10 things to know before owning a Basset Bleu De Gascogne

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The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is a unique and distinctive breed known for many things. However, like all dog breeds, Basset Bleu De Gascognes has specific needs and characteristics that potential owners should know before bringing one home.

Here are 10 things you must consider when bringing a Basset Bleu De Gascognes puppy!

The Basset Bleu De Gascogne has a strong prey drive.

The Basset Bleu De Gascogne is primarily bred for hunting small game. This means they have a high prey drive and may exhibit destructive behaviors such as digging, chasing, barking, and escaping from confinement.

To prevent such behaviors, you must provide this dog with appropriate outlets for its natural hunting instinct, such as regular exercise, training, and hunting games.

It is also necessary to ensure they are kept in a secure, fenced area or on a leash when outside, as they may be prone to chasing small animals.

They are a large breed.

Basset Bleu De Gascognes can grow up to 27 inches in height and weigh up to 65 pounds. As a result, they require a lot of space to move around, play and exercise.

They have a strong sense of smell.

The Basset Bleu De Gascognes have an exceptional sense of smell, which makes them great hunters. However, they also like to follow their nose and become easily distracted when they catch a scent.

Because of this, they may wander off or become unresponsive when following a scent, making them difficult to control during walks or training. To help prevent destructive behaviors due to this trait, providing them with plenty of mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or scent work activities, is vital.

They are friendly and affectionate.

The Basset Bleu De Gascognes are known to be friendly and affectionate. When they are at home, they love spending their time with their owners.

They are generally a gentle breed that is also great with children and loves being a part of family activities. However, as with any breed (especially hunting), it is necessary to supervise interactions between children and dogs.

You must teach your kids how to interact safely with your Basset Bleu De Gascognes. These dogs are also friendly to strangers; however, early socialization is vital to help them develop social skills and prevent shyness or aggression.

They require a lot of exercises.

Due to their large size and high energy levels, Basset Bleu De Gascognes require a lot of exercises. They need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

The Basset Bleu De Gascognes dog's exercise can include the following activities:

long walks
hikes
playtime
and scent activities.

They may have health issues.

Like all dog breeds, the Basset Bleu De Gascognes may be prone to common health issues. This includes:

hip dysplasia
ear infections
diabetes
heart disease
and obesity.

You must consult your vet to ensure your dog is healthy and receive proper or preventative care. Make sure to give your dog regular vet check-ups and to keep their vaccines up to date. Learn all the signs and symptoms of these common health issues to identify them early.

They have a unique appearance that requires regular grooming and maintenance.

Basset Bleu De Gascognes are known for their long, droopy ears and distinctive blue and black coat. Although their coat is short and dense, it sheds moderately all year long.

This is why it is necessary to brush their coat regularly to help remove loose hair and prevent matting and tangles.

You need to bathe this dog only when necessary. In addition, you must clean their long ears regularly to prevent any ear infections.

Basset Bleu De Gascognes may also benefit from regular dental care to prevent dental problems.

They are a vocal breed.

Another trait of the Basset Bleu De Gascogne you must look out for is their tendency to be vocal or howl frequently. Excessive barking can become a problem when you live close to your neighbors.

To help minimize this behavior, you must give your dog early training and socialization. They might still become very vocal if they get bored alone at home.

They may be stubborn and quite challenging to train.

These dogs are intelligent, but training can become challenging because of their stubborn and independent nature.

Their strong prey drive can also become a problem since they get distracted easily by scents and sights around them. Here are some tips on training a stubborn dog to make the training successful.

They are not suitable for inexperienced owners.

As a hunting breed, they have high energy levels and require a lot of physical exercises to stay healthy and happy. They also need mental stimulation and regular training to prevent boredom and potential behavior problems.

Additionally, their grooming needs, potential health issues, and vocal nature require careful attention and regular care. These things may be too much for inexperienced or first-time dog owners who may find them challenging to train and care for.

Conclusion

In summary, the Basset Bleu De Gascogne is an excellent dog; however, it's essential to understand their high prey drive, grooming needs, exercise requirements, potential health issues, and vocal nature. If you're considering a Basset Bleu De Gascogne, assessing your living situation and whether this breed's nature is a good fit for you is vital!