Grand Bleu de Gascogne

Also called Large Blue Gascony Hound, Great Gascony Blue

Quietly dignified and even-tempered, this hound is friendly with people and focused and determined on a trail.

Size	Large
Weight	32 to 54 kg (71 to 119 lb)1 2
Height	60 to 72 cm (24 to 28 in)males 64 to 72 cm, females 60 to 68 cm3 4 1
Lifespan	10 to 12 years1
Coat	Short, thick and dense
Origin	France (Gascony, south-west France)3 4 2
Group	Scent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)

Recognised breedShort profile

calm and noble

friendly, even temper

deep, musical voice

3 4 2

Personality what they are like

Quietly dignified and even-tempered, this hound is friendly with people and focused and determined on a trail. It is a natural pack dog with a rich, deep bay, and it can seem relaxed at home once its exercise needs are met.3 4 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, thick and dense

A tall, stately hound with long ears and a short, very dense coat. Fine black and white mottling blends into a slate-blue look, set off by black head patches and tan marks above the eyes.3 2 4

Coloursblack and white mottled (slate blue) with black patches and tan markings3 4 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Grand Bleu de Gascogne. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: plan on two hours or more of walking daily plus safe off-lead running and chances to use its nose, such as scent work or tracking.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy care: brush every few days and check paws and long ears after outings.1

Home where they are happiest

Best in a spacious, rural or active home with secure outdoor space.1 4

Company who they like around

A pack hound by nature that enjoys canine company; early socialisation with other pets and livestock is recommended.3 1

The story where it all began

One of France's oldest scent hounds, it formed the hunting packs of Gaston Fébus, Count of Foix, in the 1300s and later of King Henry IV. It became the root stock of the southern French hounds and reached America in the 1700s.3 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In 1785 the Marquis de Lafayette sent seven of these hounds to George Washington, who likened their voices to the bells of Moscow.2
2
In Britain the breed is sometimes nicknamed the 'Frenchie'.2
3
It helped shape other hounds, including the Gascon Saintongeois, the Bluetick Coonhound and the Dumfriesshire Hound.2
4
The tan spots above its eyes give the classic 'four-eyed' face described in the standard.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed takes its name from Gascony, a province in southwestern France where it was very widespread. 'Grand' refers to its large size, and 'Bleu' describes its slate-blue mottled coat.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

George Washington's pack of Grand Bleu de Gascogne General Lafayette presented a pack of seven Grand Bleus to George Washington in 1785, who compared their melodious voices to the bells of Moscow.2

Name ideas for your new friend

AzurBleuetCobaltGascogneIndigoLavandeMarinOcéanPierreSaphirSkyeTonnerre

A day in the life told by a Grand Bleu de Gascogne

I woke up slowly, stretched my long legs, and gave a deep, sleepy yawn. My human smiled and patted my head. We went for a long walk in the forest. I found a fascinating scent and followed it, my nose low to the ground, my voice booming when I found the trail. My human called me back and gave me a treat. Later, I lay on the grass, watching birds. At home, I rested my chin on my human's lap and dozed. Tonight, I dreamt of running through fields with my pack.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 22, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 18 Feb 19973
UKC: Recognised January 1991, Scenthound Group4
Société Centrale Canine: National breed standard (France)2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Grand Bleu de Gascogne, and at what times?

Feed your adult Grand Bleu de Gascogne at least two meals a day, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should a Grand Bleu de Gascogne eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs.6

How often should I bathe a Grand Bleu de Gascogne?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne need brushing?

Brush your Grand Bleu de Gascogne every few days to keep its short, dense coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, which is perfect for this easy-care breed.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Grand Bleu de Gascogne's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne need?

This active hound needs two hours or more of walking daily, plus safe off-lead running and scent work. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Grand Bleu de Gascogne's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Grand Bleu de Gascogne live?

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne typically lives between 10 and 12 years. Senior years usually start around age 7, so regular vet checkups become even more important then.1 Pet Wiki plan

Is a Grand Bleu de Gascogne good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is friendly and even-tempered, and as a natural pack dog it enjoys canine company. Early socialisation with children, other pets, and livestock is recommended.3 1

Can a Grand Bleu de Gascogne be left alone?

This pack-oriented hound prefers company and may struggle with long periods alone. It's best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time or where it has canine companionship.3 1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.