Hound Group
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of France’s most ancient and distinguished hound breeds, with origins in the Gascony region of south-west France dat…
π
Size
Large
πΎ
Coat
Short, Dense
β‘
Energy
High
βοΈ
Groom Every
8β10 weeks
Character
What is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne like?
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of France’s most ancient and distinguished hound breeds, with origins in the Gascony region of south-west France dating back to the 14th century. A large, powerful, aristocratic scent hound with a distinctive blue-mottled coat and pendulous ears, they were developed to hunt wolf and deer across vast terrain. They are calm, gentle, and affectionate dogs in the home β loyal, sociable, and remarkably patient β though their scent drive on the trail is unstoppable.
Social Skills
Grand Bleu de Gascogne with Other Dogs
Grand Bleus are sociable and gentle β their pack hound heritage means they are typically excellent with other dogs and good with people and children. They are calm and patient at home. Their extraordinary scent drive makes them completely unreliable off lead in open spaces. They dislike being alone and thrive in multi-dog households. Their deep, melodious bay is a fundamental breed characteristic.
Grooming Guide
How to Groom a Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu’s short, dense coat is low maintenance. Weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt manages shedding. Bathing every eight to ten weeks. Professional grooming for a bath, nail clip, and ear clean every eight to ten weeks. Their large, pendulous ears require weekly checking and cleaning β their length and weight restricts airflow and creates ideal conditions for infection.
Free & Personalised
Get a personalised groom plan for your Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Tell us about your dog and our AI builds a grooming plan β including personalised Magnesium treatment recommendations.
Pros
- βAncient, distinguished breed
- βGentle and calm in the home
- βExcellent with other dogs
- βGood with children
- βLow coat maintenance
- βImpressive, aristocratic appearance
Cons
- !Extraordinary scent drive β unreliable off lead
- !Loud, deep bay β not suited to noise-sensitive areas
- !Pendulous ears very prone to infection
- !Need vast exercise
- !Dislike being alone
- !Drool more than average