Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, suitable activity and regular veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives between 11 and 13 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is generally robust and hardy. Its past as a hunting dog gives it good physical abilities, but its skeleton, spine and joints must be preserved, notably by avoiding excess weight and unsuitable exertion during growth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Particular attention must be paid to mobility, the back, the hips, the ears and weight changes. Any sign of pain, stiffness, unusual gait, ear itching or acute digestive disorder warrants a veterinary consultation.
Hip dysplasia : This joint condition can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; weight control and gait monitoring are important.
Spinal conditions : The elongated back may be prone to pain or spinal disorders, especially in cases of overweight or unsuitable exertion.
Hernias and bone deformities : Skeletal abnormalities or hernias may occur and require a veterinary assessment in the presence of a lump, pain or discomfort.
Ear infections : Long, drooping ears promote moisture and infections; they should be inspected and cleaned with a suitable product.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Sudden abdominal distension, unproductive retching or restlessness constitute a veterinary emergency.
Overweight : The breed tends to gain weight, which increases strain on the back, hips and all joints.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its short, dense coat gives it a decent tolerance to moderate cold, but it must not be exposed to bad weather for long periods. It copes less well with high heat: activities must then be moved to cooler hours, with shade and water available at will.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne easily gains weight. The ration must be weighed and adjusted to its activity, while treats must remain limited. Daily outings and regular monitoring of its body shape help protect its back and joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and clean the drooping ears regularly.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the back and joints.
- Avoid strenuous exertion and repeated jumping during growth.
- Ensure regular prevention against ticks and other parasites.
- Seek urgent veterinary care in case of a swollen abdomen or unproductive retching.
Vaccination
Blue Gascony Basset vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Blue Gascony Basset need? Like all dogs, Blue Gascony Bassets should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Blue Gascony Basset vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Blue Gascony Basset booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Blue Gascony Basset need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Blue Gascony Basset
A regular locomotor examination, with attention paid to the hips and the spine, is recommended. The veterinarian must also check the ears, weight and oral-dental condition. In breeding dogs, screening for hip dysplasia and knowledge of family history should be prioritized.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
