Basset Bleu de Gascogne UK
Basset Bleu de Gascogne History
The first detailed description of the Basset Bleu de Gascogne dates back to 1880 though nothing more was really written about it until 1893. Despite this many French breeders and hunters believe the breed's history goes much further back to the 14th century.
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The breed originates from the Gascony region in southwest France. It is believed that the breed was created by breeding down the Grand Bleu de Gascogne with the aim of hunting smaller animals such as rabbits and hares; which the Grand Bleu would lose in thick undergrowth.
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In the 1890s and early 1900s, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne almost became extinct with the demand for hunting dogs declining however, by 1911 the numbers were again increasing thanks to the efforts of one man - Alain Bourbon.
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Despite as few as four Bassets Bleus listed in the Livre d'Origines Français by 1970, popularity again grew and by 1980 more than 200 Basset Bleu de Gascognes were born.
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History of the Bassest Bleu de Gascogne in the UK.
It is believed the first Basset Bleu came to England in the 1980s with more being imported from France in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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As the breed slowly increases in popularity here in the UK as do the registration numbers of puppies born or imported in the UK.
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In 2013 11 Basset Bleus were registered, with the numbers dropping to only 1 in 2014.
2015 saw a total of 6 registered and with numbers staying relatively steady for 2016 with 4 registered and 2017 with another 6 registered.
Numbers fell again with only 1 Bleu was regsitered in 2018 and 1 in 2019.
Suprisingly during the pandemic in 2020 the numbers were able to rise again with a total of 9 registered.
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With the help of dedicated breeders and breed enthusiasts registrations grew again in 2021 to a wonderful 19 and in 2022 another 12 Bleus registered.
