Griffon 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 Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a breed of very ancient Pyrenean origin. It is the result of crossing a medium sized Gascony Blue with a Griffon. After having nearly become extinct, the breed is experiencing a considerable revival. It is used to hunt hare and wild boar.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1991.

General Appearance

A medium sized, solidly built Griffon of rustic appearance.

Characteristics

Alert, keen and enterprising, the Griffon Blue de Gascogne has a fine nose and a good voice and is an intent hunter, yet it is affectionate.

Head

SKULL

The skull is slightly domed and not too broad. The occiput is lightly marked. The forehead is full and the stop is not accentuated.

MUZZLE

Approximately the same length as the skull, the muzzle has a straight or slightly arched nasal bridge. The cheeks are lean. The lips are lightly developed, but cover the lower jaw.

TEETH

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

Disqualifications: Overshot or undershot bite.

NOSE

Large and black, with well opened nostrils.

EYES

The eyes are oval in shape, and dark chestnut in color, with a lively expression.

Fault: Light eyes.

EARS

The ears are set just below eye level. They are supple and lightly curled and slightly pointed. They must reach nearly to the nose without going beyond it.

Neck

The neck is slender, with a little dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulders are sloping and muscular.

FORELEGS

The elbows are close to the body. The legs are strong and vertical, without coarseness.

Body

The chest is well developed. The ribs are rounded. The back is short and firm, and the loin is muscular and slightly arched. The croup is very slightly sloping, and the flank is lightly tucked up.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are muscular.

HIND LEGS

The legs are strong, straight and parallel. The hocks are well let down.

Feet

Oval in shape, with lean, tight toes and black pads and nails.

Tail

Well set on, and long enough just to reach the hock, the tail is well covered with hair and is carried gaily in saber fashion.

Coat

Hard, rough and shaggy, the coat is shorter on the head and ears. Bushy eyebrows do not cover the eyes.

Disqualifications: Woolly or curly coat.

Color

Black and white mottled, with or without solid black patches. There is a white blaze on the face and typical tan markings are found on the head, legs and under the tail.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 19.5 to 22.5 inches. For females, it is 19 to 21.5 inches.

Gait

Supple and lively.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Overshot or undershot bite.
Woolly or curly coat.