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Characteristics, History, and Health
Blue Gascony Griffon
The Blue Gascony Griffon hails from the Gascony region of southwestern France. The breed is believed to be of very ancient Pyrenean origin and to have descended from crosses between the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and various griffon-type dogs. These dogs were developed to assist hunters in tracking and hunting game, particularly in rough or difficult terrain. They were bred for their intelligence, stamina, and excellent sense of smell. The breed is rare even in its home country of France, and it's even rarer in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, the exact details of the breed's history are somewhat unclear due to lack of thorough record-keeping.
Main Info
- Origin
- France
- Alternate Names
- Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
- Life Expectancy
- 10-14 years
- Average Male Height
- 20-23 inches
- Average Female Height
- 19-22 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 35-60 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 35-60 pounds
- Coat Length
- MediumLong
- Coat Type
- Rough, Shaggy
- Coat Colors
- White & Black Mottled
- Coat Pattern
- With or Without Solid Black Patches, White Blaze on Face, Tan Markings on Head, Legs, and under the Tail
Genetic Predispositions and Health
The Blue Gascony Griffon my suffer from ear infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, and allergies. As with all deep chested dogs they may develop bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). This is a life-threatening condition that can come on suddenly, so it’s important to know the warning signs and get an affected dog immediate veterinary care.
Personality and Behavior
Blue Gascony Griffons are known for their intelligence and trainability. They are diligent workers with a keen nose, making them excellent hunting companions. At home, they are generally calm and affectionate, enjoying the company of their human families.
However, they retain a high prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets unless properly socialized from a young age. They also require a good amount of physical exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. These dogs are known to be somewhat independent and may require a patient and consistent owner to train effectively. Socialization from an early age is crucial to prevent any potential behavioral issues.
As with any dog breed, individual temperaments can vary, and the general characteristics mentioned may not apply to every Blue Gascony Griffon.
Fun Facts
The breed is typically used to hunt hare and wild boar.
The Blue Gascony Griffon falls under the group classification of scent hounds, according to the FCI. In the United States, however, the breed is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The breed is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), under the classification of scent hounds.
References
https://www.ukcdogs.com/griffon-bleu-de-gascogne https://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/032g06-en.pdf
https://wagwalking.com/breed/griffon-bleu-de-gascogne
https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/griffon-bleu-de-gascogne/#health
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