18 Adorable and Unique Basset Hound Mixes
Basset hounds are one of the most beloved and recognizable dog breeds, known for their long, low bodies, droopy faces, and gentle, agreeable personalities. While purebred basset hounds have a devoted following, basset hound mixes are also surging in popularity as dog lovers discover the joys of these unique cross-breeds. Combining the best traits of basset hounds with those of other popular breeds, basset mixes offer one-of-a-kind looks and temperaments that are capturing hearts.
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve seen the basset mix trend firsthand. More and more of my clients are proudly introducing me to their "basador" (basset-lab), "bagle" (basset-beagle), "doxie-basset" and other unique basset cross-breeds. With so many possible breed combinations, the potential for adorable, lovable basset mixes is limitless.
If you‘re considering adding a basset mix to your family, you may be wondering what to expect in terms of appearance, size, temperament, training and care needs. While each dog is an individual, basset mixes tend to inherit certain hallmark traits from their basset parent, such as a long, low-slung body, droopy features, and a sweet, easy-going personality. From the other parent breed, they may inherit traits like coat type and color, size, energy level and specific personality quirks.
To help you learn more about the world of basset hound mixes, we‘ve rounded up 18 of the most popular crosses, complete with photos and key stats. From the outgoing, family-friendly basador to the spunky, pint-sized doxie-basset, discover which unique basset mix might be your perfect match.
1. Basador (Basset Hound + Labrador Retriever)
The basador is an increasingly popular mix that combines the friendly, outgoing nature of the Labrador retriever with the basset hound‘s signature long body, short legs and droopy features. These medium to large dogs usually inherit the Lab‘s shorter, dense double coat in colors like black, chocolate or yellow. Basadors have the gentle, agreeable personality of the basset and the eager-to-please, trainable nature of the Lab, making them excellent family companions.
According to a survey by the Basset Hound Club of America, Labrador retrievers are one of the top five breeds crossed with basset hounds, resulting in an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 basador puppies born each year in the United States. Basadors are good with children and other dogs, and have moderate to high exercise needs, enjoying activities like walking, swimming and fetching. They tend to be very food-motivated, which is helpful for training but can also lead to obesity if their diet isn‘t monitored.
2. Bagle (Basset Hound + Beagle)
The bagle is a charming cross between two iconic hound breeds: the basset and the beagle. These small to medium-sized dogs inherit the long, low body and short legs of the basset, but with the slightly lighter build and longer muzzle of the beagle. With their keen noses and strong prey drive, bagles love following scents and need a securely fenced yard or to be walked on leash. Their adorable looks and friendly, happy-go-lucky personalities make them popular family pets.
Beagles and basset hounds actually share common ancestors in the St. Hubert hound and several French hound breeds, so crossing them creates puppies that are more similar in appearance and temperament than some other basset mixes. Bagles have the independent, sometimes stubborn nature of both breeds, and need patient, consistent training with positive reinforcement. They tend to be vocal dogs that bark and bay, which is endearing to hound lovers but can be challenging in apartments or condos.
3. Basset-Aussie (Basset Hound + Australian Shepherd)
For an unusual but delightful basset mix, the basset-Aussie delivers. This cross combines the long, heavy body and short legs of the basset with the beautiful multicolored coat, keen intelligence and high energy of the Australian shepherd. Basset-Aussies usually have a medium-length double coat in merle, tricolor or bicolor patterns, with the basset‘s long, droopy ears and wrinkled brow. They are smart, loyal and affectionate dogs who bond closely with their families.
As a herding breed, Australian shepherds are known for their high drive, stamina and work ethic. Crossed with the more laid-back basset, basset-Aussies are still energetic dogs that need plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They may inherit the Aussie‘s tendency to herd children or other pets, and need training and socialization to learn proper behavior. According to the American Kennel Club, Australian shepherds rank 17th out of 197 breeds in popularity in the United States as of 2021, so it‘s no surprise that the basset-Aussie is one of the fastest-growing basset mixes today.
4. Doxie-Basset (Basset Hound + Dachshund)
With their long, low-slung bodies and short legs, the basset hound and dachshund are a natural match that results in the adorably elongated doxie-basset. These petite pups usually weigh 15 to 30 pounds, with the basset‘s heavier bone structure and the dachshund‘s long muzzle and alert expression. They can have a smooth, wire-haired or long coat in colors like red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, or brindle.
Doxie-bassets inherit the independent, curious nature of the dachshund and the sweet, couch-potato personality of the basset. They love to burrow and dig, and have a strong prey drive, so a securely fenced yard is a must. These clever little dogs need moderate exercise and can adapt well to apartment living, as long as they get daily walks and playtime. Dachshunds rank 10th out of 197 breeds in popularity according to the AKC, so it‘s no wonder that the doxie-basset has become a favorite among small dog lovers.
5. Hush Basset (Basset Hound + Cocker Spaniel)
The hush basset is an enchanting cross that combines the gentle, affectionate nature of the basset hound with the playful, happy-go-lucky personality of the cocker spaniel. These small to medium dogs usually have a medium-length silky coat that may be slightly wavy, in colors like lemon, red, brown, black and tan, or parti-color. They inherit the basset‘s long, low body and heavy bone, with the cocker‘s longer muzzle and alert expression.
Hush bassets are known for their sweet, loving personalities and their devotion to their families. They are good with children and make excellent companion dogs for seniors or apartment dwellers. They have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks, playtime and cuddle sessions on the couch. Cockers have a tendency to develop separation anxiety, so hush bassets need plenty of socialization and training to feel confident when left alone.
According to the Cocker Spaniel Club of America, cocker spaniels have ranked in the top 20 most popular breeds in the United States for over 30 years, beloved for their beautiful coats, friendly personalities and versatility. Crossed with the basset hound, the hush basset offers the best of both breeds in a compact, adorable package.
6. Basset Retriever (Basset Hound + Golden/Labrador Retriever)
The basset retriever is a wonderful cross that blends the outgoing, trainable nature of retrievers like the golden and Labrador with the basset‘s easy-going, affectionate personality. These medium to large dogs usually have a short to medium-length dense coat in colors like gold, yellow, black or chocolate. They inherit the basset‘s long, heavy body and wrinkled brow, with the retriever‘s athletic build and friendly expression.
Basset retrievers are smart, eager-to-please dogs that excel in obedience, agility and therapy work. They have moderate to high exercise needs and love hiking, swimming and playing fetch with their favorite humans. As a veterinarian, I often recommend basset retrievers to active families looking for a loyal, trainable companion that‘s a little more low-key than a purebred retriever.
Golden and Labrador retrievers consistently rank as the first and third most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC registration statistics, prized for their friendly, outgoing personalities and versatility as family pets, working dogs and service animals. Paired with the basset‘s gentle, agreeable nature, the basset retriever is a winning combination.
7. Baskimo (Basset Hound + American Eskimo Dog)
For a truly striking basset mix, the baskimo is a rare but delightful cross between the basset hound and the American Eskimo dog. These fluffy, compact dogs usually have a thick, white double coat with the basset‘s long, low body and short legs. They inherit the Eskie‘s alert, fox-like expression and prick ears, giving them an adorably unique look.
Baskimos are intelligent, playful dogs that bond closely with their families. They can inherit the American Eskimo‘s tendency to be reserved or suspicious with strangers, and need plenty of socialization to build confidence. They also have a high prey drive and love to chase small animals, so a securely fenced yard and leash walks are a must.
As a spitz breed, American Eskimo dogs are known for their dense, standoff coats that shed heavily seasonally. Baskimos need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles, and may require professional grooming to maintain their fluffy appearance. They have moderate exercise needs and enjoy daily walks, playtime and training sessions to keep their clever minds engaged.
According to the American Eskimo Dog Club of America, Eskies were originally bred as circus dogs in the 19th century, prized for their intelligence, agility and striking white coats. Today, they rank 122nd out of 197 breeds in popularity with the AKC, but their unique looks and personality make them a favorite among devoted fans – and the perfect match for the basset in a one-of-a-kind mix.
8. Borgi (Basset Hound + Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
The borgi is an enchanting cross that combines the long, low body of the basset hound with the foxy face, fluffy coat and outgoing personality of the Pembroke Welsh corgi. These small to medium dogs usually weigh 20 to 40 pounds, with the basset‘s heavy bone structure and the corgi‘s muscular, agile build. They can have either the basset‘s long, droopy ears or the corgi‘s pert, upright ears, giving them an alert, playful expression.
Borgis are smart, energetic little dogs that love being the center of attention. They bond closely with their families and make excellent watchdogs, alerting you to any potential intruders with their surprisingly big barks. As a herding breed, corgis have a strong work drive and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. Borgis inherit this high energy and benefit from daily walks, playtime and training sessions.
Borgis can inherit the corgi‘s thick, fluffy double coat that sheds heavily seasonally, or the basset‘s shorter, dense coat that sheds moderately year-round. Either way, they need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles, and may require occasional trips to the groomer to keep their coats looking neat and tidy.
Pembroke Welsh corgis have surged in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to their association with the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 corgis over her lifetime, and the breed now ranks 11th out of 197 breeds in popularity with the AKC. Crossed with the basset hound, the borgi offers a unique twist on this beloved breed that‘s sure to turn heads and steal hearts.
Conclusion
As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful basset hound mixes over the years. From the outgoing, family-friendly basador to the fluffy, foxy borgi, these unique cross-breeds offer something for everyone. With their adorable looks, endearing personalities and diverse traits, it‘s no wonder that basset mixes are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers everywhere.
When considering a basset mix, it‘s important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and raises puppies with care. Adopting a basset mix from a rescue organization is another fantastic option, as many of these delightful dogs end up in shelters through no fault of their own.
As with any dog, basset mixes require a lifelong commitment to proper care, training, socialization and love. By understanding the unique needs and traits of both parent breeds, you can help your basset mix thrive and become a cherished member of your family for years to come. Whether you choose a rare and striking baskimo, a petite and playful doxie-basset, or any of the other wonderful basset mixes out there, you‘re sure to fall in love with these one-of-a-kind dogs.
