Griffon Bleu de Gascogne

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Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a French scenthound and a versatile hunting dog. It can hunt small or large game, alone or in a pack. It is a medium–large dog, about 50–57 cm tall, with a rough, blue-speckled coat that looks slate blue. The coat is white with black markings, plus black patches on the sides of the head and a white top of the head with a small black oval. Tan marks appear above the eyes and on the cheeks, ears, legs, and under the tail. Ears are droopy and the tail is carried up with a slight curve. The coat is hard and a bit shorter on the head.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne comes from crosses between the Bleu de Gascogne and the Griffon Nivernais, and possibly the Grand Griffon Vendéen. After a period of decline, the breed is making a revival. It has a good nose and a clear voice, and it is an alert, affectionate hunting dog for many kinds of hunting, not just big game. Some examples have been exported as rare pets. There are no well-documented health problems specific to the breed. Temperament is described as highly excitable but affectionate, though individuals vary.