Blue Gascony Basset
Description
The Blue Gascony Basset, also called the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, is a compact hunting hound from France. It descends from the larger Grand Bleu de Gascogne but was bred shorter to navigate dense forests and rough terrain. This dog carries a mottled black and white coat with distinct tan points and black patches on the head, ears, and eyes. A white blaze runs down the middle of its head, giving it a striking look. These dogs work well alone or in packs, tracking scents with determination. They’re friendly and loyal but can be stubborn during training. Inside the home, they’re usually calm but expect plenty of barking when they catch a scent or get excited. They enjoy company and don’t like being left alone for long stretches.
Grooming
The Blue Gascony Basset sports a dense, semi-thick double coat that’s short but sheds heavily in spring and fall. Brush twice a week to keep loose hair under control and switch to daily brushing during shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake on dense areas to remove dead fur without damaging the coat. Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks, making sure to dry thoroughly to prevent skin issues. Avoid shaving the coat; it protects the dog’s skin and helps regulate temperature. Their black and white mottled pattern with tan points doesn’t require special stain care but keep an eye on the white areas around the blaze and chest for dirt buildup. - Brush 2× weekly, daily in heavy sheds - Use undercoat rake on dense spots - Bathe every 6–8 weeks, dry well - Don’t shave the double coat Pro tip: Schedule a professional de-shed treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to keep shedding manageable and coat healthy.
Learn the Dense routine:
→ Complete Dense Grooming Guide
Walking
The Blue Gascony Basset needs about 65 minutes of walking each day, ideally in one solid session. This breed loves to follow scents, so mix in some sniffing time to keep walks interesting. They can be stubborn, so keep the pace steady and use treats to encourage focus. A good walk might start with 10 minutes of leash walking to warm up, followed by 40 minutes of off-leash scent tracking in a secure area, then finish with 15 minutes of calm leash walking to wind down. This routine helps burn energy and satisfies their hunting instincts. Example routine: - 10 minutes leash walk around neighborhood - 40 minutes scent games in fenced park - 15 minutes slow leash walk home
Boarding
When boarding a Blue Gascony Basset, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to allow comfortable movement. This breed enjoys active play, so plan for two play sessions daily that include scent or brain games to keep their nose and mind busy. Avoid small-animal toys since their prey drive can kick in. Secure fencing is a must; these dogs can be escape artists when they catch an interesting scent. Staff should note their vocal nature and be ready to manage barking with calm reassurance. They thrive on human interaction, so frequent attention and gentle handling help reduce stress during their stay.