The Blue Gascony Griffon: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The origins of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne are ancient and are located in the south-west of France, in the Pyrenean area. The breed comes from the cross between a medium-sized Bleu de Gascogne and a griffon, in order to obtain an enduring scenthound, well equipped for difficult terrain and endowed with an excellent nose. It almost disappeared before experiencing a renewed interest thanks to the work of passionate breeders, then was definitively recognized by the FCI in 1963.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized scenthound, with a body fitting into a rectangle, with a solid bone structure without heaviness. Its coat is harsh to the touch, rough and shorter on the head and ears. Its slate-blue coat comes from the mixture of black and white hairs, often with black markings on the head. It has long drooping ears, very lively dark chestnut oval eyes and a sabre-blade tail well furnished with hair.

A passionate hunting dog, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is willing, lively and persevering, with a fine and powerful sense of smell. In the family, it shows itself loyal, affectionate and full of enthusiasm. Its energetic and alert temperament requires a structured living environment and regular activities to channel its natural qualities.

On a daily basis, this dog needs space, movement and olfactory stimulation. He enjoys long outings, can be vocal when he is excited or on a trail, and tolerates prolonged inactivity poorly. Well exercised, he becomes a pleasant companion, close to his household and easier to live with.

Its training must be early, consistent and firm without brutality. Recall deserves careful work, because its chasing instinct can encourage it to follow a trail and move away. Positive methods, play and rewards give good results with this sensitive but determined dog.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne remains a relatively little-known breed, which can influence the availability of puppies depending on the regions and bloodlines. The purchase price depends mainly on the seriousness of the breeding, the quality of the follow-up, and the rarity of the available litters.

Rustic and generally robust, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne generally enjoys solid health when it is well cared for and sufficiently active. Like many scenthounds with drooping ears and a developed chest, it nevertheless requires targeted monitoring on certain points.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne needs a complete and digestible diet, rich in quality proteins, adapted to its medium size and its activity level. As it is an active dog, the ration must support effort without promoting weight gain.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne owes its appearance and its abilities to the cross between the Bleu de Gascogne type and the griffon coat. Long rare, it was revived thanks to a few very committed enthusiasts. It remains today mainly appreciated as a versatile scenthound capable of working on hare as well as on wild boar.