Basset Bleu de Gascogne

This is a short legged version of the Great Gascony Blue, developed in the 19th century to produce a dog suited to a hunter on foot tracking hare at a slower pace. The short coat with its distinctive dark mottling over white gives the same blue impression as its larger relative. A male can weigh up to 18 kilograms, on a long body with short, bowed legs. The breed nearly disappeared in the early 20th century as hunting on foot lost ground to mounted hunting, and was later rebuilt by dedicated breeders. Its voice is deep and resonant, much like the larger Gascony breed. At home it tends to be affectionate and attached to its people, though it needs regular exercise. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Basset Bleu de Gascogne: how old in human years?

34–42 cmHeight
14–18 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Spanish Hound

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.3: Scenthounds, Small sized
FCI: 35
Country of origin: France

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 34–42 cm

Females 34–42 cm

Weight

Males 16–18 kg

Females 14–16 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, mottled ("blue") (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Basset Bleu de Gascogne's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Basset Bleu de Gascogne's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 3/5
Prey drive 4/5
Hunting instinct 4/5

Guarding & Alertness

Basset Bleu de Gascogne's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 2/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Basset Bleu de Gascogne's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 3/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne goes through the world nose first, and the world smells endlessly interesting to him. He is a short-legged French hound bred to follow a trail slowly but stubbornly, so his pace is unhurried and his stamina surprising. One or two leisurely walks a day with time to investigate everything suit him well; he will never be your running partner. The hunting drive is strong, so keep off-lead time to fenced spaces.

He is clever and learns quite willingly when a treat is involved, but his voice is both his pride and your challenge. A hound's bay is loud and musical, and this basset uses his freely, especially when bored or left alone for long. Scent games and hidden treats tire his mind beautifully and quieten him a little.

In the family he is gentle, patient and built for cuddling: good with children, happy to treat other dogs as members of the pack, and friendly if a touch cautious with visitors. He is no guard dog. As long as the neighbours can live with his singing, he does well in a flat; just spare his long back from jumping and keep him trim, because this dog can find food where there isn't any.

Grooming and coat

That famous "blue" isn't dye at all but a close mottling of black and white hairs, and it asks very little of you. Once a week, go over the short coat with a rubber brush or grooming mitt: the dead hair comes out and the pattern looks crisp again. Shedding is light, so you won't find tumbleweeds of hair in the corners. Bathe only when it's really needed, with a mild dog shampoo.

Most of the work is in what hangs down. Those long drop ears trail through the food bowl and along the ground and stay damp, so wipe the edges a few times a week and check that the inside is clean and doesn't smell. He drools a little, which means the odd mark by the bowl and on your trousers: a small towel by the door earns its place. Short legs don't wear the nails down, so trim them regularly.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (18 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 235 g of dry food a day, from €12,94 a month For a neutered, normally active 16 kg dog. Calculate for your dog