Basset Bordeaux

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Great Britain <> France -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
French Basset Mastiff

A brief presentation of the Basset Bordeaux

Affectionate but always alert, the Basset Bordeaux was developed from its parent breeds, the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. Both breeds originated in France, and it is thought that the initial cross-breeding also took place there. Although the exact date of the Basset Bordeaux is unknown, it is suspected that the Basset Bordeaux was developed fairly recently, as long as 20 years ago. Its original purpose was to track rabbits and serve as a guard dog. Nowadays, it's mainly used as a faithful companion. The Basset Bordeaux most closely resembles the giant Dogue de Bordeaux in appearance. Its coat is smooth, glossy and dense. Its height varies considerably due to the difference in height between the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. There is no officially documented height for the Basset Bordeaux and no current standard. The Basset Bordeaux is said to have inherited traits from both parent breeds and may appear gentle, social and affectionate. The breed is said to indulge in occasional barking. With its short coat, the Basset Bordeaux requires simple maintenance for grooming.

History of the Basset Bordeaux

Although the exact origins of the Basset Bordeaux are unknown, it is suspected that the breed originated in France, where its two parent breeds originated. The Basset Bordeaux is thought to have originated around 20 years ago, when the hybrid breed began to gain popularity as a means of reducing breed disease. The Basset Bordeaux is descended from the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Basset Hound was originally bred to track hares and rabbits, while the Dogue de Bordeaux was used as a guard dog. The Basset Bordeaux is not officially recognized by the AKC due to its hybrid status.
        

A little of the Basset Hound

        
The Basset Hound dates back to before the start of the French Revolution. Experts believe the Basset Hound originated with the friars of the French abbey of Saint-Hubert. It is thought that the Basset Hound was bred to have short, stocky legs to slow its pace in the field. After the French Revolution, the Basset Hound was documented with commoners and hunters favoring the breed because of its slow pace and their ability to keep up with the breed. The Basset Hound was prized for its strong ability to give hunters a scent. In the late 1800s, the Basset Hound was crossed with the Bloodhound to increase its length. In 1935, the Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Standard of the Basset Hound

A little of the Bordeaux Mastiff

The Dogue de Bordeaux was originally bred for use as a powerful watchdog and cattle herder in the Middle Ages. The breed was used to defend the estates of the French Revolution, which considerably reduced the population. Raymond Triquet is often credited with saving the Dogue de Bordeaux from extinction.
Standard of the Bordeaux Mastiff

Appearance of the Basset Bordeaux

The Basset Bordeaux closely resembles one of its parent breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux. It's a stocky, muscular breed with straight front legs. Its body is thick with a short back. Its exact size can vary from medium to giant. It has a huge, heavy head but is not as wrinkled as the Dogue de Bordeaux, and this interesting hybrid has loose skin around the neck. Its tail is thick at the base but tapers towards the end. The Basset Bordeaux's coat is dense, short and smooth, and can vary from light to dark fawn. Occasionally, you may see additions of black and white to the fawn, depending on whether Basset Hound colors prevail. Its eyes are dark and its nose is black.

Temperament of the Basset Bordeaux

The Basset Bordeaux's temperament is representative of its two parent breeds, the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. The breed is good-natured, calm, curious and affectionate. The Basset Bordeaux is an excellent choice for new owners because of its calm disposition. The Basset Bordeaux is also excellent with children and strangers. The Basset Bordeaux would benefit from early training to fully accept those it doesn't know. It may need early exposure to other animals, but gets on well with others. The Basset Bordeaux has low energy levels and can be slightly difficult to motivate. In terms of parent breeds, the Basset Hound is known to be stubborn in training, while the Dogue de Bordeaux is laid-back in training. The Basset Bordeaux may require additional training to ensure it remains ready to learn. Positive reinforcement will work best with this breed, and staying consistent is key. Once fully trained, the Basset Bordeaux makes a wonderful companion.

Needs and activities of the Basset Bordeaux

It's essential for your Basset Bordeaux, despite its laid-back, couch potato attitude, to stay active in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The Basset Bordeaux has a low activity level and would be quite happy to relax on the sofa with you all day while you watch TV shows. The Basset Bordeaux would do best in an apartment with a yard or a house with a yard. If you give your Basset Bordeaux 2 walks throughout the day and have fun, your Basset Bordeaux will be ready to call him every day. The Basset Bordeaux would thrive in both urban and rural areas, as well as in a warm climate. It's best to keep the Basset Bordeaux away from extreme climates.

Maintenance of the Basset Bordeaux

The Basset Bordeaux is not considered hypoallergenic and can shed excessively. Its coat is dense, short and smooth. Daily brushing with a curry rubber brush is recommended to remove dead hairs and reduce shedding. A smoother brush may be useful during periods of heavy shedding. Bathing your Basset Bordeaux should be limited to every 6 to 8 weeks, unless it is excessively dirty. Ears should be regularly wiped and cleaned to avoid excessive humidity inside, which can lead to yeast proliferation. Teeth should be brushed weekly. Nails should be trimmed or filed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent nail proliferation or cracking. The Basset Bordeaux is known to drool, so it's important to keep the area around the mouth clean to reduce the build-up of odors and bacteria.

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