MyDogBreeds
Flat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom but Basset Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France. Flat-Coated Retriever may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Flat-Coated Retriever may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Flat-Coated Retriever may live 3 years less than Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Flat-Coated Retriever may have more litter size than Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Basset Bleu de Gascogne requires Moderate maintenance.
The Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.
The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.
The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.
Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is an old breed and also one of the most reserved of the Basset family. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne’s history can be traced back to the 14th century, originating in the region of Gascony, France. At one time there were very few of these dogs and Alain Bourbon began doing something about this in the early 20th century, although he didn’t document his breeding practices . There are theories though and one was that he bred a few of the very first Basset Bleu de Gascognes with the Basset Saintongeois and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.
Today the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is rarely found anywhere beyond France’s borders and there are only a few clubs for the Basset Bleu de Gascogne.
The Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne today is a striking looking hound, and is the most reserved o the Basset breeds. When you look at him, their general appearance is large but not too heavy. Long of build, his height at the withers is about 30 – 38cm, and he weighs up to 18kg.
He has short legs, thick bones, long floppy ears and dark brown, sad eyes, but is still agile and able to get around quickly. This particular Basset has a short, smooth, dense coat which is black with a white mottled pattern and some tan marking around the feet and face. You’ll most times notice black patches over his ears and sides of his head and there will typically be a white blaze on his skull.
The attractive Basset Bleu de Gascogne is one of 6 Basset Hound breeds, and this one is an energetic, lively dog who possesses a great sense of smell. Easy to train, he slots in well with his human family, wanting to please them all the time. They just love his dark, sorrowful brown eyes and the gentle expression on his face. With his deep bark, he tries to talk to his family. He is fairly easy to train, and with socialization and training he makes an exceptional pet.
Perhaps one aspect of the Basset family that doesn’t go down well with dog owners is their wandering nature. As a scenthound, he often gets the scent of something and wants to put his nose down and follow it. If you haven’t got a sturdy wall or fence around your property, he’ll just wander off.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.
They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.
They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.
Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.
This smooth-coated breed with his low-set ears, his sad eyes, out-turned paws and gentle but intelligent pet make this dog an awesome, companionable pet. He is loyal, affectionate and devoted. They’re good with children and other pets, and can even make superb pets for older- or frail people who may lead a more sedentary lifestyle.
The Basset Bleu also sheds a bit less than their Basset Hound counterparts, although they do tend to shed throughout the year. He will require training, just like any dog really, but you don’t want to be harsh with training, as he is a gentle, sensitive dog.
Laid back, this dog which has always been an excellent hunter in days gone by, will make anyone a devoted, loyal friend.
Flat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:
Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.
A great aspect with Basset Bleus is that they have very few health issues and are quite laid back. They can easily get to 14 years of age and older with good nutrition and exercise. Nothing is set in stone however, and every breed can suddenly develop health problems.
Dogs like this with a deep chest can be prone to a condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat. This is a condition not to be taken lightly as it can be life threatening. Gastric dilatation volvulus means twisted stomach because of excessive gas or flatulence and your dog will require prompt treatment.
He will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.
Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.
They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.
With his short coat, shedding isn’t a huge issue with the Basset Bleu. He sheds seasonally and then you will definitely have to brush him at least twice a week to get rid of all that loose hair.
Some dog owners don’t get used to the slobbering of these dogs. Certainly, you will need to change his drinking water often because of this slobbering of his. It can result in the water containing viruses and bacteria which can cause infections in your dog.
These dogs tend to be lazy at home, so it will be up to you to see that he gets a good quota of exercise to prevent him becoming fat and prone to more illnesses. The backs, especially with added weight, can cause problems and this kind of dog shouldn’t be encouraged to jump off beds and couches.