• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Basset Retriever Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Basset Retriever so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank847
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Basset Retriever With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Basset Retriever dog profile picture
OriginFrance flagFrance Scotland flagScotland
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Basset Retriever? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Basset Hound and Golden Retriever mix

Basset Retriever Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Basset Retriever? Learn how big the Basset Retriever breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a Basset Retriever weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Basset Retriever breed.
Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Basset Retriever?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Basset Retriever? Basset Retriever height:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Basset Retriever?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Basset Retriever Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Basset Retriever puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Basset Retriever costs.
$1000-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Basset Retriever, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Basset Retriever for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Basset Retriever gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Basset Retriever? How many Basset Retriever are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Basset Retriever is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Basset Retriever Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Basset Retriever? Discover the Basset Retriever's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Basset Retriever ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Basset Retriever? Learn about the Basset Retriever's trainability and response to training methods.
Basset Retriever dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Basset Retriever as a watchdog? Learn about the Basset Retriever's alertness and guarding instincts.
Basset Retriever dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Basset Retriever protective of its territory? Learn about the Basset Retriever's guarding instincts and behavior.
Basset Retriever dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Basset Retriever Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Basset Retriever have? Learn about characteristic Basset Retriever temperament and behavior traits.
IntelligentConfidentFriendlyAffectionateReliableDevotedGentleTemperedKindSweetTenaciousTrustworthy
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Basset Retriever sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Basset Retriever dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Basset Retriever a good family dog?
High: Basset Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Basset Retriever need? Basset Retriever social needs:
Basset Retriever dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Basset Retriever to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Basset Retriever roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Basset Retriever is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Basset Retriever have high prey drive?
Basset Retriever dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Basset Retriever dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Basset Retriever Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Basset Retriever bark a lot? Learn about typical Basset Retriever vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Basset Retriever barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Basset Retriever? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Basset Retriever breed.
The Basset Retriever is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Basset Retriever live in an apartment? Learn about the Basset Retriever's suitability for apartment living.
It is not recommended to keep the Basset Retriever breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the Basset Retriever indoors by introducing daily routines.

Basset Retriever Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Basset Retriever to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Basset Retriever's flexibility to new situations.
Basset Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Basset Retriever be left alone? Learn about the Basset Retriever's tolerance to solitude.
Basset Retriever dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Basset Retriever Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Basset Retriever biting potential? Learn about the Basset Retriever's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Basset Retriever has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Basset Retriever mouthy? Learn about the Basset Retriever's tendency to use mouth during play.
Basset Retriever dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Basset Retriever dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Basset Retriever bite? Learn about the Basset Retriever's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Basset Retriever bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Basset Retriever measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Basset Retriever is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Basset Retriever bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Basset Retriever bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Basset Retriever puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Basset Retriever, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Basset Retriever bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Basset Retriever can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Basset Retriever Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Basset Retriever live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Basset Retriever breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Basset Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Basset Retriever handle different weather? Learn about the Basset Retriever's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Basset Retriever? Discover typical conditions affecting the Basset Retriever breed.
Basset Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Basset Retriever need vet visits? Learn about the Basset Retriever's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Basset Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Basset Retriever breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Basset Retriever breed? Most common health risks of Basset Retriever:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar LuxationAllergiesHypothyroidismProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyEntropionEar InfectionsIntervertebral Disk DiseaseCherry EyeEctropionElbow DysplasiaObesityOsteochondrosis DissecansGlaucomaPanosteitisThrombopathiaHemangiosarcomaOsteosarcomaSubvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Basset Retriever Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Basset Retriever? Understand daily activity needs of the Basset Retriever breed.
Basset Retriever dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Basset Retriever need? How much exercise do Basset Retriever dogs require per day?

Do Basset Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises?

Basset Retriever dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Basset Retriever breed need?
Basset Retriever dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Basset Retriever Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Basset Retriever prone to weight gain? Learn about the Basset Retriever's obesity risks.
High: The Basset Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding. If you want to keep balance, increase the amount and frequency of your daily dog walk and play with the Basset Retriever more often.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Basset Retriever weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Basset Retriever need daily? Learn about the Basset Retriever's feeding requirements.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Basset Retriever Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Basset Retriever hypoallergenic? Learn about the Basset Retriever's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Basset Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Basset Retriever come in? Discover all possible Basset Retriever color variations.
BlackGrayTan Red White Brown Golden Tricolor Light
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Basset Retriever need? Learn about Basset Retriever coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Basset Retriever requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Basset Retriever, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Basset Retriever drool a lot? Learn about the Basset Retriever's drooling habits.
The Basset Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Basset Retriever.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Basset Retriever smell bad? Learn about the Basset Retriever's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Basset Retriever has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Basset Retriever have? Learn about the Basset Retriever's fur characteristics.
DenseSilkyWavyShinyStraight
Bathing Needs
How often does a Basset Retriever need baths? Learn about the Basset Retriever's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Basset Retriever dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Basset Retriever? Do Basset Retriever dogs shed a lot?
Basset Retriever dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Basset Retriever Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Basset Retriever good with children? Learn about the Basset Retriever's behavior around kids of different ages.
Basset Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Basset Retriever get along with other pets? Discover the Basset Retriever's compatibility with other animals.
Basset Retriever dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Basset Retriever temperament with other people:
Basset Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Basset Retriever dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Basset Retriever breed live with a cat?
Basset Retriever dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Basset Retriever good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Basset Retriever dogs get along with other dogs?
Basset Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Basset Retriever can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Basset Retriever breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Basset Retriever breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Basset Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Basset Retriever dogs good office canines? Do Basset Retriever dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Basset Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Basset Retriever dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Basset Retriever temperament with senior people? Are Basset Retriever dogs good for elderly owners?
Basset Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Basset Retriever As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Basset Retriever be a service dog? Learn about the Basset Retriever's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Basset Retriever breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Basset Retriever good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Basset Retriever's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Basset Retriever breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Basset Retriever good at detection work? Learn about the Basset Retriever's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Basset Retriever breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Basset Retriever do search and rescue? Learn about the Basset Retriever's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Basset Retriever breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Basset Retriever good on boats? Learn about the Basset Retriever's maritime capabilities.

Yes

Basset Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Basset Retriever pull carts? Learn about the Basset Retriever's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Basset Retriever is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Basset Retriever used in military service? Learn about the Basset Retriever's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Basset Retriever Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Basset Retriever usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Basset Retriever pregnant? Learn about the Basset Retriever's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Basset Retriever: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Basset Retriever have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Basset Retriever Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Basset Retriever in? Learn about the Basset Retriever's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Basset Retriever in? Learn about the Basset Retriever's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Basset Retriever Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Basset Retriever dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Basset Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Basset Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Basset Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Basset Retriever dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Basset Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Basset Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Basset Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Maritime Work Ability: Basset Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.

    Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

    Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.

Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Basset Retriever dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the Basset Retriever breed in the home.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Basset Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Basset Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: High: The Basset Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
  • Watchdog Rating: Basset Retriever dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Basset Retriever dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Basset Retriever is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Basset Retriever dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Basset Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Basset Retriever Breed

Basset Retriever Comments, Reviews and Questions