Basset Bleu de Gascogne Dog Breed Information and Facts

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a unique dog breed that originated in France, specifically in the southwest region of Gascony. They were bred to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares.

This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires minimal grooming. Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a relatively rare breed, but their intelligence and loyalty make them a great companion for active owners.

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The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a rich history that spans centuries. It originated in the Middle Ages, specifically in the Gascogny region of southwest France.

The breed is a direct descendant of the old Grand Bleu de Gascogne, which was highly valued by Gaston III of Foix-Béarn for hunting wild boar and wolves. He even wrote about it in the classic treatise on medieval hunting, the Livre de chasse.

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In the early 19th century, the breed nearly became extinct due to declining popularity in hunting. However, Alain Bourbon played a crucial role in saving the breed by breeding it back to health.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne was first mentioned in records as far back as the 12th century, where it was used for hunting boar, wolf, and deer. Its name literally translates to "low, blue, from Gascogny".

During the French Revolution, breeders sought to produce a rare combination of hound that was fast enough for horses but also slow enough for hunters on foot. This led to the refinement of the breed.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne neared extinction in the late 19th century, but Alain Bourbon brought it back to its current glory.

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The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is recognized by several major kennel clubs, including the Kennel Club of the UK, which lists it in the Hound Group.

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The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1991 and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) lists it in the Scenthound Group, where it's also known as the Blue Gascony Basset.

The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club, but it's recognized by many minor registries and specialty registries, including the American Rare Breed Association.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is one of six types of "basset"-type breeds recognized by the FCI.

Here are some registries that recognize the Basset Bleu de Gascogne:

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a playful breed who makes a great addition to a high energy family.

They are not known to be aggressive, but they will hunt for smaller animals outdoors and indoors. This means they need a sturdy fenced yard to keep them safe and contained.

These dogs can easily get distracted by a scent, which makes them difficult to train. They will often follow a trail for miles, so it's essential to keep them on a leash or in a securely fenced area.

Despite their independent nature, Basset Bleu de Gascognes are generally affectionate and lively, and they love their humans. They make a great addition to the family, especially for those who enjoy the companionship of other dogs and humans.

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The Basset Bleu's distinctive physical traits are a big part of its charm. They have a slightly domed skull, droopy lips, long, narrow ears, oval-shaped, sad eyes, a long neck and body, and short, strong legs.

Their physical characteristics are quite unique, and it's easy to see why they're often described as having a melancholy appearance. Their ears are particularly long and narrow, which is a common feature among scent-hounds.

In France, the names of hounds often give away their physical characteristics. For example, "Bleu" means blue-colored, and "Basset" means low. This can be really helpful when trying to visualize what a particular breed of hound might look like.

Here's a quick guide to some common French hound names:

Understanding these names can give you a better sense of what to expect from a particular breed of hound.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hound-lover's dream dog, suited for those who expect a dog to follow its nose and take its time complying with requests.

They are reserved with strangers, but affectionate to the point of comical with loved ones. This breed requires time, energy, and experience to train due to their short attention span.

Basset Bleus are playful and love to "sing", making them a great addition to a high-energy family. However, their baying can be a concern for neighbors who live nearby.

These dogs are highly amusing to live with, provided they have the opportunity to follow scents, run, and find hidden toys or treats. They thrive in a pack environment and enjoy the companionship of other dogs and humans.

Their big ears can make them seem a bit goofy, but they're actually quite agile and adventurous. With proper training and exercise, they can be a wonderful companion for active families.

Basset Bleus can be a bit destructive if left alone for long periods, so it's essential to provide them with a sturdy fenced yard and plenty of attention.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne requires a fair amount of exercise, with a minimum of two hours of walking and playtime each day. They love to use their brains, so games that challenge them are a great way to keep them engaged.

Physical affection is just as important as exercise for this breed, and they'll likely want to cuddle after a walk. They like to lounge, so be prepared to share your sofa with your pup.

Their short coat sheds seasonally, so brush them at least once a week, and more often during heavy shedding. You can use a hound mitt, natural bristle brush, or a slicker brush to keep their coat shiny and fresh.

To keep their coat in good condition, use a leave-in coat conditioner between baths, and bathe them as needed, ideally bi-weekly or monthly. Be sure to ask your veterinarian for recommendations on shampoo to prevent skin infections.

Their ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent infections, and their paw pads may need attention to remove grass seeds or grit. Regular nail trims and dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings, are also essential for their overall health.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is not a hypoallergenic dog because he sheds seasonally. His coat is short and fine hairs will shed and float through the air unless he is kept groomed during times of heavy shedding.

Brush your Basset Bleu de Gascogne at least once a week, more often when he is shedding, using a hound mitt, natural bristle brush, or a slicker brush. Leave-in coat conditioner can be used to keep his coat shiny and fresh between baths.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne will need to be bathed on an as needed basis, but not weekly, as this can strip his coat of its natural oils. It's best to ask your veterinarian which shampoo is best for him, especially since he can be prone to skin infections.

His ears should be cleaned weekly to keep infections from setting in. Pay attention to paw pads that may pick up grass seeds or grit, and inside the ears too.

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The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized dog, weighing on average 35 to 40 pounds.

Their compact size makes them a great fit for many living situations, but it's essential to monitor their weight to prevent health issues.

Basset Bleus are prone to weight gain if they overeat, so it's crucial to carefully measure out their meals.

Limiting treats to no more than 10% of their calories can also help keep them at a healthy size.

To prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition that can occur in this breed, break your dog's food up into several meals a day.

Using a food bowl specially designed to slow their eating can also help.

Training a Basset Bleu de Gascogne requires patience and understanding of their independent nature. They can be stubborn at times, so gentle tone and reward-based methods are effective for teaching basic obedience commands.

Ears on a Basset Bleu de Gascogne are mostly decorative, serving little purpose for listening. This means you should focus on training through their nose, as it's the key to their compliance.

Early training is crucial, and it's essential to instill check-ins and recall as a habit rather than relying on active thought processes. This will make training easier in the long run.

Socialization is also vital, especially with livestock, pets, and children. This will help your Basset Bleu de Gascogne become confident and calm in various situations.

If you enjoy competitive activities, scent-based competitions like Tracking and Man-trailing can be a fun way to engage with your Basset Bleu de Gascogne.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a generally healthy breed, but they do tend to suffer from some common ailments.

One of the most common health issues affecting Basset Bleu de Gascogne is arthritis, which can cause significant discomfort and mobility problems.

Gastric Dilatation is another condition that can affect this breed, where the stomach expands and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Otitis Externa is a common ear infection that can be painful and uncomfortable for Basset Bleu de Gascognes.

Patellar Luxation is a condition where the kneecap slips out of place, which can be quite painful for the dog.

Here's a list of some of the common health problems associated with the Basset Bleu de Gascogne: