Petit Bleu de Gascogne

FriendlyIndependentVocalPack-orientedGentle

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a scent hound bred in southwestern France for hunting hare and rabbit in packs. At home he is affectionate, friendly, and sociable, usually good with children and other dogs he has grown up with. He is also independent and can be stubborn, so training works best with patience and food rewards rather than force. Expect him to bay, and to follow his nose wherever it leads.

Day to day he needs regular walks and time to sniff, since a hound's mind needs work as much as his legs. He does best in a home with a securely fenced yard, because an open gate or an interesting scent can pull him far. Mental games, scent work, and structured routines help keep him settled and happy.

Good for: Active households with a secure yard, experienced dog owners

Size	large
Height	20–23 in
Exercise	about 60 min a day
Shedding	moderate
Origin	France

Before you choose a Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Hounds follow their noses and can be hard to recall, so secure fencing and patient training matter from day one.

Living with a Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Exercise

Plan for at least one hour of brisk walking or running daily, plus time to sniff freely on a long line. Secure fencing is important, as hounds follow scent and may wander.

Grooming

His short, dense coat needs weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Check his long ears regularly for wax and moisture to prevent infections.

Health

Like many large, deep-chested dogs, he can be prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. Ask your veterinarian about screening and a healthy weight plan for your dog.

Hip dysplasia
Ear infections
Obesity

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

The numbers for a Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Weather

Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F

Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.

LIVE · New York

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Walk index

Heat, pavement and UV for your dog.

Right now

Latest dog food recalls

Aunt Millie s Bakehouse Whole Grain White Hot Dog Buns 6" Sliced 2 OUNCE. 12 unlabeled 12CT PKGS per sale unit case, product code 7502. Net. Wt. 18lbs.
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Sep 13 · Undeclared sesame

Breadman Brioche products in plastic bags: Brioche Toast, 2 lb. (1 loaf/bag), Brioche Buns, 40oz (10 buns/bag), Brioche Sliders, 50oz (25 sliders/bag), Brioche Hot Dog, 40oz (10 buns/bag)
Breadbox Co. · May 16 · Undeclared Yellow No. 5

Our Family White Hot Dog Enriched Buns, 8 count 12oz. retail unit UPC 0-70253-75107-3
Perfection Bakeries LLC · Mar 21 · undeclared sesame

All recalls →

Questions owners ask

Do Petit Bleu de Gascogne dogs shed a lot?

They shed moderately year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding. Weekly brushing keeps loose hair under control and reduces hair around the house.

Can a Petit Bleu de Gascogne live in an apartment?

It is a challenging fit. Without a yard and a daily routine of long walks and sniffing time, he can become restless and vocal.

Do they bark a lot?

Yes, hounds are vocal and may bay when excited or when they catch an interesting scent. Early training and enough exercise help reduce excessive barking.