The Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a Scenthound of ancient line-age, eminently French. They are descended from the original scenting dogs of Gaul and the Phoenician hound trade, and are one of the two types from which most modern hound breeds developed. The Grand is probably the closest, of the four Blue de Gascogne breeds, to the ancient hounds in size and build. Gascony Province, the specific area of their rootstock and development, is located on the southwestern coast of France.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is first and fundamen-tally a hunting/working breed, a trail hound "par excellence," which has retained the extreme physical and hunting characteristics of its ancient stem. Every point of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is for a purpose relevant to preserving the breed and its uniqueness. Judges are asked by the sponsoring breed club to keep this fact in mind when evaluating the merits of an individual hound.
Their coat is smooth, weather resistant and not too short. Their colors can be Irregular shaped black patches upon a white background, which is speckled with black. This confers a blue reflection. Two black spots are generally situated at the side of the head, and cover the ears and encircle the eyes, to end up at the cheeks, without meeting on top of the skull. They leave a blaze, either blue mottled or white, in the center of which is frequently found a small, black oval spot-one of the identifying features of the breed. Two, more or less bright spots are found just above the eyelids. There are also shades of fiery tones on the cheeks, inside the ears, under the tail and on the legs and feet. Some individuals are completely mottled (no black body patches), always with traces of fiery tones. Regarding "irregular shaped black patches", if black appears on the body in solid form, it should be in irregular shapes and sizes. This would be in keeping with the true color of the breed. Large round or oval spots, saddles and blankets, while tolerated, are not to be encouraged.
Males should be 25 to 27 and a half inches tall. Females should be 23 and a half to 25 and a half inches. They should weigh 40-48 pounds
None of the Bleu de Gascogne breeds are known to suffer from major hereditary diseases. Food allergies have not been reported, and hips appear to be good. Basset Bleu de Gascogne breeders in France have mentioned to be on the look-out for gastric torsion, a painful and sometimes fatal twisting of the bowel. Two smaller feedings instead of one large one per day may prevent the problem.
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in January 1991.
