The Grand Bleu de Gascogne, also known as the Great Gascony Blue, is a long-legged aristocratic-looking dog belonging to the group of highly skilled French scent hounds.
In this article, we will explore the history, physical characteristics, temperament, and health of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne to help you determine if it’s the right one for you.
History and Origins of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne’s origins can be traced back to the southwestern part of France, where it was developed by a group of French noblemen who wanted a hunting dog that could track large prey.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a rich and fascinating history that is worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look at the breed’s ancestors, development, and introduction to other parts of the world.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne’s Ancestors
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a mix of different breeds in its ancestry. It is believed that the breed’s progenitors were Phoenicina hounds peddled in the Mediterranean region by traders.
These hounds were exceptionally skilled at hunting and eventually crossed by native French hounds, including the scent hounds by the Gaul and the St. Hubert’s Hounds.
Development of the Breed in France
Over time, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne became more popular and was regularly used by French royalty and nobility to hunt. Breed members were used to hunt large prey, such as wolves, bears, and deer, and boar.
The breed was highly valued for its hunting ability and was even featured in French literature and art. In the 19th century, French artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry painted a portrait of a Grand Bleu de Gascogne, which can be seen in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Spreading around the World
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was brought to England during the Norman Conquest by French forces. Centuries later, in the 1970s, it was introduced to North America and has since become popular worldwide.
Today, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is still primarily used for hunting, but it has also become a beloved companion animal. Breeders have been working to preserve the breed’s unique characteristics while also adapting to the modern world and its needs.
Physical Characteristics and Appearance
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a majestic breed that is known for its impressive physical characteristics and unique appearance. Here are some more interesting details about this fascinating breed.
Size and Weight
As mentioned earlier, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a large breed, typically weighing between 80 and 120 pounds. Males stand at around 25 to 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and females are between 23.5 and 25.5 inches.
Coat and Color
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a short, dense coat that does not require much grooming. Their coat is black marked on a white base covered by black mottling, which radiates a blue overall appearance.
The breed’s unique coloration was developed to blend in with the forest floor during hunting, making it easier for them to catch prey. The coat is also water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers.
Distinctive Features
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a distinctive appearance, with long droopy ears, a characteristic coat pattern, and a long tail. The ears are so long that they can touch the ground when the dog is standing up.
The breed’s head is elongated, with a pronounced occipital bone that gives a signature skull shape. The eyes are large, expressive, and enveloped by facial markings, and the nose is black and prominent.
The long tail is usually carried in a slight curve and is an important part of the breed’s balance and agility. Grand Bleu de Gascogne dogs have a strong and muscular build, which allows them to move with great speed and agility.
Temperament and Personality Traits
General Disposition
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is known for being a friendly and social breed. It forms close bonds with its owners and is often affectionate with children. However, due to their history as a hunting breed, they can have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for households with smaller pets.
Intelligence and Trainability
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne breed is intelligent but can be independent and stubborn at times. They require consistent and firm training to be well-behaved and obedient.
Due to their strong hunting instincts, it is important to start training the breed at a young age to prevent undesirable behaviors. Positive reinforcement works great with Grand Bleu de Gascogne breed members.
Socialization and Interaction with Other Animals
Grand Bleu de Gascognes are social dogs and enjoy being around other dogs. However, early socialization is vital to prevent aggressive behavior toward other animals.
The breed is usually cautious around strangers at first, but with proper socialization and training, it learns to distinguish between friendly strangers and potential dangers.
Health and Lifespan
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health conditions include:
- Joint Problems: Considering the breed’s size, joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are widespread among these dogs
- Ear Infections: The breed’s long and droopy ears are the perfect place for trapping dirt and moisture, which result in painful ear infections
Preventative Care and Regular Checkups
Maintaining a healthy diet and proper exercise routine is important for the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. The breed thrives on mental stimulation and also needs interactive playtime.
Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help to prevent and catch any potential health issues early on. It is also important to continue preventative care measures such as vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and annual heartworm testing.
Expected Lifespan
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne typically has a lifespan of less than 10 years. However, with proper care and attention, some breed members may live longer.
Conclusion
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a unique and fascinating dog. The breed’s impressive hunting abilities, distinctive appearance, and friendly temperament make it a great choice for many households.
However, the high prey drive, size, and independent nature may not be suitable for everyone. Before taking on any new pet, be sure to do your research and ensure that the breed is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
