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Discover everything about Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Basset Bleu de Gascogne?
At a glance
Basset Bleu de Gascogne overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
For the Basset bleu de Gascogne, there are currently no mandatory genetic tests, which places a significant responsibility for health screening on the breeders. Due to their elongated body, there is an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) as well as hip dysplasia (HD). Furthermore, their characteristic long, pendulous ears require regular care to prevent chronic ear infections.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
34–38 cm
Weight
16–20 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Tricolor (black
- white
- tan)
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Basset Bleu de Gascogne, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Basset Bleu de Gascogne right for you?
The Basset bleu de Gascogne is a melancholic-looking but highly passionate low-slung pack hound—bred to follow a cold trail for hours in rough terrain with a deep, resonant voice and iron endurance.
Perfect for you if:
- You enjoy intensive scent work like mantrailing or tracking—a simple walk is never enough for this breed.
- You appreciate a dog that is extremely calm and almost lazy indoors, but suddenly develops iron endurance once outside.
- You have a great deal of patience for his charming stubbornness and don't need to see every command executed immediately.
- You already have a confident first dog, as he loves the constant company of other dogs as a pack hound.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that can be reliably recalled in the woods—when he catches a hare's scent, his brain switches to hunting mode and he turns a deaf ear to you.
- You live in an apartment with thin walls, as his deep, loud voice (the baying) is genetically hardwired.
- You have to leave him alone for many hours regularly—as a classic pack hound, he suffers immensely in isolation.
- You are looking for an athletic companion for fast jogging or cycling tours—his anatomy is built for hours of slow searching, not for sprints.
The real vibes check
A Basset bleu de Gascogne often looks like he is philosophizing about the meaning of life while on the sofa—until he catches a scent outside. Then, the cozy aristocrat turns into a stubborn, highly focused tracker who is completely unreachable for you. You won't get an obedient command-follower, but an independent specialist who will show you his deep affection once the work is done.
Breed Profile
The Basset bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a charming appearance. Its body is compact and well proportioned, with short legs and drooping ears that add to its charming appearance. This breed belongs to FCI Group 6 (hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds). There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed. The Basset bleu de Gascogne is characterized by its unique facial expression and deep voice, typical of hunting dogs.
- Height
- 34 - 38 cm (Female), 34 - 38 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 16 - 18 kg (Female), 18 - 20 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 years
- Character
- Gentle, balanced, persistent
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Tricolor (black, white and tan)
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The Basset bleu de Gascogne comes from the Gascony region of France and has been known as a separate breed since the 19th century. These dogs were bred to hunt game, particularly hares and wild boars. Their remarkable sense and endurance enable them to follow even difficult trails and successfully track down game.
Original Use
The Basset bleu de Gascogne was bred to hunt small game and is characterized by its blue coat and good nose.
Origin
France
Date
1800
Character & Temperament
The Basset bleu de Gascogne is a calm and balanced dog. He has a friendly nature and is known for his gentleness. This breed is people-oriented and enjoys the company of their family. They are loving companions and make good family dogs. However, the Basset bleu de Gascogne is also independent and self-reliant. They can occasionally have a stubborn personality that requires consistent but loving training. Due to their hunting dog origins, the Basset bleu de Gascogne can show pronounced hunting and prey-catching behavior. It is important to control these instincts and ensure the dog is sufficiently occupied. If left alone, they can learn to cope, but it may require some patience and training. The Basset bleu de Gascogne is an alert dog that keeps a close eye on its territory and responds attentively to unusual noises. Their deep voice is often used as a guard signal, and they can make good watchdogs.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is one of the oldest breeds, originating from the Gascony region in southwestern France? These charming dogs were originally used to hunt rabbits and other small wild animals!
What Awaits You
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a friendly and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell. It is characterized by its calm and balanced nature and is easy to train. This breed is particularly suitable for tracking wounded game and is versatile due to its good nose. Despite its independent character, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a pleasant companion in family life.
Housing & Care
Despite its hunting instincts, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be a good city dog as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. His calm and friendly temperament makes him a good companion for families with children, and he also tends to get along well with other pets, including cats, as long as he is properly socialized.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is an intelligent but sometimes stubborn dog. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best for this breed. His hunting instincts can be challenging, so early leash and retrieval training is crucial. These dogs are not ball junkies, but they enjoy various activities and games that challenge their minds and bodies. Although the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is not overly active, he still needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. However, do not overdo it as too much physical activity can harm your joints. This dog also needs mental challenges to be happy. For example, you could offer him nose work or other brain teasers that meet his need for mental engagement.
Nutrition & Care
Basset Bleus are true foodies and tend to become overweight if their diet is not well monitored. It is important to ensure a balanced diet of high quality dog food and keep treats to a minimum. Because they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, specific supplements that support joint health may be useful. When it comes to grooming, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is relatively easy to care for. His short, dense coat has an undercoat and he sheds moderately. Brushing regularly - about once a week - helps remove loose hair and keeps skin healthy. This dog also copes well with the climate in Germany, although he may need a coat during the colder months.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
For the Basset bleu de Gascogne, there are currently no mandatory genetic tests, which places a significant responsibility for health screening on the breeders. Due to their elongated body, there is an increased risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) as well as hip dysplasia (HD). Furthermore, their characteristic long, pendulous ears require regular care to prevent chronic ear infections.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should ensure he maintains a healthy weight, avoid jumping and climbing stairs to protect his long back, and keep his ears clean and dry regularly.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' spines, joints, and eyes checked and pay strict attention to a firm back line and healthy ears to minimize risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Viele Halter beschreiben den Basset bleu de Gascogne im Haus als einen überaus angenehmen, fast schon trägen Mitbewohner. Drinnen zeigt sich die Rasse meist von ihrer sanften, anhänglichen Seite und genießt ausgiebige Streicheleinheiten mit der Familie. Sie gelten als sehr kinderfreundlich und tolerant, was sie zu wunderbaren Familienhunden macht.
Sobald es jedoch nach draußen geht, wandelt sich das Bild komplett. Besitzer berichten, dass die Hunde im Freien zu wahren Energiebündeln werden. Sie benötigen täglich mindestens ein bis zwei Stunden aktive Bewegung und vor allem geistige Auslastung durch Nasenarbeit, da sie sonst aus Langeweile zu unerwünschtem Verhalten neigen können.
Zudem sollte man sich auf ihre klangvolle, tiefe Stimme einstellen. Halter betonen immer wieder, dass die Hunde aufmerksam reagieren und anschlagen, wenn sie ungewöhnliche Geräusche hören oder ihr Territorium bewachen. Für eine reine Mietwohnung in einem hellhörigen Haus ist die Rasse daher laut vielen Erfahrungen nur bedingt geeignet.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
In der Erziehung beschreiben erfahrene Halter den Basset bleu de Gascogne als intelligenten, aber auch äußerst eigensinnigen Charakter. Seine Unabhängigkeit und der rassetypische Dickkopf erfordern von Anfang an eine liebevolle, aber absolut konsequente Führung. Kadavergehorsam darf man von diesem Hund nicht erwarten; er hinterfragt Kommandos gerne, lernt jedoch durch positive Verstärkung und vor allem Futterbelohnungen sehr gut.
Die größte Herausforderung im Alltag ist jedoch der extrem ausgeprägte Jagdtrieb. Besitzer berichten übereinstimmend, dass der Hund, sobald er eine Fährte in der Nase hat, kaum noch ansprechbar ist. Ein verlässlicher Rückruf erfordert jahrelanges, intensives Training. Viele Halter führen ihre Hunde in waldreichen Gebieten daher konsequent an der Schleppleine.
Um der Jagdleidenschaft kontrolliert zu begegnen, setzen viele Besitzer auf gezielte Suchspiele, Mantrailing oder Fährtenarbeit. Auch der Besuch von Saugattern zur kontrollierten Ausbildung wird von jagdlich geführten Haltern empfohlen, um die enorme Passion des Hundes in geordnete Bahnen zu lenken.
Zusammengefasst aus öffentlich geteilten Halter-Erfahrungen
Aus gesundheitlicher Sicht weisen Halter und Experten vor allem auf die anatomischen Besonderheiten des Basset bleu de Gascogne hin. Durch die Kombination aus langem Rücken und kurzen Beinen (Chondrodystrophie) besteht ein erhöhtes Risiko für Bandscheibenvorfälle und Gelenkprobleme wie Hüftgelenksdysplasie (HD). Es wird dringend empfohlen, das Gewicht des Hundes streng zu kontrollieren, da Übergewicht den Bewegungsapparat massiv belastet.
Ein weiteres wichtiges Thema in der täglichen Pflege sind die langen, tief angesetzten Schlappohren. Da sich in den Ohren leicht Feuchtigkeit und Schmutz sammeln, neigen die Hunde zu schmerzhaften Ohrenentzündungen. Halter berichten, dass eine regelmäßige Kontrolle und Reinigung der Ohren unverzichtbar ist.
Beim Kauf eines Welpen betonen erfahrene Besitzer immer wieder, wie entscheidend die Wahl eines seriösen Züchters ist. Da die Rasse selten ist, sollte penibel darauf geachtet werden, dass die Elterntiere umfassend auf Erbkrankheiten und Skelettprobleme untersucht wurden, um spätere chronische Leiden zu verhindern.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Is a Basset Bleu de Gascogne the right dog for me?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Basset Bleu de Gascogne live?
The average life expectancy of a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Basset Bleu de Gascogne need?
Basset Bleu de Gascogne grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Basset Bleu de Gascogne good for families with children?
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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