Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a French scent hound originating from the southwest region of France. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne comes from France, and has a short and thick coat. Individual Grand Bleu de Gascognes vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- Short and thick
- Colour
- Mottled black and white
About the Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a French scent hound originating from the southwest region of France. This breed typically stands 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Overview
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne ( .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} French pronunciation: [ ɡʁɑ̃ blø də ɡaskɔɲ ] ) is a breed of hounds of the scenthound type , originating in France and used for hunting in packs. Today''s breed is the descendant of a very old type of large hunting dog, and is an important breed in the ancestry of many other hounds.
Description
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 (26 to 28 in) at the withers , females slightly smaller. Dogs of this breed should show an attitude of calm strength and nobility. 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 . Although these are large dogs, weighing 80-120 lbs, "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.
History and use
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne ancestors were contemporaries with the St Hubert Hound and English Southern Hound , Comte de Foix kept a pack in the 14th century and Henry IV of France kept a pack in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a long history in the US, the first dogs were bred there in the 18th century; more Grand Bleus are now in the US than France. General Lafayette presented a pack of seven Grands Bleus to George Washington in 1785, who compared their melodious voices to the bells of Moscow. 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". In the past, it was used to hunt deer , wolves , and boar ; in the field it is considered a rather slow and ponderous worker and today is predominantly used to hunt hares . The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has had a significant influence on the development of several breeds of scent hounds. After the French Revolution , it was used to revitalise the old Saintongeois, creating the Gascon Saintongeois , and the Bluetick Coonhound is considered a direct descendant of the Grand Bleu. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was used by Sir John Buchanan-Jardine in the development of the Dumfriesshire Hound ; in Britain, any native hounds with blue marbled coats are still referred to as ''Frenchies'' after this breed.
Health and temperament
No unusual health problems or claims of extraordinary health have been documented for this breed. Temperament of individual dogs may vary.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne?
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a large, muscular hound with a short, dense coat that is typically blue-gray in color. They have a broad, flat head, a long, narrow muzzle, and a distinctive mustache-like facial hair. They are known for their athletic ability and strong hunting instinct. Males typically weigh between 80-110 pounds and stand 25-28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne a good family dog?
As a pack-hunting breed, Grand Bleu de Gascognes are highly social and require regular interaction with their human family. They can be good with children if socialized properly, but may not be suitable for very young children due to their size and energy level. They also require regular exercise and training to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
What health problems do Grand Bleu de Gascognes have?
As a large breed, Grand Bleu de Gascognes are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. They may also be susceptible to bloat and gastric torsion. Regular veterinary care and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.
How much does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne puppy cost?
The cost of a Grand Bleu de Gascogne puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Grand Bleu de Gascognes come from?
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.