Great Gascony Blue
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · One of France's most ancient hounds — a majestic blue-mottled pack dog with an unrivalled nose
77–88 lbsWeight
24–28 inHeight
10–12 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · One of France's most ancient hounds — a majestic blue-mottled pack dog with an unrivalled nose
The Great Gascony Blue is one of the oldest and most celebrated scenthound breeds in France, with origins traced to the ancient hounds of Gascony in southwestern France — some historians suggest its ancestry includes dogs brought to the region as far back as the Phoenician era. Magnificent in appearance with its distinctive blue-mottled (black and white ticked) coat, pendulous ears, and deeply melodious voice, it is a large, powerful pack hound used for hunting wolf, deer, and boar. King Henry IV of France is said to have prized this breed above all others. It is also the ancestor of the American Blue Gascon Hound and influenced many other hound breeds worldwide. FCI recognized (Standard No. 21).
Real Great Gascony Blue photos — showcasing their distinctive blue-mottled coat and noble bearing.
Gentle, affectionate, and melancholic in expression but lively in the field. The Great Gascony Blue is known for its noble, even-tempered character. It is sociable, calm at rest, and deeply loyal to its people. As a pack hound it is harmonious with other dogs and never aggressive. Its resonant, bell-like voice is one of its most admired traits. In the home it is docile and affectionate; in the field, utterly focused and tenacious on a cold trail that other hounds have long abandoned.
High energy with great stamina. Bred for long, slow-paced hunts where endurance and nose work matter more than speed, it needs substantial daily exercise. Long hikes, off-lead running in safe enclosed spaces, and scent tracking games are ideal. It adapts better than some pack hounds to non-hunting homes provided it receives 60–90 minutes of vigorous activity daily. Leash manners require work — the nose will always tempt it to stray.
The short, dense, blue-mottled coat is low maintenance. Weekly brushing with a bristle brush keeps it clean and removes loose hair. The very long, pendulous ears are the primary grooming concern — they must be cleaned weekly to prevent moisture accumulation and otitis, which is extremely common in this breed. The skin folds around the neck and face also warrant regular inspection. Moderate shedder. Bathing every 4–6 weeks is adequate.
Intelligent and cooperative, but possesses the scent hound's characteristic independence on a trail. The Great Gascony Blue responds well to patient, positive training and is capable of learning basic obedience reliably. Off-lead recall in the presence of interesting scents is the persistent challenge — a securely fenced yard is essential. Early socialization ensures the breed's naturally gentle temperament is fully realized.
A generally hardy breed with a lifespan of 10–12 years. Ear infections (otitis externa) are by far the most common health issue, requiring vigilant preventive ear care. Hip dysplasia occurs and should be screened in breeding stock. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a risk in large, deep-chested breeds and owners should be aware of the symptoms. Eye conditions including ectropion can occur. Responsible breeders screen for these issues.
The Great Gascony Blue does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 2½–3¾ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Use a large-breed formula and avoid heavy exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 2½–3¾ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Great Gascony Blue from a responsible breeder typically costs around $1,000–$2,500, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $110–$200 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $18,000–$28,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.