Blue gascony griffon

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Here, you will find all the useful information about blue gascony griffon. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a French hunting dog with its origins in the Pyrenees. The breed is the result of crosses between medium-sized Bleu de Gascogne and griffon dogs. It is the common ancestor of most of the hounds found in the south of France. There are several types, including the Petit Bleu de Gascogne, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne and the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne. The breed was on the verge of extinction in the early 20ᵉ decimated by the armed conflicts present in the hexagon at that time, however, it has experienced a revival in recent decades thanks to diligent and passionate breeders who have worked for years to bring it back to life. Among all these types of dogs, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is the most dynamic breed of all. It was definitively recognized by the International Cynological Federation on September 30, 1963 and the date of publication of its official standard in force is January 24, 1996.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is one of the medium-sized hunting dogs. It was mainly used for shooting or hunting with hounds, but it is still used for tracking big game, especially wild boar. The body is solidly built, longer than it is high, it fits into a rectangle, its head carriage is slimmer in contrast to its broad and stocky back. Muscular and powerful, it has a broad chest and a well developed chest. His skull is round, his muzzle is of good length with a slight stop and dry cheeks. The ears are long, drooping and thick. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne's coat is medium long, thick and rough in texture, rough to the touch, always shorter on the head and ears, its coat has a slate blue tinge, with black and white flecks.

The breed is exceptionally good at hunting, obedient and dedicated to work, but is also a remarkable companion for everyday life, very attached to his family, with whom he gets on wonderfully, especially with children, whom he appreciates enormously. Affectionate and demonstrative, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is calm in the home if its energy needs are met. Outside, it is a particularly dynamic dog, always willing to start all sorts of activities. Courageous and reckless, he is not afraid to come into contact with prey that he tracks relentlessly, his extremely powerful sense of smell will allow him to follow tracks for miles without ever showing the slightest sign of fatigue.
His intelligence makes him a favourite with most hunting enthusiasts, loyal and docile, he combines all the qualities of the perfect partner both at work and at home.

Adult: The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne will weigh between 44 to 55 lbs and will be between 19.5" to 22.5" for males and 18.9" to 21.6" for females.

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Origins

The Blue Gascony Griffon is a dog breed originating from the Gascony region in the southwest of France. Its ancestors include griffon-type dogs and the Blue Gascony, a breed known for its exceptional hunting abilities. Developed for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar, as well as small game like hare, the Blue Gascony Griffon stands out for its exceptional sense of smell and stamina. It is particularly valued for its ability to work in difficult and varied terrains.

History

The history of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne dates back to the 19th century, when French breeders crossed local Griffons with Bleus de Gascogne to create a versatile hunting dog breed. This dog quickly gained popularity among hunters for its ability to track relentlessly and tirelessly. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was officially recognized as a distinct breed in the early 20th century. It continues to be valued for its hunting skills, as well as for its loyal and balanced temperament, making it an excellent family companion.

Standard

The standard of the Blue Gascony Griffon breed describes a medium-sized dog, measuring between 50 and 57 cm at the withers for males and slightly less for females. Its weight varies from 20 to 25 kg. The body is well-proportioned, muscular, and elegant, with a deep chest and a straight back. The head is elongated with drooping ears and a well-developed muzzle. The eyes are dark, expressive, and intelligent. The coat is hard, dense, and tousled, typically marbled blue with black spots and sometimes fawn speckles.

Physical characteristics

The Blue Gascony Griffon is a robust and elegant dog, characterized by its unique blue marbled with black coat, often with fawn speckles. It has a well-proportioned silhouette, with developed musculature which gives him endurance and agility. The head is long and noble, with drooping ears and expressive dark eyes. The coat is hard and dense, offering effective protection against bad weather and difficult terrains. The tail is carried like a saber, adding to its distinguished and dynamic appearance.

Character

The Blue Gascony Basset is known for its balanced, courageous, and sociable temperament. As a hunting dog, it is passionate and tireless, with exceptional scent and great determination. In the family, it is affectionate, loyal, and patient, although it can be independent due to its hunting instinct. It gets along well with children and other dogs, thanks to its sociable nature. Its intelligence and desire to please make training relatively easy, but it requires early socialization and consistent education to channel its energy and natural instincts.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Blue Gascony Griffon is generally between 12 and 14 years. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Owners should closely monitor their dog's health, including by scheduling regular vet visits to detect and treat any conditions early. Paying particular attention to parasite prevention and weight management can also help extend the dog's lifespan and improve their quality of life as an active and energetic breed.

Exercise and activity needs

The Blue Gascony Griffon is an extremely energetic dog that requires a substantial amount of daily exercise. One to two hours of intense physical activity, including walks, runs, and tracking games, are essential to maintain its physical and mental well-being. This hunting dog particularly enjoys outdoor activities where it can use its sense of smell and endurance. Canine sports such as agility or canicross are also ideal for allowing it to channel its energy and exercise its natural skills. Without enough exercise, it can become restless and destructive.

Recommended diet

The diet of the Blue Gascony Griffon must be balanced and adapted to its level of activity. A high quality food, rich in proteins and healthy fats, is essential to maintain its musculature and energy. Portions should be adjusted according to its age, weight, and physical activity. It is recommended to divide the daily portion into two meals to prevent digestive problems and gastric torsion. Dietary supplements, such as omega-3 for joints and coat health, can be beneficial but should be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Training and obedience

The education of the Blue Gascony Griffon requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Intelligent and eager to please, he responds well to positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise. Starting training at a young age helps establish solid foundations and prevent undesirable behaviors. Early socialization is crucial to make him comfortable with different situations, people, and animals. Training sessions should be short, stimulating, and varied to maintain his interest. Consistent and firm, yet gentle education is the key to bringing out the best in this loyal dog.

Behavior with children

The Blue Gascony Griffon is generally very affectionate and patient with children, making it an excellent family companion. Its gentle and playful nature allows it to get along well with younger children, providing both protection and entertainment. It enjoys participating in family activities and is often very tolerant. However, due to its energy and size, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid unintentional accidents. Teaching children to interact respectfully with the dog is crucial to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Blue Gascony Griffon, thanks to its pack instinct, generally gets along well with other dogs. However, due to its strong hunting instinct, it may be tempted to chase smaller animals, such as cats or rodents. Early socialization and a gradual introduction to other pets are essential to encourage harmonious cohabitation. With proper training and supervised interactions, it can learn to peacefully live with a variety of pets, although it is important to remain vigilant about its instinctive reactions.

Grooming needs

Grooming the Blue Gascony Griffon is relatively simple thanks to its hard and dense coat. A weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hairs and maintain the cleanliness of its coat. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, especially after outdoor outings. Claws should be trimmed if they do not wear down naturally. Teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent dental problems. An occasional bath is enough to keep its coat clean and in good condition, but it should not be excessive to preserve the skin's natural oils.

Health

The Blue Gascony Griffon is generally a robust breed, but it can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, ear infections, and some eye diseases. Regular veterinary monitoring is essential to detect and treat these problems early. Balanced nutrition, adequate exercise, and parasite prevention also contribute to maintaining good health. Responsible breeders perform health tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases and ensure the quality of the puppies.

Average price

The average price of a Blue Gascony Griffon puppy varies depending on the breeder, lineage, and geographic location. In Europe, particularly in France, the price of a puppy is usually between 800 and 1500 euros. In the United States, the price can range from 1000 to 2000 dollars. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for hereditary diseases and raises their puppies in optimal conditions. Investing in a high-quality puppy can prevent many long-term health issues and ensure a healthy and balanced companion.

Expenses

The annual expenses for a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne include food, veterinary care, grooming products, and accessories. On average, owners can expect to spend between 1000 and 1500 euros (or 1200 to 1800 dollars) per year. High-quality food represents around 400 to 600 euros per year. Routine veterinary care can cost 300 to 500 euros, and grooming as well as accessories add about 300 to 400 additional euros. These costs may vary depending on the dog's health and specific needs.

Name ideas

For a Blue Gascony Griffon, names like Athos, Bella, Caesar, Diane, Lightning, Ghost, Hector, Isis, Javelin and Kipling are appropriate. Athos evokes nobility and strength, ideal for a powerful dog. Bella symbolizes beauty and elegance. Caesar is an imperial name, reflecting the majestic stature of the dog. Diane, goddess of the hunt, is perfect for a hunting dog. Lightning recalls speed and agility. Ghost and Isis add a mystical touch, while Hector, Javelin and Kipling recall historical and literary figures, enriching the dog's personality.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation prohibiting the possession of the Blue Gascony Basset. As with all dog breeds, owners must comply with local laws regarding dog ownership, including vaccination requirements, licensing, and animal control. In France, this breed is not classified as dangerous and therefore does not require any particular restrictions. However, it is recommended to check local regulations before acquiring a dog to ensure compliance with current legal requirements.

Official recognition

The Blue Gascony Griffon is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard No. 32. This recognition highlights the distinctive characteristics of the breed and provides guidelines for breeding. In France, it is also recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), the reference organization for dog breeds in France. This breed enjoys international recognition within cynological circles, thus ensuring its promotion and preservation through strict standards and controlled breeding programs.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can be obtained from the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) in France and other recognized cynological registries. These documents detail the dogs' lineages, ensuring their purity and compliance with breed standards. Pedigrees are essential for breeders and serious owners who wish to maintain the genetic quality and health of the breed. They also allow tracking the history of each dog and ensuring the transmission of desirable traits to future generations, while minimizing the risks of hereditary diseases.

Destination and usage

The Blue Gascony Griffon is mainly used as a hunting dog, specialized in tracking large game such as deer and wild boar. Its exceptional sense of smell, endurance, and determination make it a valuable companion for hunters. Outside of hunting, this breed can also be an excellent companion dog for active families who can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs. Its sociable and loyal nature makes it a good guard dog and faithful companion, well suited to active family life.

Prohibitions

There is currently no specific ban on the possession of Griffon Bleu de Gascogne in countries around the world.

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