Breed History:

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a rare French scent hound developed in the southwest region of Gascony, France. It descends from a cross between the ancient Bleu de Gascogne hounds (noted for their distinctive bluish ticking) and the Griffon Nivernais or other rough-coated scent hounds. The goal was to create a dog that combined the keen nose and voice of the Bleu hounds with the rugged coat and tenacity of griffons.

Historically used for hunting hare, boar, and deer, the breed is known for its persistence on the trail, deep voice, and ability to handle dense brush and rocky terrain. Though still uncommon even in France, the Griffon Bleu is respected among hunters for its strong scenting ability and rustic endurance.

It is part of the larger Bleu de Gascogne family, which includes breeds like the Basset Bleu de Gascogne and Grand Bleu de Gascogne, but stands out with its rough coat and medium size.

Height: 50-57 cm

Weight: 18-27 kg 

Size: Medium

Life Expectancy: 11–13 years

Breed Appearance:

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a shaggy, rugged hound with a distinctive blue-speckled coat, giving it an instantly recognizable appearance. The coat is rough and dense, offering protection against thorns and weather.

It has a long head, pendulous ears, and bushy brows, beard, and mustache, contributing to its expressive, rustic look. Coat color is always mottled black and white, creating a blue appearance, often with tan markings on the face and legs.

Breed Type – Scent Hound:

This breed is a tenacious scent hound, bred for endurance, voice, and tracking precision. It can work alone or in packs and is especially suited to rugged terrain and long hunts. The breed has a strong prey drive, an excellent nose, and a sonorous bay that helps hunters follow its trail.

At home, it tends to be calm and loyal, though still retains its independent nature.

Training:

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is intelligent but independent:

• Responds best to positive reinforcement and clear structure

• Requires early socialization and obedience training

• Can be distracted by scents—recall must be trained carefully

• Benefits from structured activities like scent work or tracking

• Thrives with confident and consistent handlers

Not ideal for passive owners or those new to scent hounds.

Health & Care:

A hardy breed, but may be prone to:

• Ear infections (due to long ears and outdoor exposure)

• Hip dysplasia (moderate risk)

• Bloat (gastric torsion) in rare cases

• Minor eye or skin issues

Routine ear care, joint monitoring, and a balanced diet are important for longevity.

Living Conditions:

Best suited for rural or suburban settings:

• Needs space and secure fencing—will follow scent trails

• Not ideal for apartment living

• Gets along well with other dogs, especially hounds

• Can be reserved or aloof with strangers

• Not ideal for homes with small pets unless raised together

Needs a family that understands hound instincts.

Exercise:

High energy and working stamina:

• Requires 1.5–2 hours of daily exercise

• Loves long walks, hikes, and off-leash runs in enclosed areas

• Mental stimulation through scent games or tasks is important

• Without stimulation, may become vocal or restless

Bred for endurance, this dog thrives in active environments.

Grooming:

Moderate grooming needs:

• Brush 2–3 times a week to prevent tangles and remove debris

• Occasional hand-stripping helps maintain coat texture

• Clean ears weekly to avoid infections

• Regular dental and nail care required

The breed sheds moderately and can pick up outdoor debris due to coat texture.

Advantages:

• Powerful scent hound with rugged stamina

• Distinctive appearance and coat

• Loyal and calm with family when exercised

• Hardy and weather-resistant

• Intelligent and capable working dog

• Generally healthy and long-lived

Disadvantages:

• Needs significant exercise and mental stimulation

• Strong prey drive—recall is a challenge

• Grooming can be time-consuming if coat is neglected

• May be vocal when bored or stimulated

• Not suited for small living spaces or inactive owners

• Rare outside France—can be hard to find