Blue Gascony Griffon
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · The rough-coated Gascon blue — a determined foot hound for dense cover hunting
40–55 lbsWeight
20–22 inHeight
10–12 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · The rough-coated Gascon blue — a determined foot hound for dense cover hunting
The Blue Gascony Griffon is a medium-sized rough-coated scenthound from the Gascony region of southwestern France, created by crossing the ancient Grand Bleu de Gascogne with various griffon (wire-coated) hound breeds. The rough coat serves a practical purpose: protection from the thorny garrigue scrubland and dense hedgerow country of the Gascon countryside where it hunts. A foot hound used primarily for hare and fox, it is smaller and more agile than the Grand Bleu but shares the same distinctive blue-mottled coloring and exceptional nose. One of the rarest of the French hunting breeds. FCI recognized (Standard No. 32).
Real Blue Gascony Griffon photos — showcasing their wiry blue-mottled coat and compact hunting build.
Lively, tenacious, and good-natured. The Blue Gascony Griffon has the cheerful, sociable temperament typical of French foot hounds — it gets along well with other dogs, is affectionate with its family, and has a calm, manageable personality at home when adequately exercised. In the field it is focused, persistent, and gives voice freely on a scent. Its independent hound nature requires consistent handling but it is generally cooperative and not difficult to live with in an active rural home.
High energy. Needs 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Bred for foot hunting through dense cover, it has good endurance and needs regular running, hiking, and scent work. It adapts reasonably well to a non-hunting active home provided its exercise needs are met. A securely fenced yard is essential as its nose will lead it astray. Without adequate exercise it becomes restless and vocal.
The rough, wiry double coat requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting, especially after field work. The coat should be hand-stripped rather than clipped to maintain its correct texture and protective qualities. The beard and eyebrows trap debris and need regular wiping. Ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent infection. Moderate shedder. Bathing every 4–6 weeks is adequate.
Intelligent and responsive for a scent hound. The Blue Gascony Griffon is trainable and cooperative, though it retains the hound's instinct to follow its nose independently. Positive, consistent training from puppyhood produces a reliable companion and hunter. Basic obedience and recall training require patience given the strong hunting drive. Early socialization helps the breed's naturally friendly nature shine fully.
A generally hardy hunting breed with a lifespan of 10–12 years. Ear infections are common due to the pendant ears. Hip dysplasia occurs occasionally. The rough coat can harbor skin irritation if not regularly groomed. As a very rare breed with a limited population, genetic diversity should be considered by responsible breeders. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.
The Blue Gascony Griffon 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 1½–2½ 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. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ 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 Blue Gascony Griffon from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, 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 $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.