Discover Everything About Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
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
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
Daily life
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.
The Basset bleu de Gascogne was bred to hunt small game and is characterized by its blue coat and good nose.
France
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 not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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 Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
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.
Experiences with the Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Oliver S., Jäger aus dem Saarland (Rüde, seit 2018)
Mein Basset Bleu de Gascogne Rüde 'Findus' ist für mich der perfekte Jagdbegleiter. Er gehört zu den klassischen Lauf- und Schweißhunden, und man merkt sofort, dass seine gesamte Anatomie auf die Nasenarbeit ausgelegt ist. Seine langen Schlappohren, die doppelte Kehlwamme und das lose Fell helfen ihm regelrecht dabei, die Fährten am Boden aufzuwirbeln. Bei unseren Drückjagdeinsätzen zeigt er sich als extrem arbeitswilliger Stöberhund, der spur- und fährtenlaut jagt und schon so manche Sau oder Reh vor die Schützen gebracht hat.
Er sucht im Wald relativ nah bei mir, was die Zusammenarbeit sehr angenehm macht. Sobald er jedoch auf eine warme Fährte stößt, geht er auch gerne mal eigenständig auf große Reise. Man muss sich also bewusst sein, dass man hier einen passionierten Jagdhund an seiner Seite hat, der draußen gefordert werden will. Im Haus dagegen zeigt er sich von seiner ruhigen und ausgeglichenen Seite.
Melanie A., Hundeführerin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2022)
Wir haben uns einen Basset Bleu de Gascogne geholt, um ihn als verlässlichen Partner für die anspruchsvolle Schwarzwildjagd auszubilden. Schon im Alter von sieben Monaten habe ich gemerkt, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige und gezielte Förderung für diese Rasse ist. Um seine Instinkte in die richtigen Bahnen zu lenken, habe ich mit ihm ein spezielles Schwarzwildgatter besucht.
Es war eine großartige Erfahrung zu sehen, wie konzentriert der junge Rüde trotz seines Alters an den Sauen gearbeitet hat. Diese Hunde bringen von Natur aus eine enorme Passion mit, die man aber unbedingt durch konsequentes Training und kontrollierte Erfahrungen unterstützen muss. Für uns ist er auf dem besten Weg, ein leistungsstarker Jagdpartner zu werden, aber es erfordert gerade in den ersten Monaten viel Engagement und Zeit.
Tatjana Z., Halterin aus Hessen (Hündin, seit 2024)
Mein Mann und ich haben uns letztes Jahr einen Basset Bleu de Gascogne Welpen ins Haus geholt. Sie ist mittlerweile eine junge Hündin und charakterlich einfach unglaublich lieb, lustig und charmant. Im Alltag sorgt sie ständig für Lacher und bereichert unser Leben ungemein.
Allerdings zeigt sie ein ganz typisches, manchmal etwas verwirrendes Basset-Verhalten: Während sie sich bei Fremden und Besuchern extrem überschwänglich freut, mit dem Schwanz wedelt und jeden am liebsten sofort ablecken möchte, ist sie mir gegenüber – obwohl ich ihre Hauptbezugsperson bin – oft viel ruhiger und fast schon distanzierter. Man darf diese Unabhängigkeit und ihren eigenwilligen Charakter nicht persönlich nehmen; sie binden sich eng an ihre Familie, zeigen es aber manchmal auf ihre ganz eigene, sehr selbstständige Art.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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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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