Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Also known as: Blue Gascony Basset Bleus de Gascogne
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- 34–38 cm (13–15 in)
- Coat
- short, dense
- Colour
- mottled black and white
- Other names
- Blue Gascony Basset Bleus de Gascogne
intro
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne ( .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} French pronunciation: [ bɑsɛ blø də ɡasˈkɔɲ ] ), also known as the Blue Gascony Basset , is a long-backed, short legged breed of dog of the hound type. A French native breed, it is rare outside its homeland. It is recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale , in the UK by The Kennel Club , and by the United Kennel Club in the United States. The "bleu" of its name is a reference to its coat which has a ticked appearance.
History
Originating in the Middle Ages, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne descended directly from the old breed of Grand Bleu de Gascogne . [ 4 ] It is thought that Gaston III of Foix-Béarn kept a pack of these dogs to hunt wild boar and wolves. [ 5 ] He is known as the writer of the Livre de chasse, considered the classic treatise on medieval hunting . [ 6 ] During the early 19th century the breed nearly became extinct with a declining popularity in hunting. However, the breed was saved and revived by the work of Alain Bourbon. [ 7 ]
Appearance
The color of their coat is predominantly white, ticked so as to give a bluish appearance, with brown spots and tan markings above the eyes and on the ears. [ 1 ] They are a smooth-coated breed. [ 2 ] Height at the withers is usually between 34 and 42 centimetres (13 and 17 in) although the Kennel Club standard specifies 30–38 centimetres (12–15 in) . [ 1 ] [ 3 ] Their general appearance is usually not too heavy, and they weigh between 16 and 18 kilograms (35 and 40 lb) . They have dark brown eyes and low-set ears that can reach at least the end of their muzzle . [ 1 ]
Recognition and categorisation
The Kennel Club of the UK recognizes the Basset Bleu De Gascogne in the imported breed register and in the Hound Group . [ 3 ] The United Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1991, [ 7 ] and both they and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) list the Basset Bleu De Gascogne in the Scenthound Group. [ 4 ] [ 8 ] The breed is also known as the Blue Gascony Basset in the FCI. [ 8 ] Today, the Basset Bleu is one of six types of " basset "-type breeds recognised by the FCI. [ 9 ] The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club . In addition to the major registries, the Basset Bleu De Gascogne is also recognized by many minor registries and specialty registries, including as a rare breed under the American Rare Breed Association which uses the FCI standard. [ 10 ]