Facts & Origin
Origin and history
As the name suggests, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne originates from the Gascony region in southwest France. It is a traditional French dog breed with an impressive past. As early as the 14th century, this hound was used to hunt big game such as wolves, bears and wild boar. It was particularly well known in the packs of the Count of Foix, Gaston Febus, who valued its outstanding hunting abilities. He is considered to be one of the ancestors of all running dogs, which are classified as "southern types" ("Midi").
Recognition of the "king of the running dogs"
Although the Grand Bleu de Gascogne was brought as a gift to George Washington by the Marquis de Lafayette as early as 1785, the breed is still not recognized by the AKC. The reason for this is either the small number of dogs in the USA or the lack of interest on the part of owners to pursue official recognition. While Washington appreciated their excellent tracking abilities, he was frustrated that they did not hunt climbing animals such as raccoons or bobcats. Because of their majestic appearance, the breed is also known as the "king of the running dogs".
Suitability
Despite its deep roots in hunting history, today the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is also important as a family dog:
- Hunting partner: With its strong sense of smell and stamina, it is still a valued hunting partner, especially in the rural regions of France.
- Family dog: With the right upbringing and training, the Grand Bleu can also be a loving and patient family dog. However, it is recommended to keep him in a household with plenty of space and activity.
- Activity requirements: Due to its history as a working dog, the Grand Bleu needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. He is therefore particularly suitable for active families or individuals who can provide him with sufficient exercise and activity.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a testimony to France's rich hunting tradition and a true treasure of the dog world. Its historical background and versatile abilities make it a special breed that is valued as both a working and companion dog.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne in brief
The Bleu de Gascogne is an elegant, robust and enduring running dog whose unique coloring and impressive hunting abilities make it a special breed. Its calm and composed nature makes it a well manageable dog that instinctively fits into a pack. However, it needs plenty of exercise and consistent training to develop its potential as a hunting dog or sporting companion. Those who offer him the necessary challenge will find the Bleu de Gascogne to be a loyal, reliable and extremely capable hunting dog with aristocratic charm.
| Alternate Name | Grand Bleu de Gascogne |
| Origin | France |
| Life expectancy | 10 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average to high |
| FCI group | Scent hounds |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Basic character traits
The Bleu de Gascogne is characterized by a calm and composed nature, which makes it a reliable and easy-to-handle hunting dog. He has a very fine nose, which makes him an excellent scent hound, and his distinctive, deep-toned howl contributes to his exceptional performance in the pack. He is persistent, methodical and very thorough in his work, instinctively fitting in with the group and harmonizing well with other dogs.
His friendly and submissive nature makes him relatively easy to handle, but he requires consistent and patient training. He is not a pure companion dog, but a passionate hunter who needs a lot of exercise and mental challenge.
In contact with other animals
Due to its hunting instincts, it has some special characteristics that need to be taken into account:
- Highly developed sense of smell: It has one of the strongest senses of smell of any dog breed, making it an excellent scent hound.
- Hunting instinct: His natural hunting instinct can lead him to chase after smaller animals. It is therefore recommended to socialize him well from the start.
- Social behavior: He usually gets on well with other dogs, especially if he has grown up with them from an early age.
Education and training
When training the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, there are a few things to bear in mind: Early socialization is essential to ensure he gets along well with people and other animals.
Consistency and consistency are key to successfully training this intelligent but sometimes headstrong dog.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a complex dog with a variety of character traits. However, with the right training and a loving environment, it can be an excellent companion for the right family or individual.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Care of the coat and skin
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a short but dense coat. Grooming is generally uncomplicated: The coat should be brushed once a week to remove dead hair and aerate the skin.
This dog should only be bathed when necessary so as not to remove the natural oils from its skin.
Due to its droopy ears, these should be checked regularly for signs of infection and kept clean.
Health aspects
Like all dog breeds, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne can be prone to certain health problems:
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition found in many larger dogs.
- Ear problems: His droopy ears can be prone to ear infections.
- General health checks: Regular vet visits and vaccinations are recommended to keep the dog healthy.
Breeding the Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Anyone interested in breeding should familiarize themselves thoroughly with the breed standard. This defines exactly which physical and temperamental characteristics are assigned to the breed. Before breeding, potential breeding animals should be tested for genetic diseases. Subsequent responsible rearing of the puppies, including socialization and health care, is essential.
The care and health maintenance of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, as with any breed, requires attention and dedication. However, with responsible breeding and proper care, this impressive breed can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Appearance and conformation
The Bleu de Gascogne is a large, powerful running dog whose noble appearance is characterized by the French hunting dog type. Its body conveys an impressive mixture of calmness, strength and elegance. The back is long and muscular, yet firm, while the loins are well laid and the croup is slightly sloping. His chest is deep and broad, giving him excellent lung capacity for sustained hunting. The flanks are well let down but not too arched, giving the dog a sturdy yet agile appearance.
Head and expression
The head of the Bleu de Gascogne is expressive and noble, with a slightly domed skull structure. The occipital protuberance is pronounced, while the forehead is well filled out. The stop is only slightly emphasized, which contributes to his typical, gentle facial expression. The muzzle is strong and of the same length as the skull, with a slightly arched nasal bridge. The lips are pendulous and cover the lower jaw, giving the dog a distinctive and typical profile.
Its oval-shaped eyes are characterized by a deep, gentle, slightly melancholy expression, which is enhanced by the sometimes slightly droopy lower eyelid. They are dark brown and harmonize perfectly with his striking face. Another characteristic feature are the long, thin ears, which are set below the eye line and extend beyond the tip of the nose. They are slightly folded and pointed, giving the Bleu de Gascogne a particularly elegant and typical appearance.
Limbs and movement
The Bleu de Gascogne is a strong, yet supple runner whose limbs are optimized for endurance hunting. The forelegs are straight, with well-muscled shoulders and strong bones. The paws are oval-shaped, with closely spaced toes and robust, black pads that provide grip and stability on a variety of surfaces.
The hindquarters are particularly powerful, with long, well-muscled thighs. The hock is low set and slightly angulated, allowing the dog to maintain its characteristic effortless locomotion. His gait is even, free and persistent, making him an excellent companion for long hunting trips.
Coat and coloring
The Bleu de Gascogne's coat is short, dense and relatively thick, which offers it protection from rough terrain and the elements. Its special coloring makes it unique: its coat is completely spotted with black and white, which gives it a bluish sheen - hence the name "Bleu de Gascogne". There are often more or less extensive black patches, especially on the head, where there are usually two symmetrical black patches around the ears and eyes. Another typical feature is the white space on the top of the skull, which is often interrupted by a small oval black patch. Tan markings are visible above the eyes in the form of a so-called "four-eye patch" and can also be found on the lips, inside of the ears and on the limbs.
Size and posture
With a height at the withers of 65 to 72 cm in males and 62 to 68 cm in females, the Bleu de Gascogne is one of the larger running dogs. Due to its origins as a hunting dog, it needs a lot of space and exercise and is therefore not ideal for living in a small apartment. He feels most comfortable in an environment that offers him sufficient exercise and meaningful activity - be it hunting, tracking work or extensive walks with search games.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | strong |
| Size ♀ | 62 - 72 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 32 - 35 kg |
| Size ♂ | 62 - 72 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 32 - 35 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
FAQ
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The Grand Bleu de Gascogne originates from France and has a long history as a running dog for hunting big game such as deer and wild boar.
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No, the breed is not recognized by the AKC, probably due to its low prevalence in the US or lack of interest in registration.
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Males reach a height at the withers of 65 to 72 cm, bitches are slightly smaller at 62 to 68 cm.
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Yes, he is friendly, calm and affectionate, but needs a lot of exercise and is best suited to active owners or hunters.
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Yes, he was bred specifically for hunting in the pack and follows tracks with great stamina and tenacity.
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Its short, dense coat is easy to care for and only requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
