The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is one of the oldest French dog breeds. This little known dog seems to come from elsewhere with its bluish coat. Excellent in hunting activities, it is also fully involved as a pet. Its joy of living and its sweetness are among its main qualities.
Characteristics of the Great Blue of Gascony
Nobility and tranquility, these are the qualifiers that best describe the appearance of the Great Blue of Gascony. This dog has a strong musculature and a powerful body. It is also large since it measures between 62 and 72 cm at the withers and weighs up to 35 kg, depending on the sex. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a slightly domed skull, a full forehead and a moderately marked stop. Its head is recognizable by the two black spots present on both sides and reaching the eyes, the ears and the cheeks.
Brown in color, the eyes always seem sad because of the slight slackening of the eyelid. The fine, drooping and long ears are in papillotes and end with a tip in the shape of point. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne has a short, dense and thick coat speckled with a beautiful duo of black and white. The presence of bluish slate effect on the coat is one of the particularities of this breed. The lips, cheeks, limbs, inner part of the ear and under the tail may also have tan markings.
History of the breed Grand Bleu de Gascogne
The origins of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne go back a long way, more precisely to the 14th century. At that time, its existence in the region of Gascony is reported. This breed is said to be the result of a hybridization between hounds and the Saint-Hubert dog. It excelled in hunting large game such as wild boar, bear, wolf and many others. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is best known in the south and southwest of France. Its reputation has difficulty to exceed the French borders. In order to conform to modern needs, selective crossbreeding has been carried out and has resulted in the Petit Bleu de Gascogne, which is smaller in size.
Necessary living conditions and behavior of the Greater Biscayan Blue
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a dog essentially used in hunting activities. It is a very courageous animal with an indisputable stamina that allows it to chase prey more easily. It also has a very developed sense of smell and expresses very particular barks assimilated to howls. However, the Great Blue of Gascony can also live with families looking for a calm, docile and friendly companion. But it will be necessary to be careful if other animals are present in the house like cats or NAC, because its instinct of hunter can take the top and it will start to chase them.
Diet and main health problems of the Great Blue Biscay
The health of the Great Blue Biscay is rather good. Nevertheless, there are specific pathologies that need to be properly monitored, such as ectropion which concerns the eyelids. Over the years, this dog can also be a victim of arthritis. Finally, because of its large ears, it may develop ear infections. As for his diet, there is nothing specific. It is enough that it adapts to its physical activities and its appetite.
