Page 167 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

SCENT HOUNDS

Grand Bleu de Gascogne

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN
24–28in 80–120lb 12–14 years FROM FRANCE
(60–70 cm) (36–55kg) TO AMERICA

In 1785 George Washington was given seven
A large working hound with impressive looks that has great Grand Bleu de Gascogne hounds (seen below
stamina and tenacity when following a scent in a 1907 French print) by General Lafayette.
Washington, an avid hunter, found the dogs to be
excellent trackers, but they were unaccustomed
This French scent hound originated developed and it is single-minded when
to pursuing animals that could climb trees, such
in southern and southwestern France, following a trail. It works at a moderately
as raccoon. This was frustrating for Washington,
particularly in the area of Gascony. slow pace but is noted for its endurance since the dogs often failed to keep their quarry in
Descended from the original hunting and for its powerful, resonant baying voice. the tree until it was shot. Coonhounds were later
dogs of ancient Gaul, and crossed with The breed’s tall stature and aristocratic developed for this type of hunting by crossing
dogs imported by Phoenician traders, this bearing have led some people to refer to the various breeds, including the Grand Bleu de
Gascogne, whose coloring can be seen in
breed is, in turn, the ancestor of all the Grand Bleu de Gascogne as the “King of
the Bluetick Coonhound (see p.161).
scent hounds found in southern France Hounds.” The elegant appearance is
(the Midi). The breed is still widespread heightened by its coat, which has areas of
in France today, and has also been shimmering bluish color, produced by black
introduced to other countries, such as mottling over white.
the UK and the US. The breed has started to appear in the
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was show ring but, despite its gentle and friendly
originally employed to hunt wolves, but nature—and the fact that it bonds closely
once these declined in numbers it was with its owners—its size and energy can
used in wild boar and deer hunts. Packs make it difficult to live with. The Grand
of hounds are still used to hunt these Bleu de Gascogne needs plenty of exercise,
animals today, as well as to hunt hare. which should include training that provides
The breed’s scenting abilities are highly mental as well as physical challenges.

Typical black
head markings
White with
black markings

Well developed
flews
Kind
expression
Low-set, pendant
ears curl inward Black mottling
gives blue
appearance

Tan markings Long, oval-shaped feet
on legs, tail, chest,
and head

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