what they are likeGrand Bleu de Gascogne temperament
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.341
how to spot oneGrand Bleu de Gascogne coat and colours
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.324
Coloursblack and white mottled (slate blue) with black patches and tan markings342
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
by countryIs the Grand Bleu de Gascogne legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Grand 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 looksGrand Bleu de Gascogne exercise needs
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
the hands-on bitsGrand Bleu de Gascogne grooming and care
Easy care: brush every few days and check paws and long ears after outings.1
where they are happiestGrand Bleu de Gascogne at home
Best in a spacious, rural or active home with secure outdoor space.14
who they like aroundGrand Bleu de Gascogne with people and other pets
A pack hound by nature that enjoys canine company; early socialisation with other pets and livestock is recommended.31
where it all beganGrand Bleu de Gascogne history
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.32
for the dinner tableFun facts
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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
stars of the breedFamous ones
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
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.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 22, Group 6 (Scent hounds); current standard dated 18 Feb 19973
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 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.7Pet 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.1Pet 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.7Pet 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.1Pet 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.7Pet 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.1Pet 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.31
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.31
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.
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Gascon Saintongeois
Bluetick Coonhound