Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Also known as Grand bleu
- Height at the withers
- 62 to 72 cm
- Weight
- 30 to 40 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A majestic large scent hound, tall on its legs, with a long head and very low-hanging ears, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a black and white ticked coat with a slate-blue sheen and tan markings above the eyes. Blessed with a very keen nose, it has a deep, howling voice that is famous among hunters. Calm and easy to handle, it is a pack hound meant for hunting big game rather than for life on the sofa.
History and origins
A contemporary of the Bloodhound, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne made up the 14th-century packs of Gaston Fébus, Count of Foix, who used it against wolves, bears and wild boar. Widespread in southern and southwest France, it is the ancestor of all the so-called “Midi” (southern French) hound breeds, and exported dogs contributed to American breeds such as the Bluetick Coonhound. Recognized by the FCI under no. 22, it is used today for gun hunting of big game and sometimes for hunting with hounds. In France, about a hundred puppies a year are registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF).
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Ear infections
- Ectropion
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: black and white ticked (slate-blue sheen), black patches, tan markings.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Grand Bleu de Gascogne FAQ
How big does the Grand Bleu de Gascogne get?
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne stands 62 to 72 cm at the withers and weighs 30 to 40 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Grand Bleu de Gascogne shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Grand Bleu de Gascogne live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Grand Bleu de Gascogne need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Grand Bleu de Gascogne live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric torsion (bloat).
