Basset Bleu de Gascogne
A mottled blue-coated French basset scenthound bred for small game. Sociable, gentle and good in company, but a tenacious tracker with a strong nose and a loud, melodious bay.
Overview
A mottled blue-coated French basset scenthound bred for small game. Sociable, gentle and good in company, but a tenacious tracker with a strong nose and a loud, melodious bay.
Good to know — a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is best with a garden and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Basset Bleu de Gascogne is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Basset Bleu de Gascogne typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Basset Bleu de Gascogne should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Sociable, gentle and good with other dogs
- Hardy and easy to groom
Things to consider
- Strong scent drive and selective recall
- Vocal with a carrying hound bay
Similar breeds
French Bulldog
A compact, easy-going companion that suits flats and modest exercise — but with serious health considerations.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
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Border Terrier
A hardy, good-natured working terrier that’s friendlier with people and dogs than many of its terrier cousins.
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Dachshund
A bold, characterful "sausage dog" that suits smaller homes but needs careful handling of its long back.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Basset Bleu de Gascognes good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Basset Bleu de Gascognes tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Basset Bleu de Gascogne need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Basset Bleu de Gascogne needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Basset Bleu de Gascognes shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Basset Bleu de Gascognes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Basset Bleu de Gascognes are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Basset Bleu de Gascognes bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Basset Bleu de Gascognes good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Basset Bleu de Gascognes suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Basset Bleu de Gascogne is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.