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Basset bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a French scent hound from Gascony, a short-legged version of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, bred so that hunters on foot could keep up with the pack.

The blue of its name is the effect of dense black ticking over a white coat.

It stands 34 to 43 centimetres, weighs 16 to 20 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years. It has the long ears and the deep, resonant voice of the French hound breeds. It is uncommon outside France. Like all bassets it is a hound before it is a companion: driven by scent, slow to recall, and equipped with a bay that carries a very long way.

Origin
Gascony, France
Size
34–43 cm; 16–20 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Short, white with dense black ticking giving a blue cast
Voice
Deep and carrying — a working pack hound
Health
Ear infections, intervertebral disc disease, bloat

Related: Basset fauve de Bretagne · Basset hound · Grand basset griffon Vendeen

2 basset bleu de gascogne photos, newest first

  • Quill, a basset bleu de gascogne

    Quill

    Quill was promoted to post-office clerk sorting blank miniature parcels; unfortunately, a model sailboat becomes stranded in a teacup.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Quill, a basset bleu de gascogne

    Quill

    Quill has opinions about the weather.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a basset bleu de gascogne

The short legs come from achondroplasia, and a long back on short legs means intervertebral disc disease. Discourage jumping off furniture, use ramps in the car, and keep the dog lean — weight is the single biggest risk factor for a slipped disc.

The ears are long, heavy and trail in everything. Clean and dry them weekly; infections are the breed's routine complaint.

The voice is loud and used freely. This is not a breed for a flat with thin walls.

Scent overrides recall completely. Fenced areas and long lines.

They are prone to obesity, which worsens both the back and the joints. Measure food rather than judging by eye, and learn the signs of bloat.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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