Blue Gascony
Other names: Petit Bleu de Gascogne, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Griffon bleu de Gascogne, Small Blue Gascony, Great Gascony Blue, Blue Gascony Basset, Blue Gascony Griffon
The Bleu de Gascogne is a native French hunting dog. It is known and sought after mainly for its exceptional scenting abilities. It is through-and-through a pack hound; comfortable with other dogs, independent, and possessing of an impressive booming howl. Owners prize the hound on its agility, obedience, character and loyalty.
Key facts about the Blue Gascony
Origins and history
This breed came about in the late middle ages, but it is thought that hundreds of years before then, its ancestor accompanied societal migrations from the Middle East to Europe. The dog is native to France and has been, since the 1500s and 1600s, bred exclusively by the aristocracy to hunt game. After the French Revolution, the dog was used in breeding programmes to resurrect old breeds such as the Saintongeois and the Bluetick Coonhound.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Blue Gascony
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 27 in
Male : Between 26 and 28 in
Small: 19-22 inches
Griffon: 19-22 inches
Basset: 13-14 inches
Weight
Female : Between 35 and 79 lb
Male : Between 40 and 84 lb
Small: 40-45 lbs
Griffon: 35-59 lbs
Basset: 35-39 lbs
Coat colour
White base mottled in black, giving it the appearance of being blue. Two black patches are often seen either side of the head. Tan marks can be seen on the face. Some tricolour varieties.
Type of coat
The Petit Bleu, Grand Bleu, and Basset Bleu de Gascogne have a straight, short and dense coat. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a rough, longer coat.
Eye colour
Brown.
Description
A typically elegant French dog: imposing, muscular and noble. The skull is strong and shaped as elegantly as the rest of the body; the ears long, pointed and curled in. The dog’s gait is one of agility and substance.
Good to know
This dog is rarely seen in the role of household ‘pet’; it is a hunting hound and is bred in France for such a task. Ownership is on the up by families living in rural suburbs but its incessant barking will not suit life in a flat. With four varieties (the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Petit Bleu de Gascogne, Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Griffon Bleu de Gascogne), there is a variety of Gascony Blue for everyone!