The American Blue Gascon Hound is a giant scenthound breed that was created using the Grand Bleu de Gascon breed from France. These dogs have the ability to locate, pursue, and even kill different types of animals like boars and squirrels. One of their notable traits is their loud baying hound vocalizations, making them an ideal choice for those who want a neighbor-friendly dog that can be heard from a distance. They are known for their strong devotion and affection towards their human and canine family members, although they may not be as trustworthy around other animals. These dogs are typically very energetic and lively household pets.
Below, we look at American Blue Gascon Hound dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an American Blue Gascon Hound, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of American Blue Gascon Hounds!
| Dog Breed | American Blue Gascon Hound |
| Size | |
| Weight | 75-95 lbs (average) |
| Height | 25-28″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Grand Bleu de Gascon |
| Date of Origin | 1976 |
| Group | Hunting, Scenthound |
| Life Expectancy | |
| Price | |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The history of the American Blue Gascon Hound is not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in France, specifically the Gascony region. The breed, known as the Grand Bleu de Gascon, was developed before the 14th century as a hunting dog. These dogs were known for their ability to track and hunt large game like deer, boar, and even wolves. They were more agile and had better scenting abilities compared to other dogs of similar size.
In 1785, seven of these ancestral dogs were brought to the United States as a gift from a French nobleman named General Lafayette to George Washington. However, in France, the breed started to decline in numbers. Nevertheless, it served as the foundation stock for several new breeds in France and other countries, including the Basset Bleu de Gascogne in France, the Dumfriesshire Hound in the United Kingdom, and the Bluetick Coonhound in the United States.
The American Blue Gascon Hound began its development during this time as well, but it did not have any official association or registry. Its ancestry was often undocumented, and it did not fit into any established breed standards, mainly due to its size. Fortunately, enthusiasts of this unique breed established the American Blue Gascon Hound Association in 1976. They worked to define a clear standard for the breed, leading to its recognition by the Dog Registry of America and the Continental Kennel Club.
🐕 American Blue Gascon Hound Appearance
One of the largest scenthounds, the American Blue Gascon Hound has a long neck, a deep chest, and broad, powerful hips. Its average height at the shoulder is two feet or more. They have a fairly big head with an oval-like form, a long, heavy snout, and the thick, heavy lips and huge, open nostrils that are common to many scenthound breeds. Their long, thin ears dangle over their cheeks and frequently curve slightly. They have dark, wide eyes that are neither deep set nor projecting. They have well-padded, compact feet with oval-shaped toes, and their medium-length tail, which is lifted high when they are aroused or at attention and has a saber-like curve to it. This breed normally has a lot of white in their coat at birth, but as they get older, it frequently darkens and has more black, blue, and tan patterns.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Blue, Brown |
⚡ Fun Fact:
🐶 Traits & Temperament of American Blue Gascon Hound
This is a very active dog that was bred for speed, endurance, and prey drive, but they were also bred to work closely with people, so they tend to be very devoted to their owners and trustworthy around kids, though interactions between young children and dogs should always be closely supervised. When the trainer is kind and consistent, these dogs are fairly simple to train. However, they are also very sensitive to their trainer’s mood and can become stubborn when harsh training methods are used. Some American Blue Gascon Hounds may also never quite be able to resist particularly alluring scents or exciting prey. If socialized early, they are often friendly to most other dogs, but their high hunting drive may cause them to chase other animals, especially smaller ones, and lack of socialization might result in a more violent animal.
🤝 Are American Blue Gascon Hounds Friendly or Aggressive?
🐩 American Blue Gascon Hound Care & Maintenance
About two or three times a year, this breed should only be bathed when filth or odor is apparent because more frequent bathing might destroy the coat of its naturally occurring protective oils. Check for moisture in areas where the skin is lax and falls in folds because mildew can occasionally grow in these creases and cause discomfort and illness. Although the coat is short, it is thick, and two or three times a week of brushing is required to maintain the coat lustrous and reduce shedding. In order to prevent infection, it’s also crucial to routinely examine the ears for debris and moisture.
🍖 Food: We recommend 4 cups daily, costing you about $2.80 – $3.00 daily, or approximately $80.00 – $90.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise:
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know:
❤️🩹 American Blue Gascon Hound Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for American Blue Gascon Hound Dog Breed can be:
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)
- Heart Defects
While minor concerns include:
- Ear Infections
- Skin Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
🤧 Important: Is American Blue Gascon Hound hypoallergenic? .
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for American Blue Gascon Hound.
⚡ American Blue Gascon Hound Dog Breed Facts
What makes the American Blue Gascon Hound a great choice for families with young children?
The American Blue Gascon Hound is a great choice for families with young children because they are known to be very affectionate and loyal towards their owners, including children. They are generally trustworthy around children, although interactions should always be closely supervised.
Is the American Blue Gascon Hound breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The American Blue Gascon Hound breed is not considered suitable for apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for exercise. They require a large space to roam and play.
How much exercise does a American Blue Gascon Hound require compared to other breeds?
The American Blue Gascon Hound requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds due to their active nature. They were developed for their speed, stamina, and prey drive, so regular exercise is essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Is the American Blue Gascon Hound breed known for being good with other pets?
The American Blue Gascon Hound breed may not be good with other pets, particularly smaller animals, due to their high prey drive. Proper socialization from an early age can help mitigate any aggression towards other animals, but caution should always be exercised.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the American Blue Gascon Hound?
Similar low-maintenance dog breeds to the American Blue Gascon Hound include the Basset Hound and the Beagle. These breeds have similar characteristics in terms of energy levels and grooming needs.
What are the common health issues that American Blue Gascon Hounds are prone to?
American Blue Gascon Hounds are generally a healthy breed, but they may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, bloat, and ear infections. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Are American Blue Gascon Hounds known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
American Blue Gascon Hounds can be easy to train when the trainer is kind and consistent. However, they are sensitive to their trainer’s mood and may exhibit stubbornness if training methods are too harsh. Each dog is unique, and some individuals may be more challenging to train than others.
Are American Blue Gascon Hounds more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
American Blue Gascon Hounds can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if they are not properly socialized and trained from a young age. They are highly loyal and affectionate towards their owners, and being left alone for extended periods can cause them distress.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the American Blue Gascon Hound that are suitable for people with allergies?
If someone is allergic to dogs, there are no dog breeds that are completely hypoallergenic. However, some breeds, such as the Poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog, are known to be more suitable for people with allergies due to their low-shedding coats.
What sizes of dogs similar to the American Blue Gascon Hound are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the American Blue Gascon Hound, such as the Beagle or the Basset Hound, may be more suitable. These breeds have similar characteristics but require less space to move around.
Is the American Blue Gascon Hound breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The American Blue Gascon Hound breed can be good with children with special needs, as they are generally affectionate and loyal towards their owners, including children. However, as with any interaction between dogs and children, supervision and caution are always advised.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the American Blue Gascon Hound?
The grooming and shedding needs of the American Blue Gascon Hound are moderate. They have short, dense coats that require regular brushing to keep them clean and free of loose hair. They shed moderately throughout the year, so regular grooming sessions will help minimize shedding.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that American Blue Gascon Hound dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
