Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Also known as Basset Bleu
- Height at the withers
- 34 to 42 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- Gascony, France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A French basset with a characteristic blue mottled coat, long drooping ears and an exceptional nose. Low to the ground but sturdy, it stands out for its noble expression and its fine scent hound voice.
History and origins
Descended from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a scent hound of medieval Gascony, and bred to hunt hare and small game. After becoming very rare, it was revived in the early 20th century by the breeder Alain Bourbon.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections (long ears)
- Herniated disc (long back)
- Hip dysplasia
- Obesity
- Ectropion / entropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Basset Bleu de Gascogne FAQ
How big does the Basset Bleu de Gascogne get?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne stands 34 to 42 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 20 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Basset Bleu de Gascogne shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Basset Bleu de Gascogne live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Basset Bleu de Gascogne need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Basset Bleu de Gascogne good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Basset Bleu de Gascogne live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and herniated disc.
