Carpatin vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison

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 Carpatin, known also as the Carpathian Shepherd Dog or Romanian Shepherd, is a large breed dog known for his guarding- and watch-dog abilities. Information about these dogs dates back to the 1800s, and much later, in March 1998, fans of the dog founded the Carpathian Shepherd Dogs Club.

It is believed that the different Carpathian Shepherd Dog breeds are descendants from dogs that were developed thousands of years ago in Mesopotamia. Documentation of the origins of the dog are rare but it is thought that they are probable descendants of Lupomolossoids. However in 2005, it was finally recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, and in 2006, it was recognized by the United Kennel Club. However, it is still a rare breed outside Romania.

The Most Reserved of the Bassets

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.

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.

Looks:

The Carpatin is a large breed dog, standing at 65 to 73cm in height and weighing between 32- and 80kg. The skull of the dog is wide and domed, the ears medium set and floppy. The neck is strong and muscled, the legs strong and straight, the chest deep.

The tail of the Carpatin is long, bushy and high set and his coat is double layered, medium length and pale fawn in color with light grey to black shades being seen as well.

Temperament:

The Carpatin is patient, loving and protective. This is a strong-willed dog who is independent and fairly easy to train as he is intelligent.

It is a good idea to have him trained and socialized as this brings out the best in him. He is a patient and affectionate dog and he’ll get on well with children and tolerate other pets in the home.

They are wary of strangers and become vocal, barking and growling and taking their guard dog role seriously with strangers around.

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 Carpatin is a big, independent dog who loves his human family. He will guard them too and has all the intelligence and skills to be instinctively alert to danger. Territorial, he makes an excellent watchdog.

He isn’t too social around strangers, but with training and socialization he becomes more relaxed and amicable. He responds well to training, especially when he has a firm, strong handler and owner.

Used to being a herding- and working dog, he is happiest when kept busy and isn’t a dog to use essentially for guarding only as he can become aloof and aggressive. Treat him well and have him trained and socialized and you’ll have a wonderful guardian and companion.

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.

The beautiful Carpatin dog can live to be a healthy 12-14 years if you feed him nutritious foods, provide him with clean water every day, exercise him, give him a dry, warm bed and give him loads of love, attention and care.

However every dog can become ill and with the Carpathian Shepherd Dog you certainly want to be aware of ear and eye infections, hip dysplasia and skin disorders.

Coat

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.

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.

Grooming:

Despite his longish coat, the Carpatin is a low to moderate maintenance dog. To avoid tangles and matting, you’ll need to brush his hair at least twice a week. He won’t however require professional grooming.

Dogs with floppy ears will need to have the ears checked to ensure they remain fee of moisture and wax buid-up. The ears can be easily infected when left uncleaned. The nails and teeth should also be checked. Canine toothpaste and brush can help to prevent plaque build-up which can cause gum disease and tooth decay. Not only that, dental disease can lead to other health issues in other parts of the body.

Exercise:

The Carpatin is a medium- to high energy level breed dog and he will therefore need a good amount of exercise to keep him healthy and content. Rope him in to your activities whether you go jogging or cycling. Put him on a leash and take him with – he’ll love it. Dogs who are allowed to be active and part of the family are simply better dogs.

Diet:

Your Carpatin’s weight, age and activity levels will guide you as to what food is best for him. He needs nutritious food and if you’re unsure how to choose, your veterinarian can advise you on what to look for.

Apart from proteins, your dog needs fats, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. As your dog ages, he or she will go through different life stages, and you want to be sure of ensuring your dog is getting everything he needs to ward of disease and stay happy and healthy.

Make sure your 4-legged canine friend always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.