Basset Bleu de Gascogne Breed Description

An Owner's Basset Bleu de Gascogne Description
Don't let this face fool you or let these puppy-dog eyes try and tell you otherwise. Blue is extremely intelligent and very active, and he can get into as much trouble as any dog. If you are attracted to this Basset, you'll need to make sure your fence is very secure - or he'll be out chasing every interesting scent that blows his way. Not totally his fault, you understand. He's a hound, bred to hunt. Along with that is the psychological requirement of Bassets for the company of other Bassets - but failing that, the company of any other animal will suffice, long as he's got a buddy. Blue hates hunting by himself and would rather have a sibling or another hound along. So, be prepared to own more than one.

Blue is overly friendly, and his stable temperament makes him good with children. However, he is not protective and is not a watchdog. Still, he needs to bond with family to fill any emotional voids. He is very sensitive and it will show if he's left alone for long periods of time - there'll be moping and recriminations. One apparent flaw of the breed (although Blue seems to have missed out on this one) is that these relentless hunters become lost to the world once they lock on to a scent. Although Blue likes to hunt, it takes a particular scent to really motivate him. But make no mistake, Blue can be motivated.

His melancholy expression shows he's a gentle dog, but gives no clue as to the beautiful howl he has. His deep throated call tells the hunters he has located a scent. .

If you decide to have this breed in town, he will adapt well to that lifestyle overall, but he will need plenty of exercise. And keeping him on a leash is vital, as he'll pick up a scent and be gone otherwise!

 

 

Introduction

The Basset Bleu is an excellent companion and hunter, suitable for either town or countryside. These dogs are not difficult to obedience train and with a little encouragement can make a moderately good watchdog. They have an excellent nose. With their relatively short coat they can be sensitive to cold. These dogs weigh 35 to 40 lbs. and stand 13-16" at the shoulders.

History

French nobility created hunting dogs by crossing French dogs with those brought by the Romans during their occupation of Gaul in the 1st century. By 1570, this reportedly had resulted in four 'royal races' described by Charles IX. The artistocracy then bred their hounds to those premier four and created various hunting dogs; one of those was the Chien de Gascogne. From that dog, the Chiens Basset (bas is 'low' in French) was developed for hunting small game, like hare, on foot. These dogs were created by interbreeding the shortest legged dogs until the low dogs were fully developed as a breed in their own right. As these breeding experiments continued the French produced multiple sizes of all the hunting dogs they were using, giving us the terms full size, briquet or basset to denote their sizes.

General Description

Tan marking above the eyes, on the cheeks and on the underside of the ears are a trait of this breed. Overall they can be tricolor, or white so heavily ticked with black as to look merle (blue) in color.

This is a scent hunter and the dog's body design shows it. Pendulous ears move scents towards the Basset's nose. Muzzle is as long as the skull; the stop is gentle; cheeks may have a fold of skin, or they may not. Scissors bite is standard. Nose is black, eyes are deep set and brown with a slightly 'sad' expression from their downward cast.

The Basset's neck is long and arched, nicely tapering to angled shoulders. Straight forelegs have a slight crook. These are long-bodied dogs and the depth of their chests is a full two-thirds of the dogs' height at the withers. Hind legs are slightly bent, with muscular thighs.

Temperament

These wonderful hunters are also terrific family pets. They are intelligent and easy to train, thanks to a strong desire to please those they love. They should always be leashed when outdoors as an interesting scent can get their attention and start them running without a backwards glance!

Health and Care

Not an ideal pet if you live in a cold climate - these dogs are not designed for extreme winter temperatures. Otherwise, they adapt well to just about any circumstances. They need regular exercise and owners should vary tasks and training to keep the dog's interest.

Sources

American Kennel Club, Wikipedia

Colors

Coats of these dogs have white background that has black mottling, which gives them an appearance of being blue-colored. They have tan markings on their heads, under their tails, and on their legs. They also have large black patches on their bodies.

Living Area

These dogs will do best with an active owner in a suburban environment.

Recognized By

FCI, TKC, UKC

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