Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne gives an impression of heaviness on first sight. And yet, they are quite agile. A hunting dog par excellence, the Bleu de Gascogne has an inescapable sense of smell. They're eager to run and exercise in wide open spaces. A perfect companion on the road, he hates solitude and finds comfort in his master's presence by his side. Playful, gentle, calm and attentive, he can sometimes use his loud voice (which can be disturbing). He's loyal, but also a little stubborn, so firm training is essential. He gets on wonderfully with children.

Hair type	Short
Origin	France
Dimensions	Medium
Head shape	Long

History of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne breed

Bleu de Gascogne originated in France. There are records of bluish-looking dogs in the Gascony region as early as the 12th century. They were used to hunt wild boar, wolves and deer. The Bleu de Gascogne is a crossbreed of ancient French dogs, including the chien de Saint-Hubert.

Originally from Gascony, it also comes from Béarn, a region in the south of France. But its true origins remain a mystery. Some claim it's the result of a mix between Bleus de Gascogne and Bassets Saintongeois, while others believe it's the result of a mutation of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.

Whatever the case, the breed was recognized in the early 20th century, with its first standard awarded in 1919. After keeping a low profile, the breed made a strong comeback in the early 1980s. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed on October 30, 1963.

Physical characteristics of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Coat: short, fairly thick (semi-coarse) and well furnished.
Color: mottled black and white, with a slate-blue sheen, with or without black patches of varying size.
Head: 2 black spots on each side, covering ears, eyes and cheeks. The skull appears slightly domed from the front, with a pronounced occipital protuberance. The forehead is full, with a slightly accentuated stop. The nose is black, nostrils wide open, lips drooping and cheeks dry.
Ears: set below the eye line, narrow at the base, not very thick, papery, ending in a point and extending beyond the tip of the nose.
Eyes: oval, brown, with a gentle, even melancholy gaze.
Body: elongated back, short, well set, slightly sloping croup, well developed chest reaching below the elbow, taut flank.
Tail: strong at the base, carried saber-like, of good length (tip just reaching the ground at rest).

Behavior and temperament of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Behaviour with other 

The Bleu de Gascogne is endearing, gentle and particularly cheerful. His bonhomie appeals to families who decide to adopt one. He blends in perfectly with everyday human life. He can't do without them, as he hates solitude. He won't hesitate to play with children. An excellent companion dog, he's also very useful on hunting trips, where his unerring sense of smell will save you precious time. They also have no difficulty cohabiting with other dogs or animals.

Bleu de Gascogne education

Because of its intelligence, attachment to its master, sensitivity and docility, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a rather easy dog to train. Slightly stubborn, the Bleu de Gascogne needs an education that combines firmness and gentleness. From an early age, they must learn the main rules of life and commands, and be socialized as much as possible.

Living conditions of Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Before being a companion dog, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is above all a hunting dog, and more specifically a shooting dog. As such, it must be able to benefit from sufficient physical activity on a daily basis if it is to enjoy an urban lifestyle. Only then, combined with early training and socialization, can he adapt to life in the city and in an apartment. Ideally, he'd like to live in a house with a large fenced-in garden. You should also be aware that his characteristic howling can be a source of annoyance to neighbors.

Health of Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a sturdily built dog in generally good health. Like the Basset Artésien-Normand, the Bleu de Gascogne is prone to skeletal diseases. They can develop hip dysplasia or spinal problems. It can also suffer from hernias and bone deformities. He should also be vaccinated against ticks, especially if he lives in the countryside. You should also keep an eye on his ears, as he is prone to ear infections.

Basset Bleu de Gascogne life expectancy

The average life expectancy of a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is between 11 and 13 years.

Care and hygiene of Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Basset Bleu de Gascogne are easy to care for. You just have to be careful to offer him a balanced diet to avoid the risk of overweight and deficiencies. He should be brushed every week to ensure a silky, well-groomed coat.

Weekly brushing is recommended to keep your dog's coat and skin clean and healthy. Particular attention should be paid to long, hanging ears, with regular cleaning to prevent infections.

Price and budget

The purchase price of a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is between €500 and €700.

The annual maintenance cost of a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is between €1,100 and €1,200.

Power supply

The Bleu de Gascogne is prone to stomach torsion. In any case, it should not be run within 2 hours of a ration. Bleu de Gascogne also gains weight easily. It's best to give it a balanced diet. The key is not to overfeed him. High-quality kibbles are recommended for his intestinal transit, but also to provide him with all the needs he requires.

Physical activity

These are sporty hunting dogs. He needs to get out and about every day, to run and exercise. Not only is this good for his morale, it's also good for his health and limits weight gain. He can't stand to go long without getting a chance to move around.