The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a large, powerfully built hound with a distinctive mottled blue coat and a noble, somewhat melancholic expression.

25.5-27.5 inches (male), 23.5-25.5 inches (female)

70-110 pounds

Short, dense, and coarse

Mottled black on white, giving a blue appearance; tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, lips, inner ear, legs, and under the tail

Strong, elongated, with a slightly domed skull

Dark brown, oval-shaped, with a gentle, somewhat sad expression

Long, low-set, and thin, reaching at least to the tip of the nose

Long, carried saber-like

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is known for its calm and affectionate nature at home, contrasting with its determined and tenacious personality when hunting.

Forms strong bonds with its family and is generally good with children.

Typically relaxed and even-tempered indoors.

Possesses a degree of independence, characteristic of scent hounds.

Exhibits great determination and stamina when on the trail.

Has a deep, resonant bay that is used to communicate during the hunt.

Smart and capable, but can be stubborn at times.

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is best suited for experienced dog owners who have an active lifestyle and can provide the space, training, and exercise this breed needs.

Excellent scent hound with strong hunting instincts.

May be difficult to find due to rarity.

The ideal owner for a Grande Bleu de Gascogne is an experienced dog handler who appreciates the breed's history and hunting abilities, lives in a rural or spacious suburban setting, and can provide consistent training and ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation.

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming, but requires a specific diet and a living environment that accommodates their size and exercise needs.

Weekly brushing to remove loose hair; occasional bathing as needed.

Regular ear cleaning to prevent infections, especially due to their long, floppy ears.

Monthly nail trimming, or as needed.

High-quality dog food appropriate for large breeds; monitor food intake to prevent overfeeding.

Ideally suited to a home with a large, securely fenced yard; not recommended for apartment living.

Training a Grande Bleu de Gascogne requires patience and consistency due to their independent nature. They need significant exercise to satisfy their hunting instincts.

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is intelligent but can be challenging to train due to its independent and sometimes stubborn nature. Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement methods are crucial. Training should focus on building a strong bond and establishing clear leadership. They may not excel in obedience competitions, but they can learn basic commands and respond well to scent work training.

This breed requires a substantial amount of exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Long daily walks, runs, or hikes are essential. Access to a large, securely fenced area where they can explore and follow scents is highly beneficial. Without sufficient exercise, they may become restless and destructive. Engaging them in scent-based games or activities can help satisfy their natural instincts.

Maintain a consistent training approach to avoid confusion.

Use treats, praise, and positive methods for best results.

Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Be prepared for a slower learning curve compared to some other breeds.

Ensure a secure yard, as their strong scent drive can lead them to wander.

Consider activities like tracking or nose work to engage their natural abilities.

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A developmental condition affecting the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness.

Prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears, which can trap moisture and debris.

A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas.

The Grande Bleu de Gascogne's origins trace back to the ancient Phoenician hounds brought to the Gascony region of southwestern France. These dogs were likely crossed with local scent hounds, eventually developing into the distinct breed we know today. For centuries, the Grande Bleu was used to hunt large game such as wolves, boar, and deer, often working in packs. The breed's development is closely tied to the history of French hunting traditions. While never achieving widespread popularity as a companion animal, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne remains highly valued for its hunting prowess. The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), but not yet the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Yes, with proper socialization and training, they can be excellent family dogs, known for their affectionate nature with family members.

They require a significant amount of exercise, including long daily walks, runs, or hikes, and access to a large, securely fenced area.

They can be challenging to train due to their independent nature, requiring patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

They have a short, dense coat and shed moderately. Weekly brushing helps to manage shedding.

They generally get along well with other dogs, especially if socialized from a young age. They were bred to work in packs, so they are accustomed to canine companionship.

The average lifespan is 10-12 years.

Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder may require contacting breed-specific clubs or organizations. Be prepared for a potentially long waitlist.

They are known for their deep, resonant bay, which they use during hunting. They may bark when bored or if they sense something unusual, but they are not typically excessive barkers.

No, they are not recommended for apartment living due to their size and exercise needs. They thrive in homes with large, securely fenced yards.

Due to their strong hunting instincts, they may not be suitable for homes with cats or other small pets unless raised with them from a young age and properly trained. Supervision is always recommended.