Appearance of the American Blue Gascon Hound
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The American Blue Gascon Hound is one of the largest hunting dogs, usually standing 61 centimeters or more at the shoulder, with a long neck, deep chest and broad, muscular hips. They have a fairly large head with a slightly oval shape and a long, thick muzzle that sports the thick, heavy lips and large, open nostrils characteristic of most tracker breeds. Their dark, round eyes are neither deep nor protruding. They have long, thin ears that hang down their cheeks and often curve slightly. Their medium-length tails are carried high when excited or at attention, with a saber-like curve and well-padded, compact paws with oval-shaped toes. This breed is usually born with lots of white in its coat, but often darkens, adding more black, blue and tan markings as it matures. |
Temperament of the American Blue Gascon Hound
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This is a very active dog that was developed for speed, endurance and prey, but it was also designed to work closely with other people, so they tend to be very affectionate and loyal to their owners. Reliable around children, although interactions between small children and dogs should always be closely supervised. These dogs are rather easy to train when the trainer is kind and consistent, but they are also very sensitive to their trainer's mood and can react stubbornly when the training methods used are too severe, and some American Blue Gascon Hounds may never be able to resist particularly attractive smells or exciting prey. They are generally agreeable with most other dogs if socialized at an early age, but their strong prey drive can lead them to chase other pets, especially smaller ones, and lack of socialization can lead to a more aggressive animal. |
Needs and activities of the American Blue Gascon Hound
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The American Blue Gascon Hound is a very active animal that can develop behavioral problems and become destructive if not given an outlet for its energy. As this is a very large breed, it's particularly important not to overstretch the joints when the dog is still growing, avoiding too much jumping or running until the bones and joints have finished forming. Although this breed is primarily a hunting dog that prefers to stalk its prey first and foremost, they can also be quite adept at many other activities, including agility competitions, lure coursing, rally sports and even advanced obedience training. This dog is not generally suited to apartment living, due to its active nature and powerful howl. |
Maintenance of the American Blue Gascon Hound
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This breed should be bathed only when dirt or odors become noticeable, about two or three times a year, as too frequent bathing can strip away the veil of its naturally protective oils. Areas of loose, folded skin should be checked for moisture, as mold can sometimes form in these folds, causing irritation and infection. Although the coat is short, it is also dense and needs to be brushed two or three times a week to keep it shiny and under control. It's also important to check the ears regularly for dirt and moisture to avoid infection. |