Basset Bordeaux

While the exact origination of the Basset Bordeaux is unknown, it is suspected that the breed originated where both parent breeds came from – France. The Basset Bordeaux is believed to have originated about 20 years ago when the hybrid breed began to rise in popularity in order to decrease breed diseases. The Basset Bordeaux originated from the Basset Hound and the Dogue de Bordeaux. The Basset Hound was originally bred to trail hares and rabbits while the Dogue de Bordeaux was used as a watchdog. The Basset Hound can be traced back to before the French Revolution began. Experts believe the Basset Hound originated from the Friars of the French Abbey of St. Hubert. It is believed the Basset Hound was bred to have short, stocky legs in order to decrease its pace in the field. After the French Revolution, the Basset Hound was documented with commoners and hunters who favored the breed because of its slow pace and their ability to keep up with the breed. The Basset Hound was loved for its strong ability to provide scent to hunters. In the late 1800s, the Basset Hound was crossbred with the Bloodhound in order to increase its length. In 1935, the Basset Hound was recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Dogue de Bordeaux was originally bred to be used as a powerful watchdog and cattle driver in the Middle Ages. The breed was used to defend estates in the French Revolution, which drastically decreased the population. Raymond Triquet is often credited with saving the Dogue de Bordeaux from extinction. The Basset Bordeaux is not officially recognized by the AKC due to its hybrid status.