Basset Bleu De Gascogne
- Medium
- FCI Group 6 (Scenthounds and related breeds)
Low to the ground with a keen nose, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a French scenthound bred for the pack. Affectionate and lively at home, it lives for a long scent trail to follow and a good nap on the couch.
- Height
- 13 to 15
- inches at the shoulder
- Weight
- 35 to 44
- pounds, adult
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14
- years, median 13
- Senior from
- 9.8
- years, about
Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.
About the breed
- Origin
- France
- Recognized
- 1963
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne, also called the Blue Gascony Basset, is a swift, agile scenthound from southwest France. It carries the classic Basset look: low to the ground and large, but not too heavy. Its blue mottled markings and tan points set it apart from its close cousin, the Basset Hound.
This is a medium breed, standing about 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing roughly 35 to 44 pounds, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Bred to hunt for long stretches in any weather, the Basset Bleu pairs a strong working nose with a love of downtime on the couch.
The Basset Bleu is affectionate, lively, and curious but can be reserved around strangers. The breed is also known for howling.
The breed descends directly from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and has existed since the 14th century. Some experts believe it arose from a cross between the Grand Bleu and the Saintongeois Basset, while others point to a spontaneous mutation in the Grand Bleu line combined with selective breeding for shorter legs. It was refined during the French Revolution, when breeders wanted a hound fast enough for horses yet slow enough for hunters on foot, and it neared extinction in the late 19th century before Alain Bourbon restored it.
Care
The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.
Nutrition
Feed a high-quality food matched to your dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Like all dogs, Basset Bleus gain weight if they overeat, and extra weight can lead to other health concerns. Measure meals carefully and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.
The breed's deep chest can make it prone to bloat, also called twisted stomach. To lower the risk, split daily food into several meals and use a bowl designed to slow eating, and avoid feeding right before or after vigorous activity. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to reduce the risk, including surgical options.
Grooming
The Basset Bleu's short coat needs little grooming. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep it free of loose hair and dirt.
Long ears can make this breed more prone to ear infections, so check the ears regularly for dirt or wax build-up and clean them as needed. Round out the routine with regular nail trims and dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.
Exercise
Basset Bleus are happy to spend much of the day napping on the couch, and they do not make great jogging partners. Even so, they need daily walks and regular chances to get outside and work their noses.
Once this breed picks up a scent, holding it back is hard. Keep your dog in a fenced area when it is off leash to prevent endless wandering.
Training
Like most hounds, Basset Bleus have a stubborn streak, and that independent nature can make training a challenge. Patience, a gentle tone, and reward-based methods are the strongest tools for teaching basic obedience.
The breed's pack mentality shapes its temperament: it enjoys the company of people and other dogs and fits well into a family. That same drive means it does not do well left alone for long, so if your household is away much of the day, a canine buddy can help.
Sources
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