Scent hound Medium size 18-22 kg

Petit Blue Gascony Hound

A melodious French pack hound with a keen nose; friendly but independent and vocal, best for active homes.

Quick overview

Medium
Size
18-22 kg, 50-58 cm at the shoulder
High
Activity
High; a working scent hound
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles moderate alone time
Challenging
Trainability
Independent, driven by scent
Low
Coat care
Short coat needs little upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Good-natured with children
Moderate
Other pets
Sociable with dogs; prey drive to small pets
Light
Health burden
Dental disease; hip dysplasia; ear infections

The Petit Blue Gascony Hound typically weighs 18-22 kg, stands 50-58 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you can give long daily walks and scent-based exercise,
you want a friendly, rare French pack hound,
you have secure fencing and leash discipline for the nose,
you can tolerate a loud, melodious bay.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live in an apartment or a noise-sensitive setting,
you want reliable off-leash recall,
you have small pets vulnerable to prey drive,
you want a quiet, easily obedient dog.

A typical day with a Petit Blue Gascony Hound

  1. 6:30 · Morning
    Long sniffy walk, 45-60 min
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest after breakfast
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Scent games or a shorter walk
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Yard time or tracking play
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Second walk
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Settles and sleeps

Temperament and training

Friendliness High
Independence High
Scent drive Very high
Trainability Low
Vocality Very high
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Trusting off-leash recall over a fresh scent · Underestimating the loud, carrying bay · Providing too little exercise for a working hound

Family and environment

Kids Good
Friendly and tolerant with children.
Dogs Good
Bred to work in packs; enjoys canine company.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive; risky with small pets.
Apartment Unsuitable
Too vocal and active for flats.
House with a yard Suitable
Needs a securely fenced yard.
City Manages
Possible with lots of exercise; the baying carries.
Countryside Ideal
Space and scent work suit it.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental disease Routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock and manage weight and activity
Bloat (GDV) A surgical emergency; a preventive gastropexy is an option
Chronic ear infections Keep the long ears clean and dry

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Petit Blue Gascony Hound cost in the US?
This is a rare French hunting breed almost never bred in the US, so availability is the main obstacle; getting one usually means importing, with costs commonly $1,500-$3,000 plus travel. Over a 12-14 year life, routine care for a medium dog typically adds $12,000-$20,000 or more.
Are Petit Blue Gascony Hounds loud?
Yes. Like most scent hounds they have a deep, carrying bay and use it freely on a trail or when bored. This makes them a poor fit for apartments or noise-sensitive neighbors.
Can a Petit Blue Gascony Hound be trained off-leash?
With difficulty. Once on a scent they tune out recall, so most owners keep them leashed or in secure areas. They are trainable for basics but not reliable off-leash near interesting smells.
Are Petit Blue Gascony Hounds rare?
Yes, very - they are uncommon even in France and rarely seen elsewhere. Expect to import one, and treat breed-specific health data as limited.