Grand Bleu de GascogneCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says it is a very old breed, contemporary with the St Hubert hounds. In the 14th century it made up the packs of Gaston Phoebus, Count of Foix, who used it to hunt wolves, bears and wild boar.

It was very widespread in southern and south-western France, especially in Gascony, from which it takes its name. The standard says it lies at the origin of all the so-called “southern” hounds, and Wikipedia considers it an important breed in the ancestry of many other hounds.

How the breed developed

• 14th century – It makes up the packs of Gaston Phoebus.
• 10 August 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 24 January 1996 – The current FCI standard is published.
• Today – it is used almost only in packs, for hunting big game.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“calm temperament, obeys commands easily, a pack dog by instinct”).

It is a large pack hound, lean and muscular, with long legs. Wikipedia describes it as a typical French hound.

General appearance

The standard describes it as an old breed, of a French type remarkable for its head, coat and expression, imposing, giving an impression of calm strength and great nobility. Wikipedia says it has a lean, muscular body, long legs, a slightly domed head, long hanging ears and pendulous lips.

The coat is completely mottled with black and white, which gives a slate-blue effect, with or without larger black patches. Two black patches usually cover the ears and surround the eyes, and between them, on the top of the head, there is a white area with a small black oval spot. Above the eyes it has tan markings, like eyebrows.

It is bred almost exclusively for pack hunting, always led by a person. The dogs do not hunt alone, but together, at the hunter's command.

As with all hounds, a scent can make it forget commands, so the recall needs a lot of practice.

Tips for effective training

• Keep it in company. It is used to living and working in a pack.
• Practise the recall. On a scent, it can forget about you.
• Use rewards. Praise and food motivate it.
• Work with its nose. Scent games use its instinct.

It is a hardy hunter, bred for long days in the field. It needs a great deal of exercise and is not suited to city life.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is suited almost only to hunters who keep packs.
• It needs a large, fenced space.
• Its hound bark carries a long way.

Coat and skin care

The short coat is easy to keep, with one brushing a week.

Common health problems

There are no known inherited diseases specific to the breed. The long ears should be checked often, especially after hunting.

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check for ticks after hunting.
• Check the paws after rough ground.

A large hound that hunts needs a lot of energy during the season. Weigh it, because the standard gives no weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Increase the portion on days of hard exercise.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Gaston Phoebus's dog. It made up the packs of the Count of Foix in the 14th century.
• It hunted wolves and bears. In the past it was used to hunt wolves, bears and wild boar.
• Blue without being blue. The colour comes from the mixture of white and black hairs.
• Ancestor of the “southern” hounds. The standard says it lies at their origin.
• A deep voice. It has a resonant, low-pitched howl.

How big does it get?

Males measure 65–72 cm and females 62–68 cm at the withers.

Is it suited to being a pet?

Not really. It is a pack dog, bred for hunting.

What kind of hunting is it used for?

For hunting big game, in a pack.

Why is it called “blue”?

Because its white coat mottled with black looks slate-blue.