You would think that a breed that came to the United States with an officer of the American Revolutionary War and was delivered to George Washington would be among the first breeds recognized by the AKC, but in fact, the Grand Bleu De Gascogne isn’t accepted by the AKC at all. More on that later.
In 1785, seven of the ancient French hounds (some say it was three) were gifted to Washington by Frenchman and war ally, Marquis de Lafayette, and while Washington found the dogs to be superb trackers, he was frustrated that they weren’t used to pursuing animals that could climb trees (think raccoon, bobcats, American gray fox, and mountain lions). As a result, the dogs usually failed to keep quarry in a tree until it was dispatched. Four months after getting the hounds, Washington complained that he continued to be “plagued with the dogs running hogs.” Still, a cold nose, melodious voice (that Washington compared to the bells of Moscow), and a slow methodical hunting style that doesn’t quit makes the breed a tremendous hunter – in the right environment.
Because of the tall and aristocratic carriage of the breed, it was nicknamed the, “King of Hounds,” a bearing enhanced by its shimmering blue coat. An ancient lineage adds to the pedigree: Bleus were first bred by in 1360 by Gaston Phoebus. And here we come full circle as to why the breed isn’t among those recognized by the AKC. The registry doesn’t accept a breed either because there are too few of it in the United States, or there’s too little interest among the owners of these breeds to pursue AKC registered status. Owners of a particular breed wanting to see their breed AKC recognized must establish an organized national breed club.
Since we are cultured bunch at National Purebred Dog Day, we conclude with the Bells of Moscow, Rachmaninov style. This version has nothing to do with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, or George Washington, for that matter, since Rachmaninov was born 141 years later, later, but it’s a nice excuse to throw in some classical music.
Image of Grand Bleu De Gascogne found on Pinterest and very happily credited upon receipt of information
We have bred this dog in the U.S. for the last 6 years. We have stopped breeding because of lack of interest. We own 17 of them and they are a pure joy. They do require space and a lot of excercise, they are great with all family members, they love children and are more suited to be a part of the family rather than living in a kennel. They are excellent at tracking.
What a shame, John, a real shame. How lucky you are to have such an interesting breed, and we’d love to learn more from you. Is the breed more popular in Europe? (put another way, it’s not at risk, is it?) What do you do with your dogs? Are often stopped and asked what breed they are?
What a beautiful hound. This dog is a lot more pleasing and useful then some of the silly middle European breeds that look like mutts!
Carolyn, we so agree, they ARE gorgeous dogs! Not sure which silly middle European breeds you’re thinking of, but certainly this hound is a stand out beauty.
You tell them, John and Kari, they have been recognised since phioncian times., In the 1300”s. This is a long established breed.
You misunderstand, Christine. We’re not saying the breed is’t recognized ANYWHERE, we’re saying it’s not AKC recognized.