, patient nature and their ability to form strong bonds with all family members, including children and other pets. Originally bred as pack hounds, they retain a strong social nature and genuinely enjoy company, preferring to be around their human family rather than left alone for extended periods. Their pleasant disposition makes them particularly well-suited for households with young children, as they typically exhibit patience and tolerance. Despite their somewhat lazy reputation, Bassets maintain a playful spirit and can be quite energetic during activities they enjoy, particularly when following interesting scents. Training a Basset Hound requires patience and consistency, as these intelligent dogs possess a notable independent streak. While certainly capable of learning, they approach training at their own pace and may display classic hound stubbornness. Their powerful scenting ability, second only to the Bloodhound, can prove distracting during training sessions. Positive reinforcement methods work best, as they respond well to food rewards and gentle encouragement. Early socialization and puppy training classes help establish good habits. Basset Hounds are not typically aggressive and generally greet strangers with friendly curiosity, making them poor guard dogs despite their impressive bark. They can be vocal, possessing a deep, melodious bay. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they may develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking or digging. While not high-energy dogs, they need regular moderate activity to maintain fitness and prevent obesity, to which they are particularly prone. Their friendly, laid-back personality has made them beloved family pets.
The Basset Hound's unique body structure predisposes them to several breed-specific health concerns. The most significant issue is intervertebral disc disease, affecting the spine due to their long back and short legs. This condition occurs when cartilage discs between vertebrae rupture or herniate, causing spinal cord pressure that can result in pain, weakness, or even paralysis. The breed's chondrodystrophy, creating their characteristic short legs, contributes significantly to spinal vulnerability. Bassets are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, where joints develop abnormally, leading to arthritis and mobility challenges. Obesity exacerbates all these orthopedic issues, making weight management absolutely critical. Their long, droopy ears are prone to chronic infections because limited air circulation creates ideal conditions for bacteria and yeast. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring are essential. The breed's loose, wrinkled skin can develop fold dermatitis if not kept clean and dry. Eye problems including glaucoma, cherry eye, entropion, and ectropion occur relatively commonly. Bassets have increased risk of bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus, a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists. This requires smaller, frequent meals. Other genetic conditions include thrombopathia, a bleeding disorder affecting blood clotting, and various allergies causing skin irritation and infections. Wobbler syndrome, affecting neck vertebrae, and patellar luxation also occur with some frequency. Despite these potential concerns, most Bassets live relatively healthy lives spanning twelve to thirteen years when provided with proper veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, moderate exercise, and diligent weight management. Responsible breeders screen for many genetic conditions to reduce affected puppies.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a medium to large-sized sporting breed exhibiting a powerful yet balanced build that reflects its heritage as a working gun dog. Males typically stand twenty-three to twenty-four inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between sixty-five and seventy-five pounds, while females measure slightly smaller at twenty-one to twenty-two inches with weights ranging from fifty-five to sixty-five pounds. The breed displays a well-proportioned, athletic physique with strong bone structure and smooth, efficient movement that speaks to their endurance and agility. Their body length slightly exceeds their height, creating a balanced rectangular outline, while the deep chest provides ample room for heart and lungs necessary for sustained physical activity. The overall impression is one of strength, grace, and capability without any exaggeration of features. The breed's most distinctive feature is undoubtedly its beautiful double coat, which ranges in color from pale cream to rich, dark golden tones, with feathering on the neck, legs, thighs, tail, and underbody adding elegance to their appearance. The outer coat is dense and water-repellent, lying flat or slightly wavy against the body, while a thick undercoat provides insulation and weather protection. This luxurious coat was specifically developed for working in the cold waters and harsh weather of the Scottish Highlands. The head is broad and well-defined with a friendly, intelligent expression enhanced by medium-sized, dark brown eyes that convey kindness and warmth. Their ears are relatively short, triangular in shape, and hang close to the cheeks, set at approximately eye level. Golden Retrievers possess a strong, muscular neck that blends smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders, contributing to their efficient, ground-covering gait. The muzzle is straight and well-chiseled, neither too long nor too short, with tight-fitting lips and a distinctive black or dark brown nose. The tail is thick and muscular at the base, carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve, never curled over the back. This natural tail serves as a rudder when swimming, one of the breed's favorite activities. The overall structure reflects perfect balance between elegance and working ability, with every feature serving a functional purpose while contributing to their undeniable beauty and appeal.
Key Characteristics
Golden Retrievers are renowned for their exceptionally friendly, gentle, and affectionate temperament, often described as having a personality like bottled sunshine. These highly social dogs form deep bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship. Their patient and kind nature makes them outstanding family dogs, particularly with children of all ages, though their exuberant energy when young requires supervision around small children. They typically get along wonderfully with other dogs and household pets when properly socialized, and their universal friendliness extends even to strangers, making them poor guard dogs. This breed genuinely loves everyone and wants to be involved in all family activities. The breed's intelligence ranks them as the fourth most intelligent dog breed, and they are exceptionally eager to please, making them highly trainable for tasks ranging from basic obedience to complex service work. Golden Retrievers excel as guide dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and detection dogs because of their combination of intelligence, trainability, and gentle temperament. However, they require consistent training and mental stimulation to channel their considerable energy appropriately. Without adequate exercise and mental challenges, they may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive chewing or destructive behavior. They mature slowly, maintaining puppy-like exuberance into their second or third year. Golden Retrievers are working dogs at heart with high energy levels and genuine need for purposeful activity. They require at least one hour of vigorous daily exercise, eagerly participating in swimming, fetching, running, hiking, and dog sports. Their retrieving instinct remains strong, and they love carrying objects in their soft mouths. These dogs do not do well when left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety. They need to live inside with their families and be treated as integral family members.
Golden Retrievers face several significant health concerns, most notably an alarmingly high cancer rate affecting approximately sixty percent of the breed. Cancer has become the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers, with hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and mast cell tumors being most common. Hemangiosarcoma typically affects the spleen, liver, and heart, often progressing undetected until advanced stages. This high cancer incidence has prompted extensive research efforts. Early detection through regular veterinary examinations and attention to subtle changes remains crucial for improving outcomes. Orthopedic problems represent another major concern, with hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occurring frequently. These conditions involve abnormal joint development where the ball and socket don't fit properly, causing grinding, pain, and progressive arthritis. Genetics play a significant role, though environmental factors like rapid growth, obesity, and excessive exercise before skeletal maturity can exacerbate conditions. Reputable breeders screen parent dogs to reduce incidence. Weight management, appropriate exercise, and joint supplements can help manage symptoms, though severe cases may require surgery. Additional orthopedic concerns include cruciate ligament tears and luxating patellas. Golden Retrievers are also prone to eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma, which can lead to vision impairment. Skin conditions are common, particularly ichthyosis causing scaly skin, along with allergies manifesting as itching, ear infections, and irritation. The breed faces increased bloat risk due to deep chest structure. Heart conditions including subvalvular aortic stenosis and dilated cardiomyopathy affect some individuals. Hypothyroidism occurs with moderate frequency. Despite these health concerns, with proper care, most Golden Retrievers enjoy good quality of life for ten to twelve years.
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 Retriever 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 Golden Retriever to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.