Basset Bleu De Gascogne – The Ultimate French Hound

AKA The ‘King of the Hounds’

Image: Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock.com

Quick Overview

Name:                                                   Basset Bleu De Gascogne, or the Blue Gascony Basset to us English speakers

Size:                                                       Somewhat Petit - No taller than 15 inches when fully grown

Weight:                                                No more than 10 kgs

Grooming:                                          Light, will shed twice a year

Training:                                               Reasonable

Exercise:                                              Small dogs need around 1-2 hours a day

Temperament:                                 Loyal and smart – master of the ‘puppy eyes’

Origins:                                                 Gascony in France

Lifespan:                                              Up to 15 years

Breed Type:                                        Hound (Imp Hound, small)

History Behind the Basset Bleu De Gascogne Breed

The Basset is recognised by the Federation Cynologique International as having distinctive sets of genes, but it is yet to become official in Kennel clubs around the world. It has been a known dog breed since descending from the fourteenth century Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It is estimated that, at some point in their history, this parent breed was crossed with a Saintongeois Bleu, which produced the first-ever litter of these impish hounds.

The Basset Bleu De Gascogne was bred to hunt. Where its parent breed was bred for speed and strength, the Basset was bred to be smaller and stumpier in order to slow it down. Why? This coincides with the near extinction of the breed in the 19^th century when hunters stopped using horses to hunt with. They started going on foot. Rangers, countrymen, and other types of hunter that worked on foot then selectively bred the Basset Bleu de Gascogne to have smaller legs and therefore be easier to use without a horse.

The UK kennel club and the United Kennel Club both recognise this as a valid dog breed. In America, it is classified as such a rare breed that the AKC hasn’t cottoned on to it yet, but we figure they will get there. At the moment, if you live in the USA and want one of these hounds, you will have to shop abroad.

Although no longer used for hunting, the Basset Bleu De Gascogne has become a staple in companion dogs around Europe.

Facts About the Basset Bleu!

The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is a fun dog that looks like a cartoon hound. What else is remarkable about it? All of these things!

• The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is not yet recognised officially by the American Kennel Club but has a home in the UK Kennel Club and in other places. We hope that some future breeders will introduce the Basset Bleu to the Americas, it just hasn’t happened yet.
• The 19^th century almost saw this breed die out. A single breeder named Alain Bourbon is attributed with saving it from extinction.
• There are 6 types of Basset Hound and this is just one of them, so you may be feeling a little confused about their size. There are normal-sized Basset Hounds too, they just have different names.

So as you can see, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a tiny scent hound with a lot going for it!

How To Train Your Basset Bleu De Gascogne?

Persistence is key with this dog. You will want to take him or her to obedience classes in order to get the best life for them. You will also want to socialise them early on. Small dogs like this often end up in shelters because they bark or attack a lot, and this can be put down to owners who are afraid to let their tiny dog socialise. Don’t fall into this trap.

What About Grooming?

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is such a low maintenance dog. They don’t need much in the way of brushing although they will need their teeth cleaned and their nails clipped, too. They will shed come summertime and then they will shed again come wintertime. You will end up with hair all over the place if you don’t take that time and brush them once a week or so. In addition, grooming is an important bonding experience with your pet. If he/she/they like it, then keep at it as often as you like.

And How Much Exercise Do They Need?

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a small breed so their exercise demands will be less than others. Keep in mind that they were bred to be hunters, so they are fast with a high prey drive. You shouldn’t let them off the lead, particularly if you are in areas where there are many small animals.

Are They A Healthy Breed?

They are prone to the two big ones that most bred former working dogs are subject to. This includes hip dysplasia (where the ball and socket joint are malformed) and patellar luxation (where the kneecap floats free of the ligaments). A third disease this dog breed is subject to includes intervertebral disc disease where pressure on the spinal cord does the damage. If you buy from a registered breeder, you can avoid all this.

Where Can I Buy A Basset Bleu De Gascogne?

The best place to find one of these dogs is to ask your local shelter to keep an eye out for the breed coming in and give you a call. The second best place to buy your Basset Bleu De Gascogne is from one of the breeders that are registered with your local kennel club. Most countries have a kennel club of their own to allow you to do this. Puppy farmers are unfortunately rife throughout the globe as a dog can sell for a lot of money if it is the right kind. The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is particularly at-risk since it is such a rare breed. Selecting a breeder through your kennel club means the chances of buying from a puppy farmer are greatly reduced.

Follow Five Minutes Spare on Facebook!

If you enjoyed this article and you are looking for more, you can follow Five Minutes Spare on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the best facts. We have a love of dogs like no other site, so if you need entertainment, check out our articles on the Jack Russell or the Border Terrier. If not, drop us a follow for future fun.