Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu is not known to suffer widely from many inherited conditions. Like other dogs with this body shape they can be expected to be more prone to spinal disorders and abnormal joint development.

Like most hounds, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne can become deaf when following his nose, so a reliable recall is essential, as is exercising him off-lead only in safe, non-traffic areas. He was bred for extended, slow hunts, so is more of a long-distance plodder than a short-distance sprinter, and needs a couple of hours' daily exercise to burn off his energy, along with a chance to use his nose.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. The Basset Bleu is prone to bloating and stomach problems; smaller, more frequent meals can help minimise this risk.

The short, dense coat is low-maintenance, requiring little more than a weekly groom to remove any dead coat and keep it looking healthy. Owners may give this dog an occasional bath if necessary. Their ears require careful attention, as ear infections can occur due to limited airflow.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.