Originating in France during the Middle Ages, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois is the smaller version of the Grand Blue Gascony. It has an acute sense of smell and was used to hunt small game like hare as opposed to deer and wild boar that the Grand Blue Gascony was good at catching. This breed is fast with top-notch scenting and tracking abilities, famous mostly in its native Gascony Province in France. It is quite rare in other locales.
Petit Gascon Saintongeois males and females grow to a height of 20 to 23 inches, and a weight of 40 to 48 pounds. This medium-sized dog has a body that's compact and muscular, with a slightly domed skull and arched nasal bridge. Other features include oval-shaped brown eyes, large black nose, fine curled ears, firm back, broad chest, rounded ribs, thin tail and easy gait. This breed's mottled black spots over white gives it an overall blue appearance, hence its name. Tan markings occur above the eyes as well as on parts of the cheeks, lips, legs and tail.
Personality
A friendly, social dog, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois, or Small Blue Gascony, is a hunter so it gets along with other dogs. It is also a great companion for children thanks to its gentle, playful nature. It's not as territorial as other breeds but it will alert its owner when danger is imminent. Fairly inactive when kept indoors, this dog does have an active lifestyle when outdoors. It needs lots of room to run around and is a great companion for owners who are active and like to go running, hiking, biking and more. It does best with a large fenced-in yard where it can get plenty of exercise.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 10 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | Small Blue Gascony Hound, Petit bleu de Gascogne |
Small Gascony Blue Build Information
Petit Gascon Saintongeois males and females grow to a height of 20 to 23 inches, and a weight of 40 to 48 pounds. This medium-sized dog has a body that's compact and muscular, with a slightly domed skull and arched nasal bridge. Other features include oval-shaped brown eyes, large black nose, fine curled ears, firm back, broad chest, rounded ribs, thin tail and easy gait. This breed's mottled black spots over white gives it an overall blue appearance, hence its name. Tan markings occur above the eyes as well as on parts of the cheeks, lips, legs and tail.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
A friendly, social dog, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois, or Small Blue Gascony, is a hunter so it gets along with other dogs. It is also a great companion for children thanks to its gentle, playful nature. It's not as territorial as other breeds but it will alert its owner when danger is imminent. Fairly inactive when kept indoors, this dog does have an active lifestyle when outdoors. It needs lots of room to run around and is a great companion for owners who are active and like to go running, hiking, biking and more. It does best with a large fenced-in yard where it can get plenty of exercise.
| Activity Level: | Very active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
No special grooming is required, thanks to the Small Blue Gascony's short, smooth coat. An occasional combing is recommended to maintain the coat's natural sheen.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Small Gascony Blue Common Health Conditions
This breed has very few noted health conditions and is overall an extremely healthy and robust dog.
Small 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
These versatile dogs can hunt well either in packs or individually. When prey is found, it alerts its owners with its melodic voice. While bred originally for its small game hunting abilities, today it is found mostly in households that have children who need an affectionate, loyal companion. The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is also known as Small Blue Gascony in French. The life expectancy of the Small Gascony Blue is 10 to 12 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy |