At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, dense
A medium-sized, well balanced scenthound with long, low-set ears and a short, close, thick coat that needs little upkeep.32
Personality what they are like
Even-tempered and friendly, this hound is easy to handle and responds well to direction. It hunts in a steady, thorough way and gets along with other dogs, though a few individuals can be a little reserved with strangers.324
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Bred to follow a scent trail for hours with great stamina, so it needs long daily walks or runs and scent work, ideally in a securely fenced area.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, dense coat needs only a weekly brush-down. Check and clean the long drop ears regularly.32
Home where they are happiest
Best in a rural or active home with a secure garden; traditionally kept as a pack hound rather than as a house dog.43
Company who they like around
A pack-oriented hound that enjoys canine company; aggression toward other hounds or people is not typical of the breed.32
The story where it all began
The Petit Bleu was produced by deliberately selecting smaller dogs from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, whose line goes back to medieval French hounds. Hunters in Gascony wanted a hound suited to hare and other small game once wolves had disappeared, and the FCI recognised the breed in 1963.3241
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
"Petit" refers to the smaller game it was bred to hunt, not to its size: it is actually a medium-large dog.4
- 2
Its black and white mottling blends into a blue-grey look, which is where the "bleu" in its name comes from.3
- 3
The breed standard singles out its beautiful hunting voice as a breed hallmark.3
- 4
In FCI countries, dogs must pass a working trial to become full champions.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 31, Group 6 (Scent hounds), Section 1.2 medium-sized hounds; definitive acceptance 23 Oct 1963; working trial required1
- UKC
- Recognised January 19912
- Société Centrale Canine
- Breed standard held by the French national kennel club (country of origin)4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Petit Bleu de Gascogne. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Petit Bleu de Gascogne, and at what times?
Feed your adult Petit Bleu at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet, as needs vary by age and activity.5
What should a Petit Bleu de Gascogne eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for active breeds. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Never give raw meat, bones, or human treats without checking with your vet first.6
How often should I bathe a Petit Bleu de Gascogne?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often only if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, using a gentle dog shampoo.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne need brushing?
A weekly brush is enough for this short, dense coat. It keeps shedding under control and the coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.32 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Petit Bleu de Gascogne's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne need?
This hound has high stamina and needs long daily walks or runs, plus scent work or play in a secure area. Furry Diary suggests daily exercise, and the breed thrives with at least an hour of active time each day.23 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Petit Bleu de Gascogne's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human). Check and dry the long drop ears weekly to prevent infections, and never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary recommends daily brushing for best results.732 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Petit Bleu de Gascogne live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for a typical range. With good care, many medium-sized hounds live 10 to 13 years, but no specific data is available for this breed.
Is a Petit Bleu de Gascogne good with children and other pets?
Yes, this even-tempered and friendly hound is generally good with children and gets along well with other dogs. A few individuals may be reserved with strangers, so early socialisation helps. Always supervise interactions with young kids.324
Can a Petit Bleu de Gascogne be left alone?
This pack-oriented hound enjoys company and may struggle with long hours alone. It's best in an active home where someone is often around. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and enrichment beforehand, and consider a doggy companion.324
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Gascon SaintongeoisLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI nomenclature: Petit Bleu de Gascogne (31) fci.beused for recognition, origin
- UKC breed standard: Petit Bleu de Gascogne ukcdogs.comused for history, temperament, coat, height, recognition
- FCI standard No. 31 fci.beused for size, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Petit Bleu de Gascogne en.wikipedia.orgused for history, fun facts, recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.