Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is a good longevity for a scenthound of this size. A suitable diet, a stable weight, a good level of activity and regular veterinary follow-up help to preserve its fitness over time.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is reputed to be hardy and well equipped for outdoor work. Its harsh coat offers it good protection and its medium build makes it an enduring dog, provided its needs for exercise and recovery are respected.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
The main points to watch concern the ears, the hips and the digestive risk during exertion or poorly managed meals. Regular observation after outings and good general hygiene help to limit several common problems in this type of dog.
Hip dysplasia: A joint condition that can hinder movement and promote osteoarthritis, especially if the dog is overweight or heavily exercised.
Gastric torsion: The risk increases notably in active dogs with a deep chest if meals are too large or followed by intense exertion.
Ear infections: Its long drooping ears promote moisture and stagnation, which can lead to painful inflammation, especially if maintenance is neglected or after outings in a humid environment.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne withstands the cold rather well thanks to its harsh coat and its hardiness. It tolerates moderate heat fairly well, but intense exertion should be avoided during the hottest hours, especially during the summer season.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed can be greedy, which requires measured portions and regular monitoring of the silhouette. Maintaining a stable weight is important to preserve the joints and avoid weighing down a dog intended to remain mobile and enduring.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears regularly.
- Check the coat, paw pads and eyes after outings in nature.
- Maintain a stable weight to protect the joints.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen belly, agitation or unproductive retching.
Vaccination
Blue Gascony Griffon vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Blue Gascony Griffon need? Like all dogs, Blue Gascony Griffons should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Blue Gascony Griffon vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Blue Gascony Griffon booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Blue Gascony Griffon need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Blue Gascony Griffon
Regular veterinary follow-up with ear checks, locomotor assessment and digestive vigilance is recommended. In a subject intended for breeding or showing clinical signs, hip screening may be relevant.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
