Blue Gascon Basset

Every dog lover is enthralled with the distinct and endearing Blue Gascon Basset breed. This breed stands out in any crowd thanks to its eye-catching blue coat and thoughtful expression. The Blue Gascon Basset, which originated in France, is renowned for having an amazing sense of smell and being a amiable dog that makes it a great companion for both individuals and families.

This breed’s heritage is deeply ingrained in hunting. The Blue Gascon Basset was developed with a keen nose and a strong inclination to follow scents in order to track game. Many of them now enjoy their playful and affectionate side at home, even though they are still excellent hunters. They enjoy participating in family events and enjoy company.

General characteristics of the Blue Gascon Basset breed

The breed’s origin and appearance are linked to its name. "Basset" refers to "short," and it was bred using the blue Gascon hound as a foundation. This dog has an incredible sense of smell; it can even find old trails. It is one of the world’s TOP trackers. They use it to hunt badgers, foxes, and hares in addition to other animals.

These dogs are resilient, but they don’t move fast; a hunter on foot can keep up with them. Even on uneven ground, the dog is capable of covering great distances. It can fit through holes and under bushes because of its small size. gives the hunter a signal by speaking loudly and melodically.

Dogs of this breed are typically kept in packs and used for hunting in their native country. They work well for cynological sports where you have to find objects and follow paths. They also make wonderful family dogs and companions.

Parameters Characteristics
Name Blue Gascon Basset (French. basset bleu de Gascogne)
Country France
FCI classification hounds and related breeds
Life expectancy 10-12 years
Height 34-38 cm
Weight 16-20 kg

Pros

The Blue Gascon Basset is an extremely calm and intelligent canine. It is regarded as one of the greatest family dogs and a skilled hunter in its native country. It offers the following benefits:

  • lives quietly in a city apartment;
  • good-natured, affectionate;
  • devoted, loves children;
  • smart, quick-witted.

Cons

The breed’s primary drawback is its extreme rarity and high cost. Additionally, because this is a rather rambunctious hunting dog, inexperienced owners may find training difficult. We should also be aware of the following drawbacks:

  • independence, independence, stubbornness;
  • dog smell from the wool;
  • frequent loud barking;
  • tendency to escape.

History of origin

In the 18th century, the breed made its appearance in France. It was the goal of breeders to create a hunting dog that could be utilized for both foot and horseback hunting. The blue Gascon hound served as the foundation.

The breed’s origin story is told in two different ways. One of them said that the Saintonge basset was bred with blue Gascon hounds. According to the findings of other researchers, breeders may have chosen dogs with short legs as a genetic anomaly.

Twice the breed was in danger of going extinct. Alain Bourbon kept it alive when its popularity declined in the 19th century. Following the development of a standard, exhibitions started. It also all but vanished in the middle of the 20th century, but cynologists managed to bring it back to life.

The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1963 under the name Blue Gascon Basset. It was reported to several more cynological organizations until the century’s end. The breed is now well-liked in France. However, it is among the rarest, hardly ever found outside of the nation.

Appearance

A medium-sized dog with an elongated body and short legs is the Blue Gascon Basset. It resembles Gascon hounds and basset hounds. However, the following distinctive aspects of its appearance are outlined by the standard:

  • the head is large, with a rounded skull and a wide elongated muzzle;
  • the stop is smoothed, the bridge of the nose with a small hump, the lobe is large, black;
  • the jaws are powerful, the cheekbones are flat, from the side the muzzle seems rectangular;
  • their lips are fleshy, the upper one hangs down and forms jowls;
  • eyes are large, dark brown, thin eyelids, tightly fitting, melancholic look;
  • ears are hanging, located low, they are narrow at the base, wide and thin in the middle, the tips are triangular, reaching the shoulders in length;
  • neck is long, muscular, with a dewlap;
  • body is stretched, the back is slightly raised at the waist;
  • tail is set high, has a saber shape;
  • chest is voluminous, deep to the elbows;
  • limbs are short, thick, strong, the front ones can be slightly curved, but not as much as in basset hounds;
  • paws are oval, toes are long, well collected;
  • coat is short, rough to the touch;
  • color is grayish-blue with black spots and small specks, ears, areas around the eyes, on the cheeks, above the eyes, on the paws – red tan, on the forehead a light, almost white stripe.

Additional blue Gascon basset pictures:

Character and behavior

The Blue Gascon Basset is an energetic, traveling canine. She adores every member of the family and is devoted to her owner. loving, serene, and content when playing with kids at home; does not misbehave. She is wary of strangers but not aggressive, and she gets along well with the owners’ friends.

This breed of dog is hardy, balanced in temperament, and adaptable to any environment. However, they require effort. They can follow a trail for a considerable amount of time when hunting because they are purposeful and focused. Members of the breed have strong hunting instincts, so a dog drawn by the scent may take off running. If they grew up together, they get along well with dogs and other pets.

This dog is quick-witted and intelligent, and he picks up commands quickly. However, the independent nature and desire for independence may cause training challenges. These dogs are sensitive and possess a strong sense of self-worth. Since they only do what they enjoy, you must actively use treats as rewards when training them.

It is advised to begin socializing and training this dog as soon as possible. Puppy classes should be brief, varied, and engaging. The blue Gascon basset will quickly pick up the necessary commands and comply if you approach him correctly.

Although the breed was bred to live in kennels, these dogs get along well in apartments in cities. All you have to do is walk them twice a day for at least sixty minutes. They prefer a private residence with a grassy yard. They can flee because they have a strong hunting instinct, so that should be considered.

It is preferable to avoid leaving the pet outside for extended periods of time because it requires the owner’s love, care, and attention. Members of the breed will require clothing in the winter because they are not good at withstanding the cold.

Caring for blue Gascon bassets is not hard. All year long, their fur sheds gradually, so brushing is necessary once a week. It’s also not necessary to bathe frequently—once every two to three months will do. The ears are prone to injury and inflammation, so it’s important to monitor them and check them several times a week, especially after walks in the outdoors. Additionally, you must keep an eye on the teeth and eyes and trim the claws as necessary.

These dogs are voracious eaters who risk gaining weight if overfed. As a result, you must closely watch what they eat. Serve meat-broth soups with cereals, boiled veggies, fruits, and kefir when feeding naturally. Protein should be abundant in high-quality, super-premium class industrial feeds.

Members of the breed typically live 12 to 15 years and are in good health. Owing to their unique body composition, they are more vulnerable to conditions affecting the spine and joints. The pathologies listed below could also manifest:

  • eye diseases;
  • blood clotting disorders;
  • obesity;
  • gastric torsion;
  • allergies;
  • otitis;
  • dermatitis.
Breed Name Blue Gascon Basset
Origin France
Size Medium
Coat Short and smooth
Color Blue with black patches
Temperament Friendly and sociable
Exercise Needs Moderate
Good With Kids Yes
Trainability Easy to train
Life Expectancy 10-12 years

A remarkable breed that combines a distinctive appearance with a charming personality is the Blue Gascon Basset. This dog stands out due to its vivid blue coat and cute floppy ears. However, these dogs are much more than just attractive dogs; they are wonderful companions because of their playful nature and rich history.

Blue Gascon Bassets are well-known for being amiable dogs that get along with both families and other animals. They enjoy participating in family activities and thrive on social interactions. They are popular as family pets because of their kind nature, which makes them excellent with kids.

Training these dogs is a fulfilling experience because they are also highly intelligent and eager to please. Even though they might occasionally be stubborn, patience and encouraging words really help. Get ready for some exciting outdoor adventures because they stay happy and healthy with regular exercise and mental stimulation!

In the end, the Blue Gascon Basset is a charming blend of fidelity, charm, and lively playfulness. This breed can easily fit into your life, whether you’re searching for a new adventure buddy or a loving companion. Prepare for an abundance of love and happiness if you’re thinking about bringing one into your family!

The Blue Gascon Basset is a distinctive breed that appeals to both dog lovers and families because of its friendly nature and eye-catching appearance. These dogs, who are well-known for their striking blue coat and expressive eyes, are not only gorgeous to look at but also bright and eager to please. In order to help prospective owners understand why the Blue Gascon Basset is a fantastic option for anyone looking to welcome a devoted furry friend into their home, this article will examine their history, personality traits, and care requirements.

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Igor Semenov

Zoopsychologist with extensive experience. Specialization - behavior correction for cats and dogs. I help owners understand why their pets behave in certain ways and how to change unwanted behavior without stressing the animal.

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