Petit Bleu de Gascogne
Also known as Petit Bleu
- Height at the withers
- 50 to 58 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 24 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 scaled-down Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized scent hound whose coat is fully mottled in black and white, with a slate-blue sheen, and two tan marks above the eyes. Keen-nosed, diligent and blessed with a fine voice, it mainly hunts hare, but also big game. Calm and affectionate with people, it takes direction easily while remaining a pack hound.
History and origins
The Petit Bleu de Gascogne comes from a deliberate scaling down of the Grand Bleu, probably as old as the Grand Bleu itself and tied to its use, to produce a lighter dog better suited to hunting hare with the gun. It belongs to the large family of scent hounds of southern France, rooted in the southwest of the country and especially in Gascony. Recognized by the FCI under no. 31, it had its standard revised in 2023. It remains a hunters’ dog, with about 230 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
- Ectropion or entropion
- Hunting injuries
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 mottled (slate-blue sheen), black patches, pale to rich 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
- 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
- Average, 3 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
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 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
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Petit Bleu de Gascogne FAQ
How big does the Petit Bleu de Gascogne get?
The Petit Bleu de Gascogne stands 50 to 58 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 24 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Petit Bleu de Gascogne shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Petit 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 Petit 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 Petit 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 Petit 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.
