What makes the Basset Bleu de Gascogne Unique?
Bleu de Gascognes are typically friendly with family and strangers. Some Bleu de Gascognes are extremely affectionate, while others are somewhat reserved. The breed is very rarely shy or aggressive. This breed is almost never kept as a family pet, so it does not have much of a reputation with children.
Breed Groups
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Is the Basset Bleu de Gascogne Right For You?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a laid-back dog (except when hunting), with a mild and stable temperament. They are very sociable and need to be around their families as much as possible. They are adaptable, living comfortably in urban or rural environments. Grooming them is a cinch.
General suitable for children, for city life, difficult to adapt to the cold climate, easily with other dogs, need a large number of physical training. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a real worker. As scent hounds, they track rabbits and hares and are surprisingly agile and focused. Owners of Basset Bleu de Gascognes must be prepared to give them moderate exercise daily and, ideally, a job to do, even if it’s “hunting” a toy.
In 5 Words
- Lively
- Agile
- Curious
- Active
- Happy
Characteristics
Learn About the Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Description
Average height to withers: Males and females stand between 12-15 inches.
Average weight: Both males and females between 16-18 kg in weight.
Like its Anglicised cousin, the Bassett Hound, the Bassett Bleu de Gascogne has a low slung body which is much longer than it is tall. The characteristic Bassett ears are long, lobular and hang down the sides of the face and complement the melancholy dark brown eyes, which are so full of expression. The sturdy legs are very short but this belies the fact that this dog is light on its feet! The tail is thin and whip like and carried upright when alert and tracking and down when at rest.
Short History of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne descended directly from the old breed of Grand Bleu de Gascogne. They have been recorded in paintings from the 14th century in Gascony, southwest France. The exact origin of the breed is debated, one theory is that it is a cross of the Grand Bleu with the Saintongeois Basset, another theory is that the Basset Bleu is a natural mutation of the Grand combined with selective breeding for shorter legs in order to slow down the breed.It is thought that Gaston III of Foix-Béarn kept a pack of these dogs to hunt wild boar and wolves.He is known as the writer of the Livre de chasse, considered the classic treatise on medieval hunting.
Prior to the French Revolution, hunting was reserved for the nobility who generally hunted on horseback. Following the French Revolution, hunting was opened up to the common people who would hunt on foot and found following a large hunting dog difficult. From this the slower, shorter legged Basset Bleu de Gascogne may have been created.
During the early 19th century the breed nearly went extinct with a declining popularity in hunting. However, the breed was saved and revived by the work of Alain Bourbon.
Today, the Basset Bleu is one of six types of Basset Hound recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Temperament
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is friendly and sociable, gentle, and independent. Its bark is loud, but fortunately it is infrequent. In terms of personality, the Bleu de Gascogne might make a devoted companion animal, however the breed’s other needs may make the dog difficult to keep in a home environment.
Caring for Your Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Grooming & Bathing
The Bleu de Gascogne has a short coat which is unlikely to require professional grooming. Regular brushing is all that the breed is likely to require. However, this breed may be a shedder, and is likely to leave coarse fur in its wake.
Exercise & Training
Owners of Basset Bleu de Gascognes must be prepared to give them moderate exercise daily and, ideally, a job to do, even if it’s “hunting” a toy.
Basset Bleu de Gascogne Picture Gallery
