Petit Bleu de Gascogne

This is a smaller version of the Great Gascony Blue, bred down in size while keeping the same distinctive mottled coat texture that gives the breed its blue name. A male can weigh up to 20 kilograms, considerably lighter than its larger relative, making it better suited to hunting hare rather than large game. The short coat needs minimal care. It was bred and is used almost exclusively for pack work, so an individually kept dog often shows a strong need for other dogs' company. Its voice carries the same resonant quality as other Gascony hounds. It remains rare even in France and is almost never seen outside the country. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Petit Bleu de Gascogne: how old in human years?

50–58 cmHeight
16–20 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Griffon Nivernais

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.2: Scenthounds, Medium sized
FCI: 31
Country of origin: France

Energy level

4/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 52–58 cm

Females 50–56 cm

Weight

Males 18–20 kg

Females 16–18 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, mottled ("blue") (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Petit Bleu de Gascogne's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Petit Bleu de Gascogne's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 4/5
Exercise need 4/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Petit Bleu de Gascogne's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 2/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Petit Bleu de Gascogne's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne

When he picks up the trail of a hare, you hear the voice that Gascon hunters valued as much as the nose: ringing, musical, carrying far beyond the next hill. The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized French scenthound, bred to follow small game with patience and persistence, and that passion never fades.

Every day he needs a long, interesting walk that gives his nose some work: tracking, search games, long rambles across fields. He is clever and does learn, but on his own terms; short, cheerful sessions and treats work far better than a stern voice. His prey drive and hunting instinct are very strong, so don't rely on his recall anywhere without a fence, and cats and small pets will look more like quarry to him than friends.

At home he is gentle and affectionate, good with children and other dogs, and greets visitors in a friendly if unexcited way. He is no guard, but he has plenty of voice and uses it gladly, particularly when left alone and bored. A flat is too small for him; he is happiest in the countryside or a suburb, with a family that loves long walks and doesn't mind a dog that occasionally bursts into song.

Grooming and coat

The "blue" in this hound's name comes from its coat: a white base so densely flecked with black that from a distance it looks bluish grey. The coat is short and dense and sheds little, so the Petit Bleu de Gascogne only needs a weekly once-over with a rubber brush or grooming mitt. Baths are rarely needed; a damp towel deals with a muddy walk.

Its long, thin, hanging ears are where grooming really starts. Lift and look inside them every week for ticks, seeds or redness; discharge or a bad smell is a reason to see a vet. After trips into the woods check the paws and belly, and trim the nails if they don't wear down on their own.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (20 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 260 g of dry food a day, from €14,13 a month For a neutered, normally active 18 kg dog. Calculate for your dog