Grand bleu is purebred and large-sized canine that has been known since ancient times. Despite their slow speed, these dogs are experts in hunting. People are using them for centuries for hunting large-sized animals like boar, wolves, and deer. They were used in packs to maintain a dog-friendly environment that allows them to work more effectively.
Grand bleus are friendly and calm-natured canines around their family, but they would be zeal and focused during the game. Due to increased death rate during hunting games, this breed has become rare. However, a firm and dedicated owner is needed to train and teach them good behavior.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne History
The Grand bleus has been known since ancient times, and they are believed to be the oldest known dog breeds. These canines are descendants of various significant dog influences, including scent hounds, Hubert’s hound, and hound Phoenician. Due to high prey drive and alertness, this breed is considered the purest form of a hound dog.
Like most of the ancient breeds, Grand bleu doesn’t have well-documented history to look at. However, French royalty kept record of this breed since 14th century. These canines were brought to the America by the mid of 18th century, and it’s been less than a decade since the American kennel club registered them as a separate dog breed.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne Characteristics
Grand bleu is a giant-sized canine. They have a long head, curved skull, and drooping lips at the end of the long muzzle. This breed has almond-shaped eyes which come in deep black and brown color. The ears, their most significant feature are floppy, low-set, tapering, and thin. Their coat is short, dense, and straight that looks constantly flawless. They have sturdy, muscular, and strong legs, which helps them to run fast.
How Big Do Grand bleu de Gascogne Get
Grand bleu is in the category of strong, muscular, and large-sized canines. The male dogs can come in anywhere between 25 – 28 inches, weighing 80 – 120 pounds. On the other hand, females have an average height between 23 – 26 inches, and their weight would be similar to males that are 80 – 120 pounds.
How Long Does a Grand bleu de Gascogne Live
The average lifespan of Grand bleu is 10 – 12 years. This lifespan is quite long for the large-sized breed. You can make their life better by providing a healthy diet and the right amount of daily activities. Try to engage your pup in daily chores to avoid the development of self-harming behaviors that can cause bad health and unexpected death.
How much Does a Grand bleu de Gascogne Cost
The Grand bleu is a unique, significant, and rare dog breed, making them super-pricey. On average, they should cost something around $1200 to $1500. These ancient dogs will cost you more than average if you consider a high-reputed, experienced, and decent breeder.
Grand bleu de Gascogne Temperament/Personality
Grand bleu is an all-around and easy-going canine. They have good temperaments and behave well both outside and inside the home. Due to this quality, they are suitable for living in an apartment as well as big houses. These canines are loving, affectionate, and caring towards their family members and owner.
The Grand bleu is a smart, intelligent, and alert breed, so training them would be a difficult thing to do. Give them enough space and time during training sessions to make them feel relaxed and comfortable, and it will surely make this process a lot easier. They are friendly and welcoming to strangers, that makes them poor watchdog or guard dog.
Caring for Grand bleu de Gascogne
Grand bleu is a social canine with even-temperament, but they can suffer from separation anxiety, so spend quality time with them and meet their daily requirements to keep them sound and fresh. Make sure to keep them on a healthy and prescribed diet from their vet to avoid health issues.
Grand bleu de Gascogne Nutrition
Grand bleu is a large-sized canine that doesn’t demand a huge amount of food. Only 3 to 4 cups of special food for big dogs would be enough to maintain their health and energy. They are prone to obesity, so don’t give them food idly and make sure to include vegetables and meat in their diet list.
How to Groom a Grand bleu de Gascogne
Grand bleu isn’t much hard to groom dog. Brush their coat weekly with special dogs’ bristle brush to maintain a good look. Their large-sized ears have the potential to get infected due to excessive wax, so clean their ears daily. Bathing should be kept low, as they are relatively clean canines. Nails should be trimmed with special nail clippers for a dog when needed, and brushing their teeth using medicated toothpaste is also necessary at least once or twice a week.
Grand bleu de Gascogne Activity Levels
Being a big-sized canine, Grand bleu dee Gascogne has high energy levels and needs many activities to maintain its body shape. Ensure 80 minutes of daily exercise to cheer them up. As they have hunting genes, they need daily long walks or runs that would help them to tire up. A fenced-in yard would also be a good option to let them run freely.
Caring for Grand bleu de Gascogne
Grand bleu is a highly energetic, alert, and smart dog. A patient, calm, and firm owner is needed to train them, so be gentle with them and treat them with their favorite food items. Otherwise, you would witness their bad side. Control their daily food consumption to avoid obesity and laziness.
Grand bleu de Gascogne Health
Being a highly active, alert, and hygienic canine, Grand bleu doesn’t have any known major health issues. However, due to their large and floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Taking care of their grooming and daily activities would minimize these issues.
Breeds Similar to Grand bleu de Gascogne
Best Dog Food for Grand Bleu de Gascognes
The best dog food for Grand Bleu de Gascogne is Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food, 40-lb bag. This production of Diamond Naturals has enhanced formula with probiotics and superfoods. It ensures your dog has a good and highly nutritious lifestyle. The formula contains actual cage-free chicken that promotes proteins.
- Contains omega 6 and omega 3 that supports better skin and coat.
- Free from fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and corn, etc.
- Higher joint health with chondroitin and glucosamine.
Best Puppy Food for Grand Bleu de Gascognes
The best puppy food for Grand Bleu de Gascogne is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oat Recipe Dry Dog Food. This food is made of oats and savory chicken meals to ensure better taste, healthier digestion, and overall health. Moreover, the food has a highly balanced formula that maintains the shape of your little partner.
- Stronger muscles and healthier joints with chondroitin and glucosamine.
- Better immune system with vitamin C and E.
- Contains an all-natural formula.
Best Dog Crate for Grand Bleu de Gascognes
The best dog crate for Grand Bleu de Gascogne is the MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. With this crate, the safety, security, and comfort of your dog are a sure thing. It has a fold and carries a design that makes it highly portable and easy to carry and relocate.
- Features two carrying handles made of plastic for easy transportation.
- Includes a divider panel to allow your dog to grow inside.
- Equipped with rubber roller feet for convenient relocation.
Best Dog Bed for Grand Bleu de Gascognes
The best dog bed for Grand Bleu de Gascogne is FurHaven Ultra Plush Oval Bolster Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This dog bed has been designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation to your dog. It has an oval shape with a super soft surface that feels good on the skin.
- Includes a removable cover with a machine-washable feature.
- The unique design has a front cut-out for your dog to get on easily.
- Superior comfort with pillow cushion filled with fiber.
Best Dog Harness for Grand Bleu de Gascognes
The best dog harness for Grand Bleu de Gascogne is Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness. This harness features a step-on design. So, you can easily get it on and off without facing any trouble. With this harness, your dog will be at comfort.
- Equipped with a highly durable metal leash ring.
- Visible even in lower light.
- No strain with its chest padding.
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