Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
- Height at the withers
- 48 to 57 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 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 rugged griffon with a harsh, shaggy coat, ticked black and white for a slate-blue sheen, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized scent hound with a keen nose and a strong voice. A specialist in gun hunting for hare, it is also a valuable helper on wild boar. Alert, even restless, it stays affectionate with its family.
History and origins
Of very old Pyrenean origin, it comes from crossing medium-sized Bleu de Gascogne hounds with griffons. After almost vanishing from the official dog world in the 20th century, the breed is enjoying a clear revival, driven by hunters in southwest France. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 32, revised in 2023), it passed 500 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025, a sharp rise over one year.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections (long ears)
- Hip dysplasia
- Grass awns and foreign bodies in the coat
- Hunting injuries
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, harsh coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: blue (fully ticked black and white), with or without black patches, pale tan markings on the eyebrows, cheeks and legs.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 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
- Poor fit, 2 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
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne FAQ
How big does the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne get?
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne stands 48 to 57 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Griffon 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 Griffon Bleu de Gascogne need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Griffon 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 Griffon Bleu de Gascogne live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are ear infections and hip dysplasia.
