The Gascony Blue Basset is a breed originating from France where it was bred for hunting. They are dogs characterized by endurance, versatility and long distance tracking ability. Physically, the most distinctive features are their long droopy ears and sad expression.
General details
Dogs of the breed are medium sized but rather stout. The weight ranges between 16 and 20 kilograms, while the height varies between 33 and 38 centimeters. The life expectancy of this breed is approximately 10 years. They belong to Group 6 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups hounds, scent hounds and similar breeds.
Breed history in brief
Gascony Blue Basset is a breed originating from the Gascony region of southwestern France, where it was bred for hunting small animals such as rabbits and hares. The breed is believed to be descended from the Great Blue Hound of Gascony, a larger breed also used for hunting. The objective in creating the breed was to obtain a smaller, but more compact-bodied dog that would be more effective for hunting in rough areas than the Great Blue Gascony Hound.
The Gascony Blue Basset breed gained popularity among French hunters for its keen nose, endurance and working ability. Today, the breed continues to act as a hunting dog in France and other European areas, although it has also become popular as a pet because of its sociable and friendly nature.
Breed characteristics
The Gascony Blue Basset is rather stout, but not heavy. Its back is long and firm, with a short and sometimes arched loin. Facially, the cheeks are thin, the eyes are oval, sunken and brownish in color. The ears are crooked, pointed and long. The tail is sabre-shaped with a thick root.
The coat of the Gascony Blue Basset is short, moderately thick and compact. The coat design helps the dogs to protect themselves during hunting in difficult terrain. The coloration is usually blue and white, although the shade of blue can vary from lighter to darker. The white areas are usually located on the head, neck, chest and legs. Black spots may be present, and two tan spots that simulate four eyes may appear over the eyes. However, tan markings may also appear on other parts of the body.
The breed is characterized by its strong work ethic, intelligence, versatility and trainability. They are reserved with strangers, but sociable and affectionate with family members. The strong hunting instinct and independent nature must be addressed with proper early training and socialization.
Common health problems
Information on diseases or disorders related to the breed is very limited, as it is not described in some canine databases. However, it is reported that the Gascony Blue Basset shows predisposition to suffer from some of the most common pathologies in dogs such as hip dysplasia, volvulus-gastric dilatation, intervertebral disc disease, patellar luxation and cataracts.
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