Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Great Gascony Blue
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a pack scenthound that was developed to hunt wolves and bears, but was also used on other large prey, such as boar and deer. The ‘Grand’ in their name is not a reference to their size, but rather to the fact that they hunt large prey. Today there is little large prey left in their homeland and they are more often used against rabbits. They are one of four Gascony hounds, the others being the Petit, Basset and Griffon. This dog remains primarily kept by hunters.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne Standards
- 24-28"
- 71-77 lbs
- large scenthound
- long ears and tail
- short, thick, dense coat
- mottled black and white (blue)
History of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne hails from the Midi region in southwest France, near the Spanish border and takes its name from the town of Gascony. It is an ancient breed, possibly one of the oldest surviving scenthounds, descended from the extinct Grand Chien Courant and having existed at the time of the St. Hubert Hound (ancestor to the Bloodhound). It was well known throughout the Middle Ages, but as the wolf numbers declined so did its numbers and the few that held on had to move onto other game. Early French settlers brought these dogs with the to the New World and they became the ancestors to the Bluetick Coonhound as well as many other breeds throughout the centuries. Today there may be more Grand Bleu de Gascogne in the United States than in France.
Related Breeds: