Basset Bleu De Gascogne Breed Guide

Nov 29, 2024

Meet the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, the low-slung, long-eared hound with a rich history and a charming personality. This breed may look a bit like a Basset Hound with a blue coat, but the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has its own unique flair! Known for their striking speckled blue coat and their happy-go-lucky personality, they’re fantastic family dogs and loyal companions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed friend to curl up with or a pooch to join you on outdoor adventures, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne has it all.

THE BASICS:

Category: Hound
Size: Medium (16-18 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Low maintenance, regular brushing
Coat: Short, smooth, speckled blue coat
Shedding: Moderate
Health Issues: Ear infections, back issues, hip dysplasia
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Home Needs: Medium to large home, ideally with a garden
Sociability: Friendly with other dogs, great with children

HISTORY: A HOUND WITH A NOBLE PAST

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has been trotting through the French countryside for centuries. This breed comes from the Gascogne region of southwest France, where they were originally bred for hunting small game like rabbits and hares. A direct descendant of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a larger, more robust hound used for big game, the Basset Bleu was developed for those who needed a more compact, versatile hunting dog that could sniff out game in dense underbrush.

Their short legs and excellent scenting ability made them ideal for hunting on foot. In fact, the word “basset” comes from the French word bas, meaning low, which perfectly describes their squat stature.

These days, they’re more likely to be found snuggled up on the sofa than chasing game in the forest, but their hunting instincts are still strong, making them a great choice for active families who enjoy long walks and outdoor time.

PERSONALITY: FRIENDLY, PLAYFUL, AND LAID-BACK

If you’re looking for a dog that combines friendliness with a relaxed attitude, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is your dog. These hounds are incredibly affectionate and sociable, making them a great fit for families and homes with children or other pets. Their gentle, easy-going nature means they get along well with everyone—whether it’s human or four-legged friends.

However, don’t be fooled by their calm demeanour at home. Once they’re outside, their scent hound instincts kick in, and they’ll be nose-to-the-ground, ready to follow whatever interesting scent comes their way. This makes them great walking companions, but you might want to keep them on a lead unless you're in a secure area—they’ll happily chase after anything they smell!

EXERCISE NEEDS: NOSE TO THE GROUND

While the Basset Bleu de Gascogne might look like a couch potato with their short legs and relaxed attitude, they need around 1-2 hours of exercise per day. Regular walks are essential, as this breed loves to follow their nose and explore new scents. A secure garden is a great way to give them extra sniffing opportunities, but don’t be surprised if they spend most of their time wandering around with their nose firmly glued to the ground.

Although they’re a bit slower than some other breeds, they’re still active dogs with a love for the outdoors. They enjoy activities like tracking and scent work, so if you’re interested in getting involved in dog sports, this hound has the nose for it!

To keep them healthy and full of energy, try Scrumbles Dog Food, which supports their active lifestyle and keeps their digestion in check.

GROOMING BASSET BLEU'S: LOW MAINTENANCE, HIGH STYLE

When it comes to grooming, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is relatively low maintenance. Their short, smooth coat doesn’t require much upkeep, but regular brushing (about once a week) will help keep their coat shiny and remove any loose hair. These dogs are moderate shedders, so you won’t be drowning in dog hair, but it’s still a good idea to keep up with brushing to reduce the amount of hair around the house.

Their long, floppy ears are a signature trait, but they can also be prone to infections, especially since their ears drag on the ground while sniffing around. Regular ear cleaning is essential to prevent infections—something all long-eared dog owners are familiar with.

For a healthy coat and overall wellness, Scrumbles Salmon Dog Food is an excellent choice, with Omega 3 and 6 to keep their skin and coat looking its best.

HEALTH: WATCH THE BACK AND EARS

Like many long-bodied, short-legged breeds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is prone to back problems. Keeping them at a healthy weight is key to avoiding unnecessary strain on their spine. Hip dysplasia can also be an issue in this breed, so regular vet check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet are essential.

Their long ears can also be a source of trouble, as they are prone to ear infections due to their length and the fact that they often drag along the ground while sniffing. Regular cleaning and checks will help keep their ears healthy.

Maintaining a healthy weight and supporting their joints is important and feeding them Scrumbles Dog Food can help keep their digestive system running smoothly while providing the nutrients they need to stay in top shape.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BASSET BLEU DE GASCOGNE

Blue Genes: The Basset Bleu’s unique blue-grey coat is the result of black and white hairs mixed together, creating their distinctive speckled or “blue” look.
Long Ears, Big Job: Their long ears aren’t just for show—they help stir up scents from the ground, making it easier for them to catch even the faintest whiff of prey.
Laid-Back Hound: While they’re active when it comes to sniffing around, Basset Bleus are just as happy to spend the rest of the day curled up in a cosy corner, making them great pets for families who enjoy both activity and downtime.

LIVING WITH A BASSET BLEU DE GASCOGNE: SNIFFING AND SNOOZING

If you’re thinking of welcoming a Basset Bleu de Gascogne into your home, get ready for a mix of sniffing adventures and couch cuddles. These dogs are active outdoors and love exploring new scents, but indoors, they’re laid-back and affectionate. They do well in both city and country settings, as long as they get plenty of daily exercise and opportunities to follow their nose.

Because they’re so friendly and gentle, they make wonderful family pets, especially in homes with children or other dogs. However, they don’t like being left alone for long periods, so it’s best if someone is around to keep them company or engage them in some fun activities.

For rewarding their good behaviour or keeping them engaged during training, Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats are perfect for this scent-driven breed.

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for Basset Bleu De Gascogne

Scrumbles is the perfect choice for Basset Bleu De Gascogne owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Basset Bleu De Gascognes are known for their playful nature and distinct coats, and they thrive on high-quality, natural ingredients. That's why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your Basset Bleu receives premium nutrition in every meal.
Coat and Skin Health: This breed’s beautiful coat and sensitive skin require extra care, and Scrumbles’ recipes, enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, promote healthy skin and a glossy, shiny coat. To keep your Basset Bleu looking their best, try Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food.
Digestibility: We know that Basset Bleu De Gascognes can be prone to digestive issues, so all of our recipes are formulated with prebiotics, postbiotics, and probiotics for optimal digestion. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food is a great option to keep their tummy happy.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and a certified B Corp, we are committed to sustainable practices, using recyclable packaging and sourcing ingredients responsibly to care for the environment.
Trustworthy Nutrition: With over 5,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot and a 4.5 rating, Scrumbles is a trusted brand that ensures your Basset Bleu De Gascogne gets the best possible nutrition for a healthy, happy life.

IS THE BASSET BLEU DE GASCOGNE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet playful dog with a lot of personality and a unique coat, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne might just be your dream dog. They’re friendly, loyal, and get along well with just about everyone, making them a fantastic choice for families. Their moderate exercise needs and laid-back nature also mean they’re not too demanding, as long as they get their daily walks and plenty of sniffing time.

With the right care, including a balanced diet like Scrumbles Dog Food, your Basset Bleu de Gascogne will thrive as a happy, healthy, and loving companion.

REFERENCES

American Kennel Club: Basset Bleu de Gascogne
The Kennel Club UK: Basset Bleu de Gascog ne
PetMD: Basset Bleu de Gascogne Information

With the right care, exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Basset Bleu de Gascogne will be the perfect mix of laid-back snuggles and outdoor adventures!