Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a Scenthound of ancient lineage, eminently French, showing signs of certain distinction. They are descended from the original scenting dogs of Gaul and the Phoenician hound trade; specifically they developed from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. They are generally used to hunt hare. Gascony Province, the area of their development, is located on the southwestern coast of France. Every point of the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is for a purpose relevant to preserving the breed and its uniqueness. Judges are asked by the sponsoring breed club to keep this fact in mind when evaluating the merits of the individual hound.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in January 1991.

General Appearance

The coat and expression combine to form an incomparable group. The standard for the Petit Bleu is essentially the same as that of the Grand Bleu, but the lines are shorter and there has been a reduction in size, giving a well-proportioned hound. The first and immediate impression of a Petit Bleu de Gascogne should be that of a hound with substance and staying power. Considering the breed’s long hunting history, individual hounds should have moderate bone and ample muscle. Males are heavier than females. Defects such as bull necks, out at the elbows, loaded shoulders, or a "beef steer" profile, should not be confused with masculinity. Likewise, defects such as a shallow muzzle, poorlyformed chest, extremely narrow pelvic region and general frailty should not be confused with femininity.

Characteristics

A trail hound of moderate speed created after the demise of the wolf; has been successfully used to hunt deer, fox and hare. The Petit Bleu de Gascogne hunts in a leisurely, methodical manner, and possesses, in the extreme, a great amount of determination, tremendous endurance, desire, self confidence, sagacity, remarkable scenting ability, a deep, powerful melodious voice, a distinct coat color and an aristocratic form.

Of even temperament, essentially friendly. Some individuals may be very outgoing, while others are somewhat reserved in nature, but never shy or vicious. As a hunting/working Scenthound breed and, being called upon to work in close proximity with other hounds and their handlers, aggression towards other hounds and people is to be considered a fault. Viciousness and extreme shyness are disqualifications.

Head

Most refined, long and rather narrow.

SKULL

Narrow rather than wide, and slightly convex. The occiput is well pronounced. The stop is only barely defined, even less so than in the Grand Bleu.

MUZZLE

Long, strong and slightly aquiline. The lips are pendulous, well covering the lower jaw. The corners of the lips are well marked.

NOSE

Black in color. Well developed.

TEETH

Strong teeth, fitting evenly with a scissors bite.

Disqualifications: Undershot or overshot bite.

EYES

Have visible eyelids. Somewhat deep and of a dark chestnut brown color. The lower lid is invariably loose, allowing a certain amount of the red mucous membrane area to be seen. The expression is somewhat sad, yet sweet and trusting.

Disqualification: Yellow eyes.

EARS

They are attached very low, and are thin. The length must reach at least to the tip of the nose, and is often longer.

Neck

Moderately long, slightly arched, with a well developed dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades are long, well muscled and sloping.

FORELEGS

The legs are strongly boned and have prominent tendons. The elbows are close to the body.

Body

The chest is long and broad and let down to elbow level. The forechest is well developed. The back is rather long but firm. The loin is short and broad and the croup is sloping, which emphasizes the hipbones. The flanks are deep and flat.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters are solidly built.

HIND LEGS

The upper thighs are long and muscular. The hock is broad, slightly bent and well let down.

Feet

A slightly elongated oval, with tight, lean toes and black nails and pads.

Tail

Rather thick and long enough to reach the hock, with a slight brush towards the tip, the tail is carried in saber fashion.

Skin

Black or white, but never completely white, but strongly speckled with black dots. The palate, lips, soles of the feet and the sex organs are black.

Coat

Short, thick and very dense.

Disqualification: Any coat other than described.

Color

Entirely mottled black and white, which gives a slate blue effect, marked or not with black patches. There are generally two black patches on either side of the head that cover the ears and eyes and stop at the cheeks, not meeting at the top of the skull but leaving a white blaze which often has a small, black oval spot in the center. There are bright tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, lips, inside of the ears, legs and under the tail.

Size

Measured at the point of the withers. Males: 22 to 24 inches. Females: 20 to 22 inches.

If character, proportion and quality are evident in an individual hound, a deviation of one inch above the height requirement will be accepted.

Gait

Regular and easy.

Scars

Because the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is first and foremost a hunting hound, scars, the result of honorable wounds, shall not be considered faults, nor shall they be penalized by Judges. This includes cuts, nicks, notches on the ears, and/or ears that are frayed at the edges from working in brush, tall grass, etc.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Bilateral or unilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Lack of type.
Serious anatomical malformations that cause a disabling effect.
Any coat other than described.
Undershot or overshot bite.
Yellow eyes.