Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a short-legged French hound in the mottled blue of the Gascony hounds — a slow, deliberate tracker built low to the ground.

History

It was bred down from the larger Gascony hounds so that hunters on foot could keep up, and the ticked blue-grey coat that gives the family its name is a black-on-white mottling rather than any actual blue. The breed nearly died out and was revived in the early twentieth century.

Temperament

The breed is known for being affectionate, calm indoors and thoroughly single-minded outdoors, with the deep voice the Gascony hounds are known for.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise despite the short legs, and a secure garden. The long ears need routine cleaning, and the long back means weight is worth managing. Training rewards patience and food.

Health

Known tendencies include ear infections and, as in the other long-backed breeds, spinal problems. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.