Bleu de Gascogne, Grand
Woof!
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne Is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France and used for hunting in packs.
In 5 Words
- Stubborn
- Active
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Gentle
SnapShot
Size:
Males – 65 to 72 cm (25.2 to 27.6 inches)
Females – 60 to 65 cm (23.6 to 25.6 inches)
Weight:
Males – 32 to 35 kg (70.4 to 77 lb)
Females – 29 to 32 kg (63 to 70 lb)
Origin: France
Life Span: 10 – 12 Years
Colour: Blue & Black, Slate Blue, Tri-color, Black & White
Litter Size: 4 to 7 puppies
Characteristics
Learn About the Bleu de Gascogne, Grand
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne’s ancestors were contemporary with the St. Hubert Hounds, and were hunted in packs by the 14th century Comte de Foix on wolves, bears and boars. This type and breed are found in the ancestry all of the breeds of scenthound with “du midi” in their name.
Although these are large dogs, “Grand” does not necessarily refer to the size of the dogs. “In most cases it is simply a label for a pack that is used for larger game”. Today. the breed is used in hunting boar, deer, and other game. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a very large dog weighing 80-120 lbs.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is an imposing large dog, a typical hunting pack hound of the oldest type, with a lean and muscular body, long legs, slightly domed head, long drop ears, and drooping lips. Size is 65 to 72 cm (25.6 to 28.3 ins) at the withers, females slightly smaller. Dogs of this breed should show an attitude of calm strength and nobleness.
The colour of the coat is white mottled with black, giving a slate blue overall appearance. There are black patches on either side of the head, with a white area on top of the head which has in it a small black oval. Tan “eyebrow” marks are over each eye. Faults are deviations in appearance that have an effect on the health and working ability of the dog, as well as an absence of expected features of colour, structure, and size, indicating that a dog with such faults should not be bred. Faults include aggression or fearfulness, anatomical malformation, and lack of type.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is noted for its focus on the hunt as well as a good nose and distinctive sonorous, deep howl. The breed is “instinctively a pack hound.
Tracking the faintest of scents has given this dog a good name among many French hunters. They are also loyal and are always willing to help out the hunters with tracking their captured prey. They also work well in packs of other dogs when hunting and at home they are known to be friendly and pungent. They need a lot of training however, as they feel they are the leader of the home and they need to be taught otherwise, or else they will be very destructive when boredom strikes.
There are no major conditions reported with this breed, however as with most large dogs care should be taken to avoid exacerbating the risk of Bloat and Hip Dysplasia
They need a bath every month to keep them nice and clean or else they can have a fairly powerful doggy scent.
