Petzlover
Basset Bleu de Gascogne is originated from France but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Basset Bleu de Gascogne may grow 37 cm / 14 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Basset Bleu de Gascogne may weigh 62 kg / 136 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Both Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Fila Brasileiro has almost same life span. Basset Bleu de Gascogne may have less litter size than Fila Brasileiro. Both Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance.
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.
Hailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.
Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.
The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.
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.
With his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.
The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.
Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.
He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.
Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.
These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.
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.
The Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.
He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.
When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.
If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.
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.
Filas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.
Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.
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.
The Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .
Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.
Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.
Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.
A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.