They measure on average 34 to 42 cm in height.

Their heads resemble their close relatives the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, having a slight crown and delicate markings.

The foreface is long, strong and aquiline. The eyes have a gentle look and are rich brown with tan spots above. The ears are set low and folded into the skull, the length should reach beyond the tip of the nose. The overall impression should be that of a gentle and joyful hound.

The coat, short and thick, is black and white flecked with larger black patches which gives them the appearance of being "blue".

Their physique and their wonderful sense of smell, along with their beautiful voice and willingness to hunt means that in France they are a highly valued hound and still exist in packs for hunting.

HISTORY
The breed has existed for many centuries in France, especially in the Central and South West regions of France. However, by the beginning of the Twentieth Century numbers had become very low and it was feared that the breed would become extinct. Monsieur Alain Bourbon rescued the breed and after a prolonged breeding programme the current breed type was established as the standard. Numbers remained low throughout the two world wars and only recently have they gained their historical popularity.

With todays high costs, limited budgets and smaller properties, the Basset Bleu has once again come into its own. Over two thousand are now registered in France, with substantial numbers in Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. Almost all are used regularly for hunting or trialling, being popular also as companion for rough shooting. Much of the credit for the resurgence must be given to the Club du Bleu de Gascogne, Gascon Saintongeois et Ariegeoise of France. The club committee has been very effective in its efforts over the last twenty five years, in rigidly imposing standards, judging criteria and trialling to ensure the continuous improvement of the Bleu breeds.

TEMPERAMENT
This breed is calm and very affectionate, adapting easily to different lifestles and environments. Country or city dwellers, they adapt well without losing their personalities, but it is important that they are exercised regularly if they are kept in a confined environment. Very human orientated, their intelligence and sensitivity make them easy to train, all having a willingness to please. A hardy little hound with a sound constitution, that does well on almost all the regular pet foods available.

HUNTING
The Rallye Beauvautrait Hunt was founded in 1996 by Mr Andrew Spilland with hounds imported from France in 1994. They are the only pack of its type in the UK. In fact these hounds and their offspring are the only ones in Britain and are therefore extremely rare, even more so as working hounds.

The hounds in the pack are pure bred Basset Bleu de Gascogne and are hunted on foot every week of the season in the Brecon Beacons. The quarry hunted is the hare. He hounds are hunted by the Huntsman, John Williams MH; the Master, Stuart Brooks M.H.; and the Whipper-In, Richard Thurston Esq.

At present there are four and half couple (pairs) of hounds and there is a current breding programme to increase the number of hounds to eight couple. This has been supported by the importation of more bloodlines from France. Our dog hounds are in great demand as stud dogs to cross with other hound types. Some of the offspring from a Bagle cross produced by the Black Mountain Basset Hunt, won a class at last years Peterborough Hound Show. It is hoped to repeat this success again this year.

Some people would consider the Basset hound to be slow and lumbering, much like the ones in the famous shoe advert but I can assure you that the hounds travel at considerable speed when in pursuit of their quarry.

Information courtesy of Stuart Brooks