what they are likePetit Bleu de Gascogne temperament
Even-tempered and friendly, this hound is easy to handle and responds well to direction. It hunts in a steady, thorough way and gets along with other dogs, though a few individuals can be a little reserved with strangers.123
how to spot onePetit Bleu de Gascogne coat and colours
short, dense
A medium-sized, well balanced scenthound with long, low-set ears and a short, close, thick coat that needs little upkeep.12
Coloursblack and white mottled (slate blue effect)black patches on head and bodytan markings above eyes, on cheeks and legs12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Petit 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 8every year
by countryIs the Petit Bleu de Gascogne legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Petit Bleu de Gascogne in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksPetit Bleu de Gascogne exercise needs
High. Bred to follow a scent trail for hours with great stamina, so it needs long daily walks or runs and scent work, ideally in a securely fenced area.21
the hands-on bitsPetit Bleu de Gascogne grooming and care
The short, dense coat needs only a weekly brush-down. Check and clean the long drop ears regularly.12
where they are happiestPetit Bleu de Gascogne at home
Best in a rural or active home with a secure garden; traditionally kept as a pack hound rather than as a house dog.31
who they like aroundPetit Bleu de Gascogne with people and other pets
A pack-oriented hound that enjoys canine company; aggression toward other hounds or people is not typical of the breed.12
where it all beganPetit Bleu de Gascogne history
The Petit Bleu was produced by deliberately selecting smaller dogs from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, whose line goes back to medieval French hounds. Hunters in Gascony wanted a hound suited to hare and other small game once wolves had disappeared, and the FCI recognised the breed in 1963.1234
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
"Petit" refers to the smaller game it was bred to hunt, not to its size: it is actually a medium-large dog.3
2
Its black and white mottling blends into a blue-grey look, which is where the "bleu" in its name comes from.1
3
The breed standard singles out its beautiful hunting voice as a breed hallmark.1
4
In FCI countries, dogs must pass a working trial to become full champions.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'Petit Bleu de Gascogne' translates from French to 'Small Blue Gascony' (or 'Small Blue Gascony Hound'), referring to its smaller size compared to the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, its blue (slate) mottled coat, and its region of origin, Gascony in southwest France.5
stars of the breedFamous ones
Gaston Phoebus 14th century Comte de Foix, whose pack hounds are ancestral to the breed, making him a historically famous figure associated with the breed's origins.3
I started my day with a good stretch and a sniff of the morning air. My human clipped on my leash, and we headed out for a long walk. I love following trails, my nose knows everything! We passed a field where I caught a whiff of a rabbit, and I pulled gently, but my human said, 'Not today.' I trotted along, happy to be outside. We met another dog, and we greeted each other politely. Back home, I plopped down and let my human scratch my ears. I'm a calm, steady fellow, but I have a nose for adventure. Every day is a good day when I'm with my human.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 31, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 medium-sized hounds; definitive acceptance 23 Oct 1963; working trial required4
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Petit Bleu de Gascogne, and at what times?
Feed your adult Petit Bleu at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, as needs vary by age and activity.6
What should a Petit Bleu de Gascogne eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for active breeds. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give raw meat, bones, or human treats without checking with your vet first.7
How often should I bathe a Petit Bleu de Gascogne?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne need brushing?
A weekly brush is enough for this short, dense coat. It keeps shedding under control and the coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Petit Bleu de Gascogne's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.8Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne need?
This hound has high stamina and needs long daily walks or runs, plus scent work or play in a secure area. Pet Wiki suggests daily exercise, and the breed thrives with at least an hour of active time each day.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Petit Bleu de Gascogne's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human). Check and dry the long drop ears weekly to prevent infections, and never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki recommends daily brushing for best results.812Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for a typical range. With good care, many medium-sized hounds live 10 to 13 years, but no specific data is available for this breed.
Is a Petit Bleu de Gascogne good with children and other pets?
Yes, this even-tempered and friendly hound is generally good with children and gets along well with other dogs. A few individuals may be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation helps. Always supervise interactions with young kids.123
Can a Petit Bleu de Gascogne be left alone?
This pack-oriented hound enjoys company and may struggle with long hours alone. It's best in an active home where someone is often around. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and enrichment beforehand, and consider a doggy companion.123
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.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Gascon Saintongeois