The Basselier is the offspring of a purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a purebred Basset Hound. Characteristics and personality points of both breeds may appear in different ratios in the offspring, or one parent's traits may entirely be dominant in the offspring.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an English breed, developed from the King Charles Spaniel to restore some of the breed's original appearance, such as a longer muzzle and less protruding eyes (the King Charles Spaniel was interbred with brachycephalic breeds in the 17th century). As a lap dog, it is one of the most popular breeds in the United Kingdom and Australia, and is also on the rise in the United States.
The Basset Hound is an excellent scenthound, long in body and low tot he ground, and docile enough to be valued as a family dog as well. A breed developed in France, it is distinguished by its pendant ears, which actually traps scent particles for it to follow, and loose skin around the face and neck, which gives its eyes a droopy and appealing look.