Basset Bleu De Gascogne Dogs

Breed Type: Hound Dog

Weight: 16-20 kg

Height: 12-15 inches

Coat Type: Short, dense and not overly fine

 

Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a basset hound dog that is originally from Gascony, in France. References to the existence of this dog breed exist from over 800 years ago, when the large blue hounds of France were used to hunt wolves, bore and deer. Basset dogs were initially used to hunt small animals, such as rabbits. However, they make excellent pets in today’s time, due to their stable temperament. This dog breed is guided by a strong sense of smell. Highly alert and agile, Basset Bleu de Gascogne dogs are extremely loyal to their master and have an essentially friendly disposition. Some individual basset dogs may be more outgoing and amiable than others. The dog is known to form close bonds with the household he resides in. Read on to get more details on this dog breed.

 

The origins of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be traced back to the Basque region of Gascony, France. These tri-colored dogs are the result of meticulous and selective breeding between Grand Bleu and Saintongeois Basset. While fast hounds such as the Grand Bleu were owned by the nobility of medieval France, for hunting on horseback, the Blue Bassets were the choice of the bourgeois, as they were slow and easy to follow on foot. With the decline in hunting culture, this breed lay at the brink of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of the breeder Alain Bourbon; Basset Bleu de Gascogne has continued to thrive in modern times, although it is still not nearly as popular in other parts of the world as in France.

As the name suggests, these low slung, medium-sized dogs are bluish or off-white in color. Like most hound dogs they have elongated bodies and short legs. While white is the color of the skin for the most part, many specimens of Basset Bleu de Gascogne have heavily ticked coats as well, which give their skin a bluish appearance. It is believed that the bluish tinge helps this breed withstand the bright sunlight of the Gascony region in a better way. Another characteristic of these dogs is the dark brown spots and tan markings that dominate areas of the skin around eyes and ears. They have short legs and long ears, well suited for long hunts.

 

Basset Blue de Gadcogne is a friendly dog, but the behavior may vary from specimen to specimen. While some of them may be overtly friendly, others are cautiously reserved. However, what is common to most dogs of this breed is that they are high-spirited, yet exhibit a very stable temperament. Contrary to their appearance, these dogs are highly athletic; this is what makes them excellent hounds. Being a very amiable breed, Basset Blue de Gadcogne has a need for bonding with the family, to keep the emotional void filled.

 

Basset Blue de Gadcogne dogs are good with children, but do not serve as good watchdogs. A major psychological requirement of the Bassets is the company of other Bassets or animals. Experts believe that this arises from the fact that the dogs are genetically predisposed to hunt in pairs. An apparent flaw of the breed is that it comprises of relentless hunters and once on the trail of a particular scent, these dogs become lost to the world. It is advisable that they are made to stay away from potential quarries, when taken outside for long walks.

 

Basset Bleu de Gascogne is blessed and does not suffer from any major genetic problems. However, a methodic approach towards diet is necessary to keep the dog away from food allergies and gastric dilatation volvulus, more commonly known as gastric torsion or bloat, which is a painful and sometimes fatal, twisting of the bowel. To prevent the latter, veterinarians suggest that the owners must feed their Basset Bleu de Gascogne dogs with small amounts of food at regular intervals, rather than feeding them with too much food at a single time.

 

Basset Blue de Gascogne requires only occasional brushing to remove dead fur. Its teeth, claws and ears should be regularly checked for any kind of infection.