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Breed Characteristics
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Basset Bleu de Gascogne
| Other Names | Blue Gascony Basset, Bleus de Gascogne |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | 35 - 40 lbs (16 - 18 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 13 – 15 in (34 – 38 cm ) |
| Coat | Short, dense and fairly thick. |
| Colour | The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is almost entirely covered with mottled black and white fur. This makes the breed appear blue. However, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne also has large patches of solid black fur. These patches typically cover a greater portion of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne’s body than other Bleu de Gascogne breeds. These patches are particularly common on the breeds ears, cheeks, tail, and sides. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne also has bright tan markings around the snout, ears, feet, and tail. |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 Years |
| Origin & History | 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. The French Revolution (1789–1799) was very damaging to the population of most French hunting breeds, leading to the eventual extinction of many. However, the short-legged Basset Bleu de Gascogne would actually grow in popularity. Hunters were able to follow these dogs on foot rather than on horseback. This meant that more French hunters were able to use these dogs than larger hounds. Eventually, the popularity of hunting with pack hounds diminished in France, and other breeds became more popular, especially other breeds of Basset. By 1911, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne was either extinct or very nearly so. Luckily, the breed had developed a devoted follower in M. Alain Bourbon. Bourbon is credited with the continued existence of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne. However, there is some dispute whether he collected a few remaining Basset Bleu de Gascognes and added in blood from other Basset and Bleu de Gascogne breeds, or whether there were no Basset Bleu de Gascognes surviving and Bourbon entirely recreated the breed by crossing other Basset breeds and the larger Bleu de Gascognes. In particular, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne resembles the Basset Artesian-Normand. Although Bourbon did ensure that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne survived, the breed remains very rare. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is one of the rarest breeds of French hound, both in France and abroad. The popularity gained by other Bassets such as the Basset Hound or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has not come to the Basset Bleu de Gascogne. One of the few countries outside of France where this dog can be found is in the United States. While the breed has not gained American Kennel Club recognition, even as a Foundation Stock Service breed, the United Kennel Club first recognized the Basset Bleu de Gascogne in 1991. Unlike most other Basset breeds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne remains primarily a hunting breed. While some Basset Bleu de Gascognes are kept as companion animals, a sizable number, if not the majority, are pack hunters. |
| Personality | The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has a typical pack hound temperament. These dogs are typically friendly with family and strangers. Some Basset 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. However, other similar breeds are known to be very good with children. In terms of personality, the Basset 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. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has worked in packs with other hounds for centuries. As a result the breed is typically very good with other dogs. As is typical with all dog breeds, there may be some bullying and dominance behaviors when new dogs are introduced to each other. If you already have a hunting pack, and are looking for a breed to add to it, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is likely an excellent choice. However, you should always exercise caution when introducing new dogs. It would not be advisable to keep Basset Bleu de Gascognes with non-canine pets, such as cats or rabbits. This dog has extremely well-developed hunting instincts which it is likely to bear on other animals. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has been a successful hunter of everything from rabbits to wild boar, so it is unlikely that any animal would be immune to stalking and potentially attack. This is not to say that a Basset Bleu de Gascogne which has been raised and properly socialized with non-canines would not accept them. However, if you have non-canine pets which will not be carefully protected at all times, a different breed may be a better option for you. As is the case with most scent hound breeds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be extremely challenging to train for any purpose other than hunting. These dogs have been bred to be stubborn and independent minded and they are. Basset Bleu de Gascognes have a tendency to have selective hearing and will often choose to do what they want rather than what you want. This does not mean that a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is untrainable, but you will have to spend a great deal of extra time and effort doing so. You also may never get the results that you want. If you want a dog that will do a number of complicated tricks for you, a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is probably not the right breed for you. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a tireless tracker. This means that once it gets on a scent it will often follow it, no matter how hard you try to call the dog back. Unless extremely well-trained, you must always keep a Basset Bleu de Gascogne on a leash or in a secure area. Any area which you have a Basset Bleu de Gascogne off-leash must be very, very secure. These are large, powerful, and athletic dogs which can be very determined and stubborn. They are very likely to escape from inadequate confinement, and can easily go over, under, or through most fences. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a very vocal dog. They were bred to bay and make other noises when they were on the hunt to let their handlers know when they had caught a scent or cornered an animal. These dogs can be extremely loud, and may be loud for long periods of time. This means that a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is probably a poor fit for an urban environment, where they will almost certainly draw noise complaints. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a tremendous athlete, as well as being a skilled hunter. These dogs need a very large amount of exercise and mental stimulation. If these dogs become bored or unexercised, they may become destructive and/or vocal. Dogs of this size, strength, and determination can become extremely destructive. They may also bay for hours on end. As a working pack hound, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has few peers. However, if you cannot or will not provide the maintenance that this breed requires, you should probably look at some other breeds with lesser requirements. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is known for being an extremely healthy breed. This is a very, very old breed, which likely has more genetic diversity than some younger breeds. Also, this hound has been used almost exclusively as a working animal for many centuries, and perhaps millennia. Dogs with health problems are not usually capable working animals and as a result are eliminated from the gene pool. Additionally, the breed has a small but dedicated group of fanciers who wish to protect the health of their dogs. It is said by many fanciers, and even some kennel clubs and breeders, that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is not known to be particularly vulnerable to any health problems. As the breed is now quite rare, there is also a lack of health studies done on the breed. However, this does not mean that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne does not suffer from any health problems. It just means that there are no known health problems that are more common in Basset Bleu de Gascognes than in other breeds. |
| Grooming | The Basset 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. Owners of Basset Bleu de Gascognes need to pay special attention to the dog’s ears. As is the case with many droopy-eared breeds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne’s ears are susceptible to becoming dirty and infected. A Basset Bleu de Gascogne’s ears need to be cleaned regularly. As these dogs can be very stubborn, and can grow to immense size, it is best to begin this process early in life to prevent problems later on. |
| Exercise | This breed needs long daily walks, but remember that it will take off after any interesting scent when it is off its lead. If this happens, put a piece of your clothing or something with your scent on it near where the dog disappeared and you will most likely find the dog in that spot in a few hours or at least by morning. |
| Other Considerations | This breed would not do well in an urban environment as they are very vocal and need room to run around, ideally in a completely fenced off backyard. |
