Petit Bleu de Gascogne
puh-TEE blur duh gas-KOHN
France· Gascony, southwestern France
The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized French scenthound, a smaller relative of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, bred for hunting hare.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Petit Bleu de Gascogne
A smaller version of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, this hound was developed for hunters who wanted the same distinctive mottled blue coat and deep voice but in a more manageable size for hunting hare rather than larger game. Gascony's warm, hilly farmland suited a hound of moderate build and good stamina working in small groups. Careful selective breeding within the larger breed's population produced a stable, smaller type over the twentieth century. It remains a specialist hunting breed in its native region.
- Region
- Gascony, southwestern France
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm, hilly farmland of southwestern France
- Original job
- Pack and small-group hunting of hare
The long read
About the breed
Its work in small hunting groups over Gascon farmland shaped a hound with good stamina, a fine nose and the breed's characteristic deep voice, in a size more practical for hare than larger quarry.
At home it is calm and affectionate, though it retains a strong scenting instinct and benefits from a secure, spacious environment and regular exercise.
The breed remains rare and is kept largely by hunters in southwestern France.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Petit Bleu de Gascogne greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Petit Bleu de Gascogne's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Descended from Grand Bleu
Smaller individuals from Grand Bleu de Gascogne litters were selectively bred for hare hunting.
1920s
Type stabilised
Breeders in Gascony worked to fix a stable smaller type distinct from the Grand Bleu.
1950s
Formal recognition
The breed gained separate recognition from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.
1990s
Continued specialist use
The breed has remained a niche hunting dog maintained by dedicated enthusiasts.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact, well-muscled with a level topline.
- coat
- Short and dense.
- ears
- Set low, fine and supple, reaching towards the nose.
- eyes
- Dark brown, calm expression.
- head
- Fairly long with a slightly domed skull and pronounced occiput.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 52-58cm
- colour
- Mottled blue-grey (black and white giving a speckled effect) with black patches and tan markings.
- temperament
- Calm, affectionate and steady, with a keen nose.
- general appearance
- A well-proportioned, moderately built hound resembling a smaller Grand Bleu de Gascogne.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Petit Bleu de Gascognes added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Petit Bleu de Gascogne
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Petit Bleu de Gascogne illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
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Framed poster
Petit Bleu de Gascogne Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Petit Bleu de Gascogne illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Petit Bleu de Gascogne Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Petit Bleu de Gascogne illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Petit Bleu de Gascogne Mug
Ceramic mug with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
LED Reflective Lead Light
Rechargeable clip-on light for dark walks.
Fits any dog
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