As its name implies, the roots of Blue Gascony Griffon are intimately linked to the former French region of Gascony, which includes the lands between Bordeaux, Toulouse and Pyrenees. Some writings from the 14th century tell of the existence of a blue-haired hunting dog that was effective in tracking wild boar and deer., which is probably his ancestor.

Although we know with some accuracy where the race originated, it is more difficult to trace your family tree accurately before the decade of 1920.

However, it is believed to be a cross between the Great Gascony Blue, which in turn is the product of several crosses of old hounds (including the Bloodhound), and a french griffon: or the Griffon Nivernais or the Grand Griffon Vendéen. It is not possible to establish precisely which of the two is, because the available descriptions are too imprecise, but at least it is acquired that it is a French griffon.

In 1920, a special normalization commission of the club Great Gascony Blue, of the Small Blue Gascony and of the Blue Gascony Griffon first established a standard for the latter, what allowed the Livre des Origines Français (LOF) officially differentiate him from his cousins. In fact, Until then it was considered a simple variety of the Great Gascony Blue. However, was not up 1963 which was officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).

This did not prevent the gradual decline of the breed, in particular due to its geographic isolation and confidentiality. In fact, was close to extinction, so that in 1977 only 10 individuals of 3 different lines were listed in the LOF. However, the situation improved considerably in the following years, since the number exceeded 100 in 1981.

At the beginning of the decade of 1990, the breed even saw a major revival in popularity with hunting enthusiasts, both in France and abroad (dog exports to Italy, Switzerland, Mauritius, Canada, Netherlands…), which led to an increase in the number of births. Thus, the number of annual registrations of the LOF increased less than 80 prior to 1990 to more than 500 in 1994, and even more than 800 in 1996, before stabilizing between 700 and 800 in the following years.

This madness in France and abroad led to United Kennel Club, one of the leading organizations in the United States, to recognize the race in 1991. However, didn't actually make emulators: for example, neither him American Kennel Club (AKC), neither him Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), nor the prestigious British Kennel Club took the step.

Aware of the danger that this sudden interest could represent for the health of the few remaining specimens, with the risk, in particular, of health abuses caused by an intensive breeding program to meet a high demand, the Club of Small Blue Gascony, of the Gascon Saintongeois and Ariégeois, in charge of the improvement of the race and affiliated with the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), proposed to the Conservatory of Regional Biological Heritage the elaboration of a safeguarding and improvement plan. This approach (and the strict breeding practices that followed it) contributed to the preservation of the good health of the breed, without hindering its development. Therefore, in the first decade of the century, about 850 births were counted each year by the LOF. Since then, the figure has decreased slightly, but there is still an average of 600 a 700 by year.

Photo: French Blue Gascony Griffon: Griffon Bleu de Gascogne by Alephalpha, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Blue Gascony Griffon it is rustic and of solid construction. Very athletic, has a well-developed chest and a short, straight back that extends into a rather shaggy tail carried like a saber blade.

The head is ogival shaped, slightly vaulted, with a full forehead and a snout with a slight stop, sometimes slightly arched. The nose is black and wide. The eyes are oval, and its color varies between dark chestnut and brown. In addition, despite his wide eyebrows, his look is very expressive. Located just below the eye line, the ears are flexible, curly and not very pointed, and reach the tip of the nose.

The mark of this dog is its hard and rough coat, giving it a slightly shaggy look. The coat is completely black and white, giving it the slate blue glow that gave it its name. Your body may also have a few more or less extensive black spots. In the head, there are usually two black spots on each side of the skull, covering ears, wrapping the eyes and stopping at the cheeks. These spots are separated in the upper part of the skull by a white hole, in the middle of which there is usually a small oval black spot, typical of the breed. More or less bright brown marks also color the upper part of the eyebrow, cheeks, whisker pads, the inside of the ear, as well as the limbs and the lower part of the tail.

Last but not least, sexual dimorphism is only slightly pronounced in this breed: the female is generally only a few centimeters smaller than the male.

Size:

• Males of 50 a 57 cm.
• Females of 48 a 55 cm..
• Weight: 18 a 20 kg

Character and skills “Blue Gascony Griffon”

Originally bred for their tracking qualities, the Blue Gascony Griffon They are also affectionate companion dogs that adapt well to family life, as long as the family is active. Loyal and very attached to their teachers, as shown through various displays of affection, accompany them in all their activities with great enthusiasm and energy, without the need for undue attention.

He is a dog that loves children, with whom he is very patient and gentle. Generally well returned, representing excellent playmates for him, also brimming with energy. It is much less suitable for the elderly, they will soon find it exhausting.

Used to living in a group, can be alone during the day, but you only prosper if you have company at all times. Adopting an extra dog can be a solution to help you cope with the absence of its owner.

People and animals who are strangers to the dog generally receive a reserved but not aggressive welcome. Take the time to observe them before deciding what attitude to adopt.

This relative distance does not make it a good guardian, especially because it is not very territorial. In fact, if he barks when he sees a newcomer, it is more to announce your presence than to prevent you from passing and dissuade you from moving on.

Living with other dogs in the house is perfectly possible and usually does not pose any particular problem. Even when you don't know them yet, the Blue Gascony Griffon he is very sociable with his companions, and is both curious and peaceful once introduced. They don't try to dominate other dogs, and they will only attack if they are repeatedly and aggressively confronted by them.

On the other hand, it is not a good idea to try to get him to live in a house that also has a cat or small pet (like a rodent or a bird). Being a hunter at heart, I'd tend to relentlessly chase him around the house, even if you receive a strict education on the subject.

True electric battery and always with the truffle glued to the ground, the Blue Gascony Griffon only really blooms in large spaces and garden houses. Although he likes to gasp for hours at his family's feet, not a city dweller, and is very likely to attract the ire of the neighborhood with his inopportune howls. By the way, can live perfectly well in an outdoor dog house, as long as you have enough to stimulate your intelligence and abilities – especially through play sessions with his teacher.

He particularly likes to snoop, sniff out clues and follow them to their source without being distracted by anything. This trait is very popular with hunting dogs., but it is more problematic for companion dogs, as it can lead them to run away or stubbornly go in one direction while walking. A high fence should be provided at home, and a strong strap should be used to keep its paws – if you are not paying attention – To walk. A connected GPS collar can also be a good investment to make sure you know when he's out for a walk at all times.

Besides hunting, this hardworking and hardy dog ​​has a taste for many other activities. Enjoy throwing games (to be played in moderation, as they reinforce their chasing instinct), object hunting games (that challenge your exceptional sense of smell), the long walks, the race, swimming or even canicross, in which it excels. Almost everything can be found thanks to your eyes, as long as it comes to exercising and / or pleasing your master.

In any case, if your significant need for exercise is not met, It is likely to attack objects and plants in the house to evacuate its excess energy, or even your stress.

Education “Blue Gascony Griffon”

The kindness of the Blue Gascony Griffon and his loyalty make him an obedient and diligent student. However, do not forget that he is an intelligent dog, which means it learns commands as fast as nonsense.

In addition, it is important to socialize him from an early age to limit his shyness and natural distrust of people and dogs he does not know. This is especially true if you are intended for hunting, since then it is more likely that you will meet other dogs that you do not know.

Having said that, they are quite docile companions, easy to train and educate: an ideal breed of dog for a novice master. However, be aware that obedience is achieved more through cooperation than coercion. Therefore, it is just as important to congratulate and / or reward him whenever an order has been well executed as it is to reprimand him with a firm voice when he does something stupid. By the way, being firm does not mean being aggressive: yelling or being aggressive will only make them run away, or it will even make them suspicious and stressed.

Hunting training can begin as soon as 6 months after learning the basic commands. Treasure hunting is recommended to help you develop your sense of smell and intelligence, while the presence of more experienced dogs can help you get used to the noise of guns and the company of strange dogs.

Health and care “Blue Gascony Griffon”

Sturdy and durable, the Blue Gascony Griffon it is made for outdoor living and can withstand both heat and cold.

The main health problems observed in this breed are related to outdoor life and, in particular, with hunting: fractures, wounds, bites, as well as diseases transmitted by parasites (piroplasmosis, leptospirosis, etc.).

You also have a predisposition to stomach inversion (stomach dilation-torsion syndrome).

In addition, the hanging shape of your ears poses a risk of increased ear infections.

Last but not least, your voracity makes you prone to obesity, especially if your activity level is still limited. This can facilitate the onset and aggravate the impact of various ailments and constitutes a true vicious cycle, since an overweight dog tends to be less active and therefore… fatter.

Go through a serious breeder of Blue Gascony Griffon allows you to put all the possibilities on your part to adopt a puppy in good health (and that remains so). The professional must be able to present a certificate issued by a veterinarian certifying that he is indeed healthy, as well as details of the vaccines administered to the animal, recorded in your health book (or vaccination book).

In addition, as with any dog, excessive activity should be avoided until you reach adulthood. In fact, the bones and joints of a growing puppy are particularly fragile, and problems at this level could have lifelong consequences (malformations, etc.).

At last, but the Blue Gascony Griffon is generally in good health, this does not mean that you should not wear it regularly (At least once a year) to the vet for a complete health check, that allows you to detect any problems as soon as possible. It is also the occasion to carry out your vaccination reminders, that are especially important to a dog like him, who usually spends a lot of time outdoors. Your antiparasitic treatments are at least as important; your landlord should make sure to renew them whenever necessary.

The price of a “Blue Gascony Griffon”

The price of a puppy Blue Gascony Griffon in France it is between 900 and 1400 EUR, depending on the prestige of the kennel, the lineage from which it comes and its intrinsic characteristics (more or less conformity to the breed standard, physical qualities, etc.).

Outside france, it is very difficult to find a breeder of Blue Gascony Griffon. The most likely option is then to import one from your country of origin. If required, transportation and administrative costs are added to the purchase price of the animal and, of course, it is advisable to know and respect the regulations regarding the importation of a dog from abroad.

Ratings of the “Blue Gascony Griffon”

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a dog of the breed “Blue Gascony Griffon” you know certain factors. Not all breeds of dogs are apt to live in an apartment, You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, your care and if you have young children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Adaptation ⓘ 2.0 rating 2 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Dog friendly ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Hair loss ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection Level ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Need to exercise ⓘ 5.0 rating 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Social Needs ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Apartment ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Grooming ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Stranger Friendly ⓘ 2.0 rating 2 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Barking Tendencies ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Health Issues ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Territorial ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Cat Friendly ⓘ 2.0 rating 2 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	intelligence ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	versatility ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Child Friendly ⓘ 3.0 rating 3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Watchdog Ability ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)	Playfulness ⓘ 4.0 rating 4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Images “Blue Gascony Griffon”

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Photos:

1 – A Blue Gascony Griffon female by Canarian, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
2 – Blue griffin from Gascony by https://pxhere.com/es/photo/1331479
3 – Blue griffin from Gascony by https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1089317
4 – Blue griffin from Gascony by http://www.adopt-a-griffon.eu/en/breeds/griffon-bleu-de-gascogne/

Videos of the “Blue Gascony Griffon”

Griffons bleus au Concours de meutes à Pranles

Segugi Griffon Bleu de Gascogne – speciale cinofilia Game Fair 2015

Type and recognitions:

• CLASSIFICATION FCI: 32
• Group 6: Scent hound and related breeds.
• Section 1: Scent hounds – 1.2: Medium-sized Hounds. With working trial.

Federations:

• – FCI – Group 6: Scent hounds, and related breeds. – Section 1.2: Medium-sized Hounds. ⓘ
• – UKC – Scenthounds ⓘ
• – Central Canine Society ⓘ

“Blue Gascony Griffon” FCI

1. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne (English).
2. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne (French).
3. Griffon bleu de Gascogne (German).
4. Griffon bleu de Gascogne (Portuguese).
5. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne (Spanish).