Grand Bleu de GascogneClose relative
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Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
Health grade B- Shoulder height48–57 cm
- Weight18–22 kg
- Life expectancy12–14 yrs
- Puppy price2,000–3,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a resilient, keen-nosed pack hound—bred for long days of hunting hare and wild boar in rough terrain, where it tracks scents loudly and with complete independence.
- Health grade B: In the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, there are breed-specific risks for joint diseases such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as eye problems caused by ectropion / entropion and progressive retinal atrophy.
- You enjoy intensive scent work, tracking, or mantrailing—simple walks will never be enough to satisfy this passionate tracker.
- You ideally already have a confident first dog, as this classic pack hound truly thrives in company.
- You expect to be able to let him off-leash in wooded areas—once his nose is glued to the ground and he starts baying, you simply don't exist to him anymore.
Self-check
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Similar Breeds
Petit Bleu de GascogneClose relative
Griffon Fauve de BretagneSame FCI section
Grand Basset Griffon VendéenSame FCI section
BeagleSame FCI section
Is the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne right for you?
At a glance
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
48–57 cm
Weight
18–22 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Wirehaired
- Origin: France
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Wire
Perfect for you if:
- You live in a rural area and can provide a very well-fenced garden that he won't escape from the moment he catches a scent.
- You bring patient, humorous leadership to the table and value independence more than blind obedience.
Less ideal if:
- You live in an apartment with thin walls, as he loves to use his deep, far-carrying hunting voice frequently and persistently.
- You have to leave him alone for hours every day—isolation is pure stress for a dog whose operating system is programmed for the pack.
The real vibes check
A Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is not a dog that will read your every wish from your eyes—he is a rustic, outdoorsy fellow who understands the world exclusively through his nose. If you accept that a fresh trail is often more exciting than your recall, you will gain an incredibly gentle, social companion. However, if you force blind obedience, you will break the very independent character he was bred for over centuries.
Breed Profile
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized dog with a strong, robust build and an expressive, loving face. The head is rather large compared to the body with a slightly curved skull and pronounced eyebrows, giving it an almost human expression. The eyes are oval and dark brown, the ears are long and drooping. The body is strong and muscular, which emphasizes its high endurance. A member of FCI Group 6, which includes running and bloodhounds, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is primarily a working dog. It is versatile and can be kept both as a hunting dog and as a family dog. Unlike many other dog breeds, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has no separation between performance and show lines.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 48 - 55 cm (Female), 50 - 57 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 20 kg (Female), 20 - 22 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 yrs
- Character
- Tough, intelligent, loving
- Coat
- Wirehaired
- Coat Color
- Blue and black spotted with tan markings
- Price
- 2000 - 3500 €
Character & Temperament
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a working dog through and through. He is passionate, intelligent and independent. He has a strong hunting instinct and is both tenacious and patient. His keen sense of smell and high endurance make him an excellent sniffer dog. Despite his willingness to work, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne also shows a loving and affectionate side. He is very loyal to his family and forms close bonds with his people. He is generally friendly towards strangers and gets along well with children and other dogs. His high intelligence and desire to please his people make him a pleasant companion. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is not a sofa dog. He needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation every day. Long walks, games and training sessions are essential for this breed. His hunting instincts may require him to be kept on a leash when walking, especially if small animals are nearby. Although he enjoys company, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can also learn to stay alone if trained gradually and from puppyhood. As an alert dog, he is likely to alert you to unusual noises or movements, but is not a strict watchdog. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a breed that requires clear leadership and consistent training. His intelligent and independent nature can present a challenge for first-time dog owners. But with patience, consistency and positive reinforcement you can gain a reliable and obedient partner. It is important to emphasize that the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a dog for active people who enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors and can challenge their dog physically and mentally. He is best suited to a family that can meet his needs for exercise and activity while providing him with a loving and safe environment. A Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can be a wonderful addition to your life if you are willing to invest the time and energy this fascinating and versatile breed requires. With the right training and leadership, he can be an excellent hunting partner, a loyal companion and a loving family member.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has an impressive pedigree - it can be traced back to the Middle Ages and is probably one of the ancestors of the modern Beagle and Coonhound!
What Awaits You
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell. It is characterized by its friendly and balanced nature and is valued both as a family dog and as a passionate hunting companion. This breed requires a lot of exercise and consistent but loving training. Its distinctive blue-speckled coat makes it unmistakable.
Housing & Care
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a very active dog and needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This makes him less suitable for city life unless he gets enough exercise and activity. He usually gets along well with small children as long as they treat him with respect. His compatibility with cats and other pets may vary depending on his individual personality and training.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation.
Manageable in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
As an intelligent and energetic dog, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne needs a lot of training and mental stimulation. It is well suited for dog sports such as agility or search games. Early socialization and consistent training are very important for this breed. Care should be taken not to over-occupy the dog, otherwise he could become restless and stressed. The risk of him becoming a ball junkie should also be taken into account. A balanced workout that takes into account both physical and mental demands is best. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a strong hunting instinct, so it is important to control him well and provide him with alternatives to hunting. Training impulse control and frustration tolerance is also very useful for this breed. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can become a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog.
Nutrition & Care
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne needs a balanced and healthy diet to maintain its energy and health. A mix of high-quality dry and wet food can ensure your dog gets all the nutrients he needs. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain their shiny coat and support skin health. Fresh water should always be available. Caring for the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is relatively easy. He has short, dense fur with an undercoat. Regular brushing (once a week) helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat clean and healthy. It may be necessary to brush more often during the shedding period. Despite its thick coat, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne usually copes well with the climate in Germany.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, there are breed-specific risks for joint diseases such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), as well as eye problems caused by ectropion / entropion and progressive retinal atrophy. Additionally, there is a predisposition to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). A health-oriented breeder therefore has their breeding dogs thoroughly tested beforehand and mates them prudently. Ask to see the official test results of the parent animals and look for HD A–B, ED 0, as well as evidence that both are free of ectropion / entropion and progressive retinal atrophy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly exercise and regularly check his heavy ears and skin to prevent chronic infections in good time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested and ensure well-ventilated ears without skin problems to reduce risks within the line.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
5
Risks tracked
1
Recommended standard
4
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne cost?
A Griffon Bleu de Gascogne costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,660 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€30,680.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€5,660
Across the dog's life
~€30,680
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €2,000 – €3,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
History
The full history
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne breed is a very old French dog breed that comes from the Gascony region. It goes back to various running dogs that were already known in France in the Middle Ages. Of particular note is the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, one of the oldest French hunting dogs, whose bloodline goes back to the Middle Ages. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was originally used to hunt wild boars, hares and foxes. The breed was only officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1963. Despite its long history and official recognition, the breed is relatively unknown and rare to find outside of France.
Original Use
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne was bred to hunt wild boar and other large game, known for its rough coat and passion for hunting.
Origin
France
Date
Mittelalter
Owner experiences
At home, owners consistently describe the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne as very affectionate, cuddly and almost velcro-like with its people.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home, owners consistently describe the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne as very affectionate, cuddly and almost velcro-like with its people. Despite its rugged hunting-dog nature, it is calm, gentle and very good with children indoors, as long as its high need for exercise is met outdoors. As a former pack hound, it is also considered exceptionally sociable with other dogs and really thrives in multi-dog households.
The biggest everyday challenge, though, is its dislike of being alone. Many owners stress that the breed suffers when isolated and often makes this known with loud howling or barking. Owners also warn against keeping the Griffon Bleu purely as a companion dog with no job: without several hours of exercise and regular nose work, it quickly gets restless at home.
Sources:chasse.forumactif.comwildundhund.degriffonbleu.detackenberg.dedogpackapp.com
On handling and training, owners and hunting-dog handlers describe a real balancing act between sensitivity and a strong will of its own.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On handling and training, owners and hunting-dog handlers describe a real balancing act between sensitivity and a strong will of its own. Because the Griffon Bleu was bred for independent trailing, it questions commands and shows little blind obedience. It quickly finds exercises like monotonous heelwork pointless. Anyone who tries to train this dog with harshness or pressure gets nowhere, or finds that this sensitive animal withdraws completely and loses trust.
At the same time, owner accounts point out that off-leash time in areas with lots of game is often hardly possible. As soon as its nose catches a fresh trail, the dog stops listening, as the saying goes, and follows the track with deep passion and the breed's typical voice on the trail. Owners consider very early, reward-based recall training and a suitable outlet such as mantrailing or drag trails a must for a relaxed life together.
People who know the breed describe the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne as a very original, hardy and resilient breed that rarely suffers from br…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
People who know the breed describe the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne as a very original, hardy and resilient breed that rarely suffers from breed-specific hereditary diseases. Its wiry, rough coat protects it from cold, wet weather and thick undergrowth. Still, grooming can't be neglected entirely: after outings through woods and brush, burrs and dirt need to be brushed out regularly.
According to owner accounts, the long, low-set hanging ears need special attention. Because they get less air and often drag along the ground while the dog is tracking, they are prone to infections or parasites if they aren't checked enough. Owners should also plan rest periods before and after meals following strenuous work or exercise, to reduce the risk of bloat in this deep-chested hound.
Sources:griffonbleu.dezoomalia.comrundum.dogzooroyal.atdogpackapp.com
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
FAQ & more
Is a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne the right dog for me?
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne live?
The average life expectancy of a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne need?
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne good for families with children?
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne come in?
The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne comes in these colors: Blue and tan.
Are you a Griffon Bleu de Gascogne breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Griffon Bleu de Gascogne.