Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
Exercise needs: | 5/5 |
Easy to train: | 3/5 |
Tolerates being alone: | 4/5 |
Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
Energy level: | 5/5 |
Grooming needs: | 2/5 |
Shedding: | 2/5 |
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Enjoys more than two hours of walking a day
- Large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming once a week
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- Great family dog
- Needs a large garden
- Best suited to countryside
- Cannot be left alone
The Grand Bleu de Gascogne breed can suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
None but there are several recommended schemes that the Kennel Club recommends which can be found here.
¹J. E. Premont et al, 'Perilimbal pocket technique for surgical repositioning of prolapsed nictitans gland in dogs', 2012, Veterinary Record.
Personality
Although large and athletic, the Grand Bleu is often described as lethargic. Their skill is in their persistence and ability in picking up a cold scent, rather than in speed. Described as aristocratic and noble, this is really a‘hound person’s hound’, happier in a group of hounds and preferring to spend a lot of time outdoors, they are not likely to suit the average pet home. Determination and perseverance are strong traits and you will have to work very hard to get a Grand Bleu to work for you.
Did You Know?
- George Washington owned a pack of seven Grand Bleu de Gascogne, one of which gave birth to a litter of 15.
- It is claimed that there are now more Grand Bleu in America than there are in France.
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