| This large and leggy hound is well known outside | | | | the weight is that of the Labrador retriever or |
| of France, its country of origin, even though there | | | | other large dogs weighing about 80 pounds. This |
| are few examples of the breed elsewhere except | | | | gives him a lean appearance but this is deceiving |
| in the dog shows of Europe and Great Britain. This | | | | for he is a well built dog and has considerable |
| breed is often termed the "King of Hounds" | | | | endurance for the hunt if he is conditioned. These |
| because of its remarkable stature and great | | | | hounds have a slow gait and a methodical |
| beauty. Furthermore this hound is noted for its | | | | approach to the hunt, which is a useful trait in the |
| tenacity on the hunt and its deep and melodious | | | | hot climate of southern France, where everything |
| voice. The Grand Bleu is tall but proportionate in | | | | seems to move at a relaxed pace. This is a |
| size and is marked with black patches on a | | | | typical hound in manner and affability, being gentle |
| mottled roan background with tan. The black | | | | and accepting of people and quite comfortable as |
| patches on the head must always cover both | | | | a house dog or a kennel dog. His greatest joy is |
| ears and the sides of the head and the entire | | | | to go on the hunt however and since he is |
| body is so mottled as to leave the impression of | | | | independent as most hounds are he needs to be |
| blue roan coloration.There are four dogs which | | | | in a fenced area if kept outside.This is a hound |
| come from the region of Gascogne in France, all | | | | that is quite strong physically. His natural |
| have the Gascogne designation in their name; | | | | playfulness as a puppy and his large size can |
| they are believed to be among the purest of the | | | | make him a real nuisance to have in a household |
| hound dogs since they are directly descended | | | | until he learns to be mannerly. Because of his |
| from the original Phoenician hounds crossed with | | | | large size he needs early training in obedience as |
| the Gallic scenting hounds. The Grand Bleu lays | | | | do all large dogs. Generally the Bleu De Gascogne |
| claim to being the direct descendant of the now | | | | is little used as a hound today and he is more of |
| extinct Chien Courant, a hound of legendary | | | | a dog that is shown . He is registered by both the |
| strength and size. The Grand Bleu was known to | | | | F.C.I. and the Kennel Club of Great Britain but is |
| bring down wolves in the early days, now it is a | | | | not recognized by the A.K.C. The Grand Bleu de |
| hound that is used primarily for hunting deer and | | | | Gascogne has become a breed that is admired as |
| wild boar.The Grand Bleu is nearly as tall as the | | | | a home or farm companion of great gentleness |
| larger Giant breeds such as the Newfoundland or | | | | and affection. Yet the dog has a voice that will |
| the Great Pyr but does not carry nearly the | | | | intimidate the strangers on the property and |
| weight. It can be 29-29 inches at the shoulder but | | | | consequently he makes a reliable watchdog also. |