Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Also called Small Blue Gascony Hound, Kleiner Blauer Gascogne Laufhund

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From France (Gascony, south-west France)1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male52 to 58 cm3 2 4

Height, female50 to 56 cm3 2 4

Sizemedium

calm and affectionate

excellent scenting nose with a musical voice

works happily in a pack

3 2 4

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense

A medium-sized, well balanced scenthound with long, low-set ears and a short, close, thick coat that needs little upkeep.3 2

Coloursblack and white mottled (slate blue effect)black patches on head and bodytan markings above eyes, on cheeks and legs3 2

Personality what they are like

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.3 2 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

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.2 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, dense coat needs only a weekly brush-down. Check and clean the long drop ears regularly.3 2

Home where they are happiest

Best in a rural or active home with a secure garden; traditionally kept as a pack hound rather than as a house dog.4 3

Company who they like around

A pack-oriented hound that enjoys canine company; aggression toward other hounds or people is not typical of the breed.3 2

The story where it all began

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 1963.3 2 4 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
"Petit" refers to the smaller game it was bred to hunt, not to its size: it is actually a medium-large dog.4
2
Its black and white mottling blends into a blue-grey look, which is where the "bleu" in its name comes from.3
3
The breed standard singles out its beautiful hunting voice as a breed hallmark.3
4
In FCI countries, dogs must pass a working trial to become full champions.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Famous ones stars of the breed

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.4

Name ideas for your new friend

BleuGascogneAzurCielMarinPepiteRustyBellaDukeFleurNobleSoleil

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

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.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 31, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 medium-sized hounds; definitive acceptance 23 Oct 1963; working trial required1
UKC: Recognised January 19912
Société Centrale Canine: Breed standard held by the French national kennel club (country of origin)4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

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 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?

Furry Diary'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.8 Pet 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. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.3 2 Pet 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.8 Pet 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. Furry Diary suggests daily exercise, and the breed thrives with at least an hour of active time each day.2 3 Pet 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. Furry Diary recommends daily brushing for best results.8 3 2 Pet 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.3 2 4

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.3 2 4

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.