Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a very old breed that directly descended from an even older breed. His history can be traced back to the 14^th century where he originated in the region of Gascony located in southwest France. He was developed by breeding down the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.  This larger scent hound breed has ancient roots. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was too large to hunt the smaller game that would escape into thick underbrush, so the Basset Bleu de Gascogne was created for the purpose of going into the thick underbrush and flushing out small game such as rabbits. In the 1890s the Basset Bleu de Gascogne was almost extinct because of the sharp decline in hunting and the need for hunting dogs. There were very few to be found until Alain Bourbon began resurrecting the breed in the early 20^th century. Bourbon did not fully document his breeding practices and therefore, nobody knows exactly how he was able to revive the breed. One theory is that Bourbon was able to breed a few of the original Basset Bleu de Gascognes with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Basset Saintongeois. Another theory is that the Basset Bleu de Gascogne simply came from a mutation of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and both breeds are the same, except for the size. The overall look of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne did change slightly in appearance and more closely resembled the stereotypical Basset Hound. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne has been recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale and as well in 1991, the United Kennel Club, even though there are very few located in the United States. He is rarely found anywhere outside of France and there are only a few breed specific clubs for the Basset Bleu de Gascogne.