Grand Bleu de Gascogne

Infobox Dogbreed
altname = Great Gascony Hound
Great Gascony Blue
country = France
fcigroup = 6
fcinum = 22
fcisection = 1
fcistd = http://www.dogdomain.com/fcistandards/fci-022.htm

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image_caption = Grand Bleu de Gascogne
kcukgroup = Hound
kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/27
name = Grand Bleu de Gascogne
ukcgroup = Scenthound
ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/7733b81490794b918525704c0060875a?OpenDocument

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a breed of dog in the scenthound family, developed out of the Gascony province on the southwestern coast of France.

Description

Appearance

The Great Gascony Blue stands up to 70cm (27½ in) and weighs 35 to 39 kg (70½ to 77lb). The breed has an aristocratic-type head and low-set ears to help push the scent into the dog's nostrils. Its long, narrow legs and fully exposed claws help the dog to run swiftly. It has a smooth coat with black-mottled markings on a white base, which gives the breed a bluish tinge. Some dogs have tan markings on the head and muzzle.

Temperament

Little is known about the temperament of this breed, since it is so rare.

However, it is known that they are intelligent but stubborn and like a lot to be running outdoors. Because of their instinct of hunting they are always looking for something with their extraordinary sense of smell.

Their grave howls may cause some sleepless nights to their owners but their wisecracks make them forget this immediately.

History

Some now consider this breed dangerously rare, because of the aftereffects of World War II. Not very much is known about this breed.