Miniature Schnauzer vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison

Miniature Schnauzer vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed ComparisonBasset Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Miniature Schnauzer is originated from Germany. Both Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Miniature Schnauzer are having almost same height. Basset Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Miniature Schnauzer. Both Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Miniature Schnauzer has almost same life span. Basset Bleu de Gascogne may have less litter size than Miniature Schnauzer. Both Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Miniature Schnauzer requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Terrier dog
undefined
France
Germany
Height Male:
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Height Female:
32 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
30 - 36 cm
11 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 18 kg
35 - 40 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
5 - 10 kg
11 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 5
3 - 8
Size:
Medium
Small
Other Names:
Blue Gascony Basset, Bleus de Gascogne
Zwergschnauzer (Dwarf Schnauzer)
Colors Available:
Black with white mottling and some tan
salt-and-pepper coat – mix of black and white. , Black and silver
Coat:
short and smooth
Double, wiry medium-length coat
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

basset bleu de gascogneThe 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.

miniature schnauzerMiniature Schnauzers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century being bred from Affenpinschers and Standard Schnauzers.

This dog was always used to control rats on farms, but these days he is more a companion. It is believed that the start of the modern Miniature Schnauzer in the United States was around 1924 when dogs were imported from Germany.

It was in 1933 that the Miniature Schnauzer was recognized by the AKC as a separate breed from the Standard Schnauzer.

Description

The Most Reserved of the Bassets

basset bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThe 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.

Gentle Expression, Gentle of Nature

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.

He Likes to Roam

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.

miniature schnauzer puppy - descriptionThe Miniature Schnauzer is a small dog breed that stands between 30 to 36cm in height and weighs between 5 and 10kg.

He has a sturdy body with a dense, wiry coat which most people prefer to have stripped. Because stripping is quite tedious, many of these dog owners prefer to have the coat clipped which actually gives the coat a greyish look to it.

The coat is usually a mix of black and silver. Some people refer to the Miniature Schnauzer as having a salt-and-pepper coat – hairs that are a mix of black and white. The dog has a double coat with the outer coat being wiry and the undercoat being a lot softer.

This is a dog that will need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. A noticeable feature with these dogs is the rectangular shaped head with alert slanted eyes and bushy eyebrows, mustache and beard. In fact the word ‘Schnauzer’ means beard or muzzle.

The ears have been traditionally cropped but these days they are left and then they tend to be half-erect, half-floppy.

Temperament:

This is a tough little dog, fearless, cheeky, arrogant, alert and also friendly. A draw-card with him is that he is considered as a low-shedder and being hypoallergenic.

They’re very intelligent dogs too and will learn quickly when you give him training and socialization. This is important for a dog like this as he can quickly show you that he is strong willed and independent. Training and socialization makes him much nicer as he becomes more balanced and obedient.

He is full of life and extroverted and you can count on him to join you wherever you are and whatever you’re doing. Whether watching TV, swimming or hiking, he’ll be there and turn every occasion into a festive event. He is a loving, loyal dog, making a splendid pet.

He's protective of his human family and tends to be suspicious of strangers, and this is what makes him such a great watchdog.

Characteristics

basset bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsThis 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.

miniature schnauzer dog - characteristicsMiniature Schnauzers are such adaptable little dogs, quite happy to make a home with you in the city or in the countryside.

They’re sociable dogs, so just being with his human family wherever they are will suit him well. If he lives in the city however, he will need to have a walk everyday or taken to the park for a run.

He is also a dog that scarcely sheds, so he suits people battling with allergies. With an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, if you nurture your Mini Schnauzer and give him the best food and exercise there is, as well as loving him, you’re going to have a loyal and devoted pet.

Health Problems

basset bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsA 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.

miniature schnauzer puppies - health problemsYour Miniature Schnauzer is pretty healthy and he isn’t likely to cost you much in terms of vet fees. There are however some common dog problems that you want to be aware of such as cataracts of the eye and hypothyroidism.

Cataract:

This a a problem in the lens of the eye. The lens should be clear, and when a dog has a cataract, it obscures the vision. The size of the cataract can lead to blindness.

Diabetes in a dog can bring on cataracts as can genetics or damage to the eye from exposure to ultraviolet light. Fortunately, dogs with cataracts can still see. Dogs with old cataracts can have surgery to remove them.

When a dog owner suspects a cataract in their pet’s eye it is best to treat it immediately with anti-inflammatory dog cataract eye drops. Cataracts never go away however without surgery.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland in the neck produces a hormone called thyroxine. It controls metabolism, but with hypothyroidism, enough of the hormone isn’t made. Its a common disease which affects all dog breeds.

Signs of hypothyroidism include hair loss, weight gain, intolerance to cold and a troublesome skin. To have the disease diagnosed, the vet will do a series of blood tests.

Caring The Pet

Coat

basset bleu de gascogne dogs - caringWith 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.

Slobbering

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.

Exercise

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.

miniature schnauzer dogs - caringLet’s look at several ways you need to care for your Miniature Schnauzer -

Make sure you have his puppy injections on time. This means knowing which veterinarian you’ll use. Later on if you don’t want to go in for breeding, you will need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Make sure you have a nice warm, dry spot for your dog to sleep. It can be a cardboard box, or you can buy a dog basket or sleeping platform. Make sure your pet loves it and knows he can retreat to it anytime he wants.

If he goes outside for a few hours, make sure that he has a place to lie in the shade and away from the elements.

Good food promotes good health and longevity. You can feed your pet one of the top quality commercially manufactured foods and give your pet some variety by adding in some boiled chicken, vegetables and brown rice. Some raw meat occasionally can also be excellent for your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Miniature Schnauzer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Miniature Schnauzer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Miniature Schnauzer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Miniature Schnauzer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Miniature Schnauzer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature Schnauzer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Miniature Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Miniature Schnauzer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Schnauzer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Miniature Schnauzer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Miniature Schnauzer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Miniature Schnauzer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Miniature Schnauzer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Miniature Schnauzer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Miniature Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Miniature Schnauzer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Miniature Schnauzer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Miniature Schnauzer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Miniature Schnauzer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Miniature Schnauzer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Miniature Schnauzer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Schnauzer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Miniature Schnauzer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Basset Bleu de Gascogne vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison