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Basset Bleu De Gascogne

History

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne's historical rootstock is from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a Scenthound of ancient lineage.The existence of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is supreme evidence of the antiquity of the parent breed and is, therefore, itself a very ancient and important breed when speaking of Basset varieties in general, and Bleu de Gascogne hounds specifically. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne evolved directly from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, shows certain signs of distinction, and reflects an aristocratic air shared with the parent breed.The Basset Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in January 1991.

General Appearance *** Rather large, but not too heavy. A Basset (low-slung) hound of superior type, denoting great ancestry, reflecting in both form and action, the extreme physical and hunting characteristics of its ancient stem. Every point of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is for a purpose relevant to preserving the breed and its uniqueness. Judges are asked to keep this fact in mind when evaluating the merits of an individual hound.

Characteristics *** Constantly attentive. Movements are quick. Outstanding scenting abilities. Well developed hunting ability.

Temperament *** Of even temperament, essentially friendly. Some individuals may be very outgoing, while others are somewhat reserved in nature, but never shy or vicious. As a hunting/working Scenthound breed, and being called upon to work in close proximity with other hounds and their handlers, aggression towards other hounds and people is to be considered a fault. Extreme shyness or viciousness is a disqualification

Substance *** The first and immediate impression of a Basset Bleu de Gascogne should be that of a hound with substance and staying power. Considering the breed's long hunting history, individual hounds should have moderate bone and ample muscle. Males are heavier than females. Defects such as bull necks, out at the elbows, loaded shoulders, or a "beef steer" profile should not be confused with masculinity. Likewise, defects such as a shallow muzzle, poorly formed chest, extremely narrow pelvic region and general frailty should not be confused with femininity.

Head *** Dry, wedge shaped. Narrow, rather than wide. SKULL - Domed. The occiput is well pronounced. NOSE - Black and well developed. Fault: Spotted nose. FOREFACE - Long and slightly aquiline. Fault: Pointed muzzle. LIPS - Ample. Without exaggeration. YES - Have visible eyelids. Somewhat deep and of a dark chestnut brown color. The lower lid is often loose, allowing a certain amount of the red mucous membrane area to be seen. The expression is gentle and rather sorrowful. Fault: Light eyes. EARS - Set on low and leaving the skull well. Long, fine and curling, coming at least to the end of the muzzle. TEETH - Strong teeth, fitting evenly with a scissors bit Fault: Faulty mouth.

Neck *** Rather long and arched, with dewlap showing, but without excess. Body CHEST * Well developed, being deep, wide and long. RIBS - Medium arched. BACK

Forequarters *** The forequarters are symmetrical when viewed from either the front or in profile. Any deviation, no matter how slight, will prohibit afflicted hounds from being shown. SHOULDERS * Muscular, but not loaded. FORELEGS * Strong and straight. Half-crook tolerated. Flanks * Low and deep.

HindQuaarters *** THIGHS * Well muscled. HOCKS * Wide and slightly bent. Feet * Long and oval in shape, with thick pads. Tail * Well attached. Rather long and sometimes gay. Skin * Black or white, but never completely white, but strongly speckled with black dots. The palate, lips, genitals and the soles of the feet are black.Coat * Not too fine. Ample.

Colour *** Black spots (blankets and saddles are common), upon a white background, which is speckled with black. This confers blue reflection. Two black spots are generally situated at the side of the head, cover the ears and encircle the eyes, to end up at the cheeks without meeting on top of the skull. They leave a blaze, either blue-mottled or white, in the center of which is frequently found a small, oval black spot, one of the identifying features of the breed. Two, more or less bright spots are found just above the eyelids. There are also shades of fiery tones on the cheeks, flews, inside the ears, under the tail and on the legs and feet. Some individuals are completely mottled (no black body spots), always with traces of fiery tones.Following is a list of blue shades and phases which are acceptable: Slate-Blue - a grayish-blue to dark bluish gray.Steel-Blue - a medium to dark grayish blue, the color of tempered steel.Blue-Black - a very dark blue, nearly black in color.These are the base colors. Total body color is determined by the base color in connection with a specific color phase. Acceptable color phases include:Openticked - dark, distinct specks on a white to dark gray background. Open, in this instance, being the opposite of the term "thickly mottled."Blueticked - thickly mottled or profusely speckled with numerous, darker "ticks" on a lighter background, which blend together, reflecting a true blue cast, which may vary from very light to a very dark blue.Dappled - irregularly mottled coat accompanied by small, irregular shaped black body patches ranging from the size of peas up to the size of a silver dollar or slightly larger. Blue-Roan - a mixture of lighter and darker hairs, more or less evenly patterned throughout the entire coat. Salt and Pepper would be an example."Shades of fiery tones", it is to be understood, may be any shade from very pale tan, to a deep, bright orange-rust or mahogany.

Size *** Measured at the point of the withers. Twelve to fifteen inches.

Scars *** Because the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is first and foremost a hunting hound, scars, the result of honorable wounds, shall not be considered faults, nor shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the ears, and/or ears that are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tall grass, etc.

Disqualifications *** Bilateral or unilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Any color other than described. Absence of fiery tones. Poor type - defined as more than two faults, OR more than one fault if accompanied by a point which is clearly not desired in the breed standard. (Examples of poor type: a Basset Bleu de Gascogne which has a short head, light eyes and splayed feet. Another example of poor type: a Basset Bleu de Gascogne with light eyes, a flat skull and blanket body patch.) The Bleu de Gascogne Club of America and the United Kennel Club, Inc., are very serious about preserving the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, and in promoting quality. It is to be understood by the registering body, the United Kennel Club, Inc., its Judges, members of the Bleu de Gascogne Club of America and breeders/fanciers in general, that disqualification means disqualification not only from being shown, but also from being registered.

Faults ** Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note ** Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully decended into the scrotum.