Characteristics
large
from 65 to 75 cm
up to 35 kg
up to 16 years
Hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds
Brief information
Character
The Blue Gascon Hound is considered the oldest of the French breeds. The first records describing dogs resembling this hound appeared in the “Hunting Book” by Gaston Phoebus in the 14th century. The author especially emphasized the outstanding ability of the Blue Hound to hunt a boar, wolf and bear. The Blue Gascon Hound was the progenitor of many breeds that live in the south. To this day, it is widespread in its homeland in the south and south-west of France, especially in Gascony.
In the gene pool of the Gascon hound, a significant share is occupied by the genes of the Saint-Hubert dog (the ancestor of the Bloodhound), which the French nobility brought for hunting from the territory of modern Belgium. Like her, the blue hound has a strong sense of smell: she easily catches a cold trail. However, unlike its ancestor, this breed is more energetic and hardy. The Blue Gascon Hound usually hunts in a pack.
There are four types of Blue Gascon Dog: the Great Blue Gascon Hound, the Lesser Gascon Hound, the Blue Gascon Basset and the Blue Gascon Griffon. The Great Blue Gascon Hound is the most common.
Like many modern hounds, Blue Gaskonskaya has long been adapted to home life. However, this does not mean that she has lost her iconic qualities. With proper training and constant practice, which these dogs are usually very enthusiastic about, this hound can be trained for serious trail work.
In everyday life, the activity of pets of this breed and their sense of smell can be developed in games no one will run around the site in search of toys or treats with more enthusiasm than these dogs. At the same time, the Blue Gascony Hound will be happy with active and long walks.
The propensity for group coordinated work has left its mark on the character of the blue Gascon hound dogs of this breed get along well with other pets, including cats. They also get along well with children and guests, especially if they associate them with fun.
Care
The Blue Gascon Hound has a short, harsh, dense coat. To remove dead hairs, the dog must be combed out with a brush with small and frequent teeth (a furminator), otherwise the stiffons will form, which can subsequently accumulate dirt and become sources of unpleasant odor. It is worth trimming once a week. It is not necessary to bathe dogs of this breed, it is enough to wipe it with a damp towel from time to time. It is important to pay attention to cleaning the ears of the beagle in these types of ears, moisture does not evaporate, which leads to the development of infections.
Like other working breeds, the Blue Gascon Hound can face a “professional” health problem with age joint dysplasia. An annual visit to the veterinarian will help prevent the development of various diseases.
Conditions of detention
The Blue Gascon Hound is not suitable for living in an average city apartment. She needs space for physical activity and some freedom of movement. A house with a large site that a messenger can run is ideal. It is necessary to walk the representatives of this breed for a long time, and walks should be fascinating, mobile. Remember that you can not walk the dog of a hunting breed without a leash! Whatever it is, the instinct of persecution can once prevail.
