Grand Bleu De Gascogne Dog Breed

Overview

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a large purebred scenthound of French origin. It is first and fundamentally a hunting and working breed, and it still embodies many of the physical and temperamental characteristics of its ancient ancestors. It is excellent with people and other dogs though it may show some of its hunting instincts around smaller pets if it hasn't been socialized at a young age. These dogs are very smart and confident; they may be a handful and somewhat difficult to train, but they will surely be their own reward.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Breed Details

Breed Specs
Type	Lifespan	Height	Weight
Purebred	10-12 yrs.	23-27½ in.	75-100 lbs

Friendliness
Overall
Family Friendly
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly

Maintenance
Easy to Groom
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
General Health
Shedding Amount

Behavior
Barks / Howls
Easy to Train
Guard Dog
Playfulness
Watch Dog

Ownership
Apartment Friendly
Can Be Alone
Good for Busy Owners
Good for Novice Owners
Intelligence

* The more green the stronger the trait.

Breeds Similar to the Grand Bleu De Gascogne

Appenzeller Sennenhund179% Similar

Pointer276% Similar

Basset Hound373% Similar

Mudhol Hound473% Similar

Labrador Retriever572% Similar

Vizsla671% Similar

Foxhound770% Similar

Catahoula Leopard Dog870% Similar

Ariegeois969% Similar

Rhodesian Ridgeback1069% Similar

Below are the breed specs and details of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne:

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Breed Description

Adult males reach a height of 25 inches to 27 inches and weigh between 80 and 100 lbs. Females will reach a height of 23 inches to 25 inches and a weight between 75 and 85 lbs.

These dogs are intelligent and stubborn; they may take more time to train than usual. However, Grand Bleus are friendly and good with kids and love human contact, making them good for families (especially active ones).

These dogs are low maintenance. They will require a minimal amount of brushing/grooming, and a moderate to high amount of exercise, depending on their living environment.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Breed History

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound with a long legacy that can be traced back to the original scenting dogs of Gaul and the Phoenicia. This breed is one of the two types from which most modern hound breeds have descended. The Grand Bleu is probably most closely related of the Bleu de Gascogne breeds to the ancient hounds of Gascony Province, located on the southwestern coast of France. Dogs of this breed were commonly engaged as a trail hound for hunting large game including wolves, bears, boars and deer.

It is recorded that a pack of these dogs were owned by the 16th century King of France, Henry IV. Furthermore, this breed has a long history in the United States. They have been bred in the U.S. since the 18th century, and there are now more Grand Bleu's there than in France. After the revolutionary war, the French General Lafayette presented a pack of seven Grand Bleus to George Washington, who admired them for their sonorous howl. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Appearance

The Grand Bleu is a dog of noble and refined appearance. It carries itself proudly, and it sports a solid, muscular build. Males are heavier and slightly taller than females. The short, coarse coat is often marked with black patches, and there are usually two black spots on each side of the head that cover the ears and eyes and stop at the cheeks. There are small tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the legs and under the tail. Their ears are floppy and very large, extending below the muzzle.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Coloring

This breed has a black and white mottled coat, which may give it a blue appearance.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Size

This is a large sized breed. Adult males reach a height of 25 inches to 27 inches and weigh between 80 and 100 lbs. Females will reach a height of 23 inches to 25 inches and a weight between 75 and 85 lbs.

Average Adult Height

23-27½ in

_{*Height is measured in inches from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while the dog is standing on all four legs.}

Average Adult Weight

75-100 lbs

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Temperament

A trail hound with a calm and persevering attitude, the Grand Bleu is a dog that is excellent both as a worker and a companion. These dogs were originally used to hunt wolves but have since successfully adapted to hunting other animals such as wild boar, deer, fox and hare. This breed possesses a great amount of confidence, endurance, and exceptional intelligence, though this comes at the cost of its stubbornness. These dogs may be difficult to train and may not always want to do exactly what their owner tells them owing to their independence.

Despite this, these dogs are very friendly to humans and other dogs. Some individuals may be very sociable, and others may be more reserved, but they will never be very shy or aggressive. As a hunting and working breed that has long worked alongside other hounds and their handlers, aggression towards other dogs and people is almost unheard of, though they may take chase to small animals. If these dogs are to be living with cats or other pets, it is very important to socialize at a young age.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne and Children

These dogs have been working closely with humans and their families for many centuries, and have known to be patient and good mannered with children.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne and Other Pets

As a pack hunting dog, the Grand Bleu will not have trouble getting along with other dogs. If other small animals are to be in the same home, it is imperative to introduce the dog to them at a young age and it is recommended that they not be left in the same area unattended, especially when the Grand Bleu is young.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne and Strangers

These dogs are fairly passive when it comes to unfamiliar people. They are very vocal and may bark to alert their owner of someone new, but they should not be aggressive or scared.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Photos

Below are pictures of the Grand Bleu De Gascogne dog breed.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Maintenance

This breed is low maintenance. Their short coat will not need very much brushing, and these dogs shed a moderate amount. These dogs will be happy lounging about the house most of the day but still require a fair amount of vigorous exercise daily.

Grooming Requirements

These dogs are fairly easy to groom; a brushing once or twice a week should be sufficient. It is important to pay special attention to the dog's ears. As is the case with many floppy-eared dogs, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne's ears are susceptible to becoming dirty and infected, therefore they need to be cleaned regularly.

Exercise Requirements

These dogs are very intelligent and bred to work, so giving them ample mental and physical stimulation is a must. If they are not used for hunting they will love a daily brisk jog or a long walk, and a large yard to roam is a plus but not a must as long as they receive this kind of regular exercise.

Living Requirements

These dogs were bred to work and will appreciate living in an environment where they can work alongside their owner(s), but they are also happy to live in a house as long as their daily exercise needs are met. Apartments are not recommended because of their large size, but may be possible is their owner is committed and active.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Health

These dogs are not known to have any hereditary issues and should live between 10 and 12 years. It is important to check these dog's ears regularly for signs of infection.

Grand Bleu De Gascogne Breed Recognition

The following dog breed registries and organizations recognize the Grand Bleu De Gascogne as a dog breed:

United Kennel Club