A Happy Dog Who Responds Well to Training, The Basset Bleu de Gascogne Is a Perfect Family Pet

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a short-legged hunting dog that will be the social butterfly of your family. Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, this pup has a long back with long ears to match. Although hound-type dogs often have an unfair reputation of being "lazy," the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hard worker especially when part of the hunt. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne makes a perfect pet for those who are willing to give it plenty of exercise and lots of socialization. Basset Bleu de Gascognes love their humans and can live anywhere as long as they are with their loved ones.

History
The origin of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne dates back to the 14th century in Gascony, in the Basque region of southwestern France. This makes it one of the oldest breeds of French Basset. Most experts agree that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne came about because the Grand Bleu de Gascogne was bred selectively with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne to produce a shorter breed so that it could follow prey under low brush. ("Basset" comes from the French "basse," which means low or short.) However, this is not firmly established, since the breed itself was created before good records were kept. Some also believe the breed was created because it was crossed with the Saintongeois Basset.

Although popular for many decades, the breed became nearly extinct in the 20th century until a breeding program was newly established in France. Even so, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is rare outside of France.

Appearance
With the typical stocky, sturdy build of a hound dog, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is long and low to the ground and is defined by its long ears. It looks a lot like the Basset Hound, which is also a breed that comes from France. In adulthood, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne weighs between 35 and 40 pounds and stands 12 to 15 inches at the withers. The eyes are large, brown, and very friendly. Its muzzle is strong with a very sensitive nose.

Small clusters of black hairs are distributed relatively evenly throughout the coat, which is generally white. This "mottled" look, or "ticking," gives the coat a "blue" appearance, protecting this breed from France’s strong sunlight. There can also be tan markings and brown spots above the eyes and on the ears. The coat is short and smooth.

Temperament
Properly socialized, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a true joy to have as a pet. A seriously dedicated working dog when on the hunt, its relaxed and joyful temperament off the job is a pleasure to behold. However, you will need to begin immediate socialization for your new puppy, since it will prevent behavior which can be destructive, fearful, or temperamental. Since the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is so devoted to human owners and is so easy to train, you should have no difficulty socializing which will establish firm boundaries for your pet. Truly an alpha owner's subordinate, this dog needs guidelines and will happily obey them once communicated clearly.

Proper Environment
Even though the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a working dog, it will coexist with you happily just about anywhere as long as you're around. This is not a dog to be left alone and relies on family camaraderie at all times. Its easy-going, fun-loving personality can happily reside even in the smallest of spaces. But it is imperative that you give your pet vigorous exercise every day (at least two hours is recommended) to channel its instinctual drive to "hunt."

There is one problematic area of behavior with your pet, and that occurs with most if not all hunting breeds. That is, you will not completely squelch your pet's desire to go on the hunt, chase a scent, or pursue prey. Therefore, you should not adopt a Basset Bleu de Gascogne if you have small pets (gerbils, mice, birds, etc.), to avoid unwarranted tragedy. Plus, you must keep this dog on leash at all times unless you are in a safe place with fencing, like a dog park or your own secure backyard. Unfortunately, these beloved and loving dogs will unwittingly put themselves in harm's way with cars, etc., if they detect a scent. All other good sense often goes out the window when they are tracking in this way, so you must take care to keep watch at all times.

One other thing to note is that this breed is a howler. Again, this is true of most hound breeds, and although the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is very obedient, this is an instinctual behavior you can't really train out of your pet. Therefore, although the Basset Bleu de Gascogne exists easily in most environments, however small, you may wish to choose a house or otherwise separately walled abode from that of your neighbors, for their peace of mind and quiet.

Health
This is a healthy species that lives about 12 years. As an old breed with a diverse mix of genetics, it tends to offer more resilience to disease than some of the newer breeds. Used almost exclusively as a working dog for perhaps thousands of years, its constitution has exhibited strong traits to have fulfilled this purpose for so long. Dogs with health problems are generally eliminated from the gene pool naturally and selectively over time simply because sickness will prevent them from working. In addition, the breed's health is today closely guarded by fanciers who wish to maintain the diversity and sturdiness of this species. As with all large-chested dogs, there's risk of bloat, which can be fatal if not taken care of immediately. Other issues common to many types of dogs include allergies, ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, tooth decay, and entropion, an inherited eyelid disorder.

Grooming
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne only really requires a regular brushing to keep its short coat looking good. It is important to pay close attention to your dog's long ears which are susceptible to becoming infected and dirty. Start cleaning them regularly in puppyhood so your pet learns to tolerate this process on a frequent basis. If you start later, you may find that you have some difficulty even with such an agreeable breed as this.

References
Basset Bleu de Gascogne.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basset_Bleu_de_Gascogne.
Retrieved November 10, 2013.

Basset Bleu de Gascogne.
http://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/Basset-Bleu-de- Gascogne.html
Retrieved November 10, 2013.

Basset Bleu de Gascogne.
http://www.easypetmd.com/doginfo/basset-bleu-de-gascogne.
Retrieved November 10, 2013.

Basset Bleu Gascogne Dogs.
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Basset_Bleu_Gascogne.
Retrieved November 10, 2013.

Breed Information Centre: Basset Bleu De Gascogne.
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/ breed/display.aspx?id=1116.
Retrieved November 10, 2013.