^© The Kennel Club - Unauthorised Reproduction of Text and Images Prohibited

The Kennel Club Picture Library - © Paul Keevil

Interim

General Appearance
Smooth coated, athletic and aristocratic basset. Powerful but not too heavy.

Characteristics
Sagacious, lively hound possessing an excellent nose and a deep and sonorous voice.

Temperament
Audacious, curious and affectionate but somewhat reserved.

Head and Skull
Wedge shaped, not too wide, skull domed with well defined occipital point. Foreface long and slightly aquiline. Nose black with wide nostrils.

Eyes
Oval, preferably dark brown. Sad and gentle expression.

Ears
Set below the eyeline, fine, curled in, ending in a point and extending to at least the tip of the nose when drawn forward.

Mouth
Strong jaws with a regular scissor bite, ie upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth, teeth and set square to the jaws. Black lips not exaggerated, slightly drooping, covering the lower jaw.

Neck
Rather long, slightly arched with dewlaps showing but not excessive.

Forequarters
Forelegs strongly boned, straight or half crooked acceptable. Shoulders well muscled but not heavy, well laid with good slope to upper arm.

Body
Chest deep extending to elbow with prominent sternum. Ribs well rounded. Back long, strong and level. Loin short and strong with slight arch. Can have slight tuck up.

Hindquarters
Strong and muscular. Stifles slightly bent and hocks well let down. Rear pasterns parallel when viewed from behind and set in a line under the points of buttocks.

Feet
Strong, oval with black pads and nails.

Tail
Well set on, carried gaily, sickle fashion but reaching the ground when at rest. Broad at the base tapering to a point.

Gait/Movement
Balanced and easy with noticeable drive from hindquarters.

Coat
Short, dense and not too fine.

Colour
Black marked on a white base but covered entirely with black mottling which gives a blue appearance. Two black marks are found on head, covering each ear, enveloping eyes and stopping at cheeks. Above each eye a spot of tan gives breed a 'four-eyed' effect. Tan marks also found on cheeks, flews, inside ears, on legs and under tail. Some hounds completely mottled, but always have required tan marks.

Size
Height at withers 30-38 cms (12-15 ins).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault is regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

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

Last updated November 2004

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• BASSET BLEU DE GASCOGNE CLUB. Sec. Mr C Roberts. Tel No: 014223 70855  

Date:

Last updated on:

Categories:

Discover Dogs, Hound Group 

This article has been read 14721 times.