The Great Gascony Blue is a large dog that was developed in France as a pack hound and is most known for its amazing ability to pick up cold scents. It is known by several different names including the Great Gascony Blue, Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Large Blue Gascony Hound, French Staghound, Great Gascony Blue Hound, Grand Bleu and the Great Gascony Hound. The Great Gascony Blue is an ancient French hound that dates back to at least the Middle Ages. In fact, it is one of the foundation hound breeds that was used in the development of many other hound dogs. It is thought that the Great Gascony Blue was created by crossing local Chiens Courants with various Phoenician dogs. The breed was most popular as a pack hound and was often used to hunt large game such as deer, wolves, bears and wild boars. When large game hunting became less popular, there was a sharp decline in the number of Great Gascony Blue dogs kept in France. Today, their numbers are still quite small, and they are considered a rare breed.
The Great Gascony Blue is a large dogs, and a adult dog can weigh anywhere between 70 and 120 pounds. They have short stiff hair that can be blue and fawn tri-color, blue with black and tan, and various other tri-colors. These are muscular dogs with long floppy ears, a long tail and a square muzzle.
Personality
Due to their strong hunting instincts, Great Gascony Blue Hounds can be extremely vocal. They can also pick up scents rather easily, which can lead them astray if you do not keep them in a secured yard. Since they are hunting dogs, if you choose to add a Great Gascony Blue to your home, you will want to be sure to keep it busy. This is a dog with extremely strong hunting instincts, and as such, it does not make a very good family pet. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, make sure that you keep it within a secured yard.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 - 14 years |
| Nicknames: | Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Large Blue Gascony Hound, French Staghound, Great Gascony Blue Hound, Grand Bleu, Great Gascony Hound |
Great Gascony Blue Build Information
The Great Gascony Blue is a large dogs, and a adult dog can weigh anywhere between 70 and 120 pounds. They have short stiff hair that can be blue and fawn tri-color, blue with black and tan, and various other tri-colors. These are muscular dogs with long floppy ears, a long tail and a square muzzle.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Due to their strong hunting instincts, Great Gascony Blue Hounds can be extremely vocal. They can also pick up scents rather easily, which can lead them astray if you do not keep them in a secured yard. Since they are hunting dogs, if you choose to add a Great Gascony Blue to your home, you will want to be sure to keep it busy. This is a dog with extremely strong hunting instincts, and as such, it does not make a very good family pet. If you choose to add one of these dogs to your home, make sure that you keep it within a secured yard.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Kid friendly |
Appearance
The Great Gascony Blue needs little grooming other than a monthly bath to keep it fresh and clean-smelling. However, you will need to check its ears a few times a month for any wax buildup or signs of infection. Additionally, if necessary, you can clip the tips of its nails using a pliers-type nail clipper.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Great Gascony Blue Common Health Conditions
There are a few health issues that they are susceptible to developing including bloat, hip dysplasia, anesthesia sensitivity, von Willebrand's Disease, ectropian and entropian.
Great Gascony Blue Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Great Gascony Blue Hounds are generally very healthy dogs that can live as long as 12 to 14 years or longer. The Great Gascony Blue is a large hound dog that originated in France and was used to hunt various types of large game. King Henry IV owned a pack of Great Gascony Blue Hounds. Great Gascony Blue Hounds are best kept in packs. When kept alone, they can become very lonely and depressed. There is a smaller version of the Great Gascony Blue, which is known as the Petite Gascony Blue.
| Training: | Moderately Easy |