Appearance of the Basset Retriever
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| Because the Basset Retriever is a hybrid that combines the Golden Retriever and the Basset Hound, you'll find yourself with characteristics drawn from both parent breeds. More often than not, the Basset Retriever is stocky and low to the ground like the Basset Hound, while retaining the coat and facial characteristics of the Golden Retriever. Basset Hounds have very long ears and a drooping face, and generally have a very short, dense coat. Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are light on their feet and have alert eyes on a thin, somewhat delicate face. Their ears are folded, but not very long. Basset Retrievers are around 25.5 to 35.5 centimeters tall and weigh 32 kilos at most. However, it's important to remember that this breed can easily become obese, so careful monitoring of a Basset Retriever's weight is necessary. It's difficult to say exactly what these puppies will look like, as this depends entirely on the characteristics of the most dominant parent breeds. However, they have the potential to be short-legged with a long body, long or short-haired, and possess a face that has bright, intelligent eyes. |
Temperament of the Basset Retriever
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| There's no doubt that the Basset Hound and the Golden Retriever have two slightly different personalities. One is very energetic and eager to please, while the other is more laid-back and can be a little stubborn. Combining these traits, the Basset Retriever is a gentle, calm and very friendly dog. In general, they are very gentle by nature and don't easily provoke aggression or anger, making them great family dogs. They really enjoy the company of people, adults and children, and even other animals. There really are no strangers when it comes to Basset Retrievers. Because both parent breeds tend to need exercise to let off steam, expect your Basset Retriever to need a decent amount of playtime every day. They're extremely intelligent and fairly easy to train, so there should be no problem teaching them to behave as long as you start early. Basset Retrievers are very eager to please and will want to do their best to learn what you're trying to teach them. Bear in mind that unlike the Golden Retriever, which can be relatively quiet, the Basset Retriever may tend to bark from time to time, as does the Basset Hound, but for the most part they are a quiet breed. |
Needs and activities of the Basset Retriever
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| The Basset Hound, though less active than some dogs, loves to hunt and often requires mental stimulation to keep it happy. The Golden Retriever is a very active dog with lots of energy, and really enjoys mental and physical stimulation. Because the Basset Retriever is a mix of both, he'll need plenty of opportunities to stretch his mind and muscles. Daily walks, playing in the yard and socializing with other dogs are a great way to keep your Basset Retriever well exercised and happy. While these dogs can make great pets, they need plenty of exercise to reign in their high-energy personalities. Make sure you socialize your dog young and start training early to ensure that you can participate in many activities properly and safely, such as jogging or cycling together. This will guarantee your dog plenty of ways to burn off energy and stay happy and healthy. |
Maintenance of the Basset Retriever
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| Some of the top maintenance priorities for any dog are: cleaning teeth, trimming nails, brushing and checking ears. Because the Basset Retriever has folded over its ears, it's important to clean them often to prevent infection. Always dry the ears thoroughly after bathing to prevent any remaining moisture from remaining in the ears for too long. Nails should be trimmed every few weeks to ensure that paws are healthy and free from anything that could catch or scratch. If you hear your dog's nails clicking as he walks along the ground, it's time for a trim. Depending on whether your Basset Retriever has short or long hair, brushing will be slightly different. If your dog has slightly longer hair, a raking comb would be ideal for removing tangles. Shorter coats can be brushed with a rubber brush to remove any dirt or loose hairs on the body. This grooming routine should occur at least a few times a week, as the Basset Retriever sheds moderately throughout the year. Baths should only be carried out when necessary. |
English (United Kingdom)