Griffon Bleu de GascogneCharacteristics, history, training and care
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized French hound with a harsh, shaggy coat, white speckled with black, that looks slate blue. It is of very old Pyrenean origin, from a cross between a medium-sized Bleu de Gascogne and a griffon. It has a fine nose and a good voice, is determined in the hunt, lively, even restless, but affectionate.
Quick facts
| Common name | Griffon Bleu de Gascogne |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France (Pyrenees, Gascony) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 30 September 1963 (group 6, medium-sized scenthounds, with working trial; standard no. 32) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; medium-sized hounds usually live 11–14 years |
| Size (males) | 50–57 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 48–55 cm at the withers |
| Coat type | Hard, harsh and shaggy; shorter on the head, with bushy eyebrows |
| Common colours | White speckled with black (slate blue), with black patches and tan markings |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | Lively, even restless, but affectionate; passionate about hunting |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | No specific data |
| Good with other animals | Good with dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is of very old Pyrenean origin and descends from a cross between a medium-sized Bleu de Gascogne and a griffon. In appearance, it stands halfway between the two breeds it comes from.
Having almost disappeared from the official dog world, the breed is now making a significant comeback. Wikipedia says it is a versatile hunting dog, used on small and large game, in a pack or alone.
How the breed developed
- Ancient times – The breed takes shape in the Pyrenees.
- 20th century – It almost disappears from official cynology.
- 30 September 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
- Today – The breed is making a significant comeback.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★★☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★★☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★★☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★★☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★★☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile; the rating is based on the FCI standard (“lively, even very restless, but affectionate; fine nose and good voice”).
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a griffon of rustic appearance and solid build, halfway between the two breeds it comes from. Wikipedia says its ears are not as long as those of other scenthounds, and the tail is carried high and slightly curved.
General appearance
Seen from the front, the head is slightly domed. The coat is hard and harsh, a little shorter on the head, where the fairly bushy eyebrows do not cover the eyes, and much shorter and flat on the ears.
| Feature | Griffon Bleu de Gascogne |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 50–57 cm; females: 48–55 cm |
| Coat | Hard, harsh, shaggy |
| Eyebrows | Bushy |
| Ears | Shorter than in other scenthounds |
| Tail | Carried high, slightly curved |
The coat is entirely speckled with black and white, giving a slate-blue effect, with or without larger black patches. Two black patches cover the ears and surround the eyes. Wikipedia says the tan markings above the eyes give it a “four-eyed” look.
Training and socialisation
The standard says it has a fine nose and a good voice, is determined in the hunt and full of zeal and initiative. Its temperament is lively, even very restless, but affectionate.
Like any scenthound, it follows a scent stubbornly, so the recall needs a lot of practice. It responds well to rewards.
Tips for effective training
- Practise the recall. On a scent, it can forget about you.
- Tire it out properly. It is very lively.
- Use rewards. It is affectionate and easily motivated.
- Think of the neighbours. It has a good hound's voice.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a versatile hound, used in a pack or alone, and it needs plenty of exercise every day and the chance to use its nose.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in the countryside | daily | High energy |
| Scent work | several times a week | Hound instinct |
| Time with other dogs | daily | It also works in a pack |
Tips for a balanced life
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
- Check the coat for burrs after outings.
- It suits a hunter best.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The harsh coat should be brushed once a week to prevent tangles, and the dead hair removed a few times a year.
Common health problems
There are no published health studies for the breed and no specific diseases are known. Worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Ear infections | Infections of the drooping ears | Scratching, bad smell, tilted head |
Other care
- Check the ears after every outing.
- Check for ticks after hunting.
- Trim the nails if they do not wear down on their own.
Diet and nutrition
An active hound needs good-quality food. The portion is matched to its weight and level of effort.
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.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 kg | 980 kcal | 1,100 kcal | 240–310 g |
| 22 kg | 1,140 kcal | 1,280 kcal | 280–370 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day.
- Fresh water should always be available.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat 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.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
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 dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Half Bleu, half griffon. It was created from the Bleu de Gascogne and a griffon.
- “Four eyes”. The tan spots above its eyes look like a second pair of eyes.
- A comeback. It had almost disappeared, but it is now returning.
- Versatile. It hunts small and large game, alone or in a pack.
- Shaggy blue. It has the colour of the Bleu de Gascogne, but a harsh coat.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne?
It is smaller and has a harsh, shaggy coat.
How big does it get?
Males measure 50–57 cm and females 48–55 cm at the withers.
What does it hunt?
Small and large game, alone or in a pack.
Is it a family dog?
It is affectionate, but very lively and needs a lot of exercise.
