Grand Bleu de Gascogne

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a Scenthound of ancient lineage, eminently French. They are descended from the original scenting dogs of Gaul and the Phoenician hound trade, and are one of the two types from which most modern hound breeds developed. The Grand is probably the closest, of the four Bleu de Gascogne breeds, to the ancient hounds in size and build. Gascony Province, the specific area of their root-stock and development, is located on the southwestern coast of France.

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is first and fundamentally a hunting/working breed, a trail hound "par excellence,” which has retained the extreme physical and hunting characteristics of its ancient stem. Every point of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is for a purpose relevant to preserving the breed and its uniqueness. Judges are asked by the sponsoring breed club to keep this fact in mind when evaluating the merits of an individual hound.

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in January 1991.

General Appearance

The coat and expression combine to form an incomparable group. Its color, build and head combine to form an impression that is very noble and very French. The first and immediate impression of a Grand Bleu de Gascogne should be that of a hound with substance and staying power. Considering the breed's long hunting history, individual hounds should have moderate bone and ample muscle. Males are heavier than females. Defects such as bull necks, out at the elbow, loaded shoulders, or a "beef steer" profile, should not be confused with masculinity. Likewise, defects such as a shallow muzzle, poorly formed chest, extremely narrow pelvic region and general frailty should not be confused with femininity.

Characteristics

A trail hound of moderate speed, which at creation was used to hunt wolves but since the demise of the wolf, has since successfully adapted to hunting wild boar, deer, fox and hare. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne hunts in a leisurely, methodical manner and possesses, in the extreme, a great amount of determination, tremendous endurance, desire, self confidence, sagacity, remarkable scenting ability, a deep, powerful melodious voice, a distinct coat color and an aristocratic form.

Of even temperament, essentially friendly. Some individuals may be very outgoing, while others are somewhat reserved in nature, but never shy or vicious. As a hunting/working Scenthound breed, and being called upon to work in close proximity with other hounds and their handlers, aggression towards other hounds and people is to be considered a fault. Extreme shyness or viciousness is a disqualification.

Head

Strong and elongated in shape. The skin that covers it is loose and forms one or two wrinkles on the cheeks.

SKULL

Narrow rather than wide, and slightly convex. The occiput is well pronounced. Frontal bones are prominent. The stop is only barely defined.

MUZZLE

Long, strong and slightly aquiline.
The lips are pendulous, well covering the lower jaw. The corners of the lips are well marked.

NOSE

Black in color. Well developed.

TEETH

Strong teeth, fitting evenly with a scissors bite.

Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot bite.

EYES

Have visible eyelids. Somewhat deep and of a dark chestnut brown color. The lower lid is invariably loose, allowing a certain amount of the red mucous membrane area to be seen. The expression is somewhat sad, yet sweet and trusting.

Disqualification: Yellow eyes.

EARS

The ears constitute one of the identifying features of the breed. They are attached very low, are thin and well twisted inward, tapering to a point. The length must reach at least to the tip of the nose and is often longer.

Neck

Moderately long, slightly arched, with a well developed dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades are long, well muscled and sloping.

FORELEGS

The legs are strongly boned and have prominent tendons. The elbows are close to the body.

Body

The chest is long and broad, and let down to elbow level. The forechest is well developed. The back is rather long but firm. The loin is short and broad, and the croup is sloping, which emphasizes the hipbones. The flanks are deep and flat.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are solidly built.

HIND LEGS

The upper thighs are long and muscular. The hock is broad, slightly bent and well let down.

Feet

A slightly elongated oval, with tight, lean toes and black nails and pads.

Tail

Rather thick, and long enough to reach the hock, with a slight brush towards the tip, the tail is carried in saber fashion.

Skin

Black or white, but never completely white, but strongly speckled with black dots. The palate, lips, soles of the feet and the sex organs are black.

Coat

Short, thick and very dense.

Disqualification: Any coat other than described.

Color

Entirely mottled black and white, which gives a slate blue effect, marked or not with black patches. There are generally two black patches on either side of the head that cover the ears and eyes and stop at the cheeks, not meeting at the top of the skull but leaving a white blaze which often has a small, black oval spot in the center. There are bright tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, lips, inside of the ears, legs and under the tail.

Size

Measured at the point of the withers. Males: 25½ inches to 27½ inches. Females: 23½ inches to 25½ inches.

Gait

Regular and easy.

Scars

Because the Grand Bleu de Gascogne is first and foremost a hunting hound, scars, the result of honorable wounds, shall not be considered faults, nor shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the ears and/or ears which are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tail grass, etc.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Bilateral or unilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Lack of type.
Serious anatomical malformations that cause a disabling effect.
Any coat other than described.
Undershot or overshot bite.
Yellow eyes.