Griffon Bleu de Gascogne

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is the rough-coated member of the blue Gascony hound family, mottled blue-black and built for scent.

History

The Gascony hounds are an old south-western French family — the Grand Bleu, the Petit Bleu, the Basset and this griffon — distinguished by size and coat rather than by job. The griffon's harsh coat came from crossing the smooth Bleu with rough-coated hounds for work in thorn and scrub. It is used on hare and boar, alone or in small groups.

Temperament

The breed is known for being affectionate at home, sociable with other dogs and thoroughly single-minded on a trail, with the deep bell voice the Gascony hounds are prized for.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The harsh coat needs brushing; the long drop ears want routine checking.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections the usual complaint. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.