The American Blue Gascon Hound is a scent-hound with the same characteristics as the old Gascon breeds, specially bred for difficult terrains like swamps or mountain trails and for those who appreciate a strong bound between them and their dogs, and also a good hunt as a sport more than as a food source. Recognized as a breed in 1976 in USA, this breed is strong and adaptive, intelligent, with an extremely keen sense of smell, able to hunt on various terrains and in various weather conditions.
The American Blue Gascon Hound looks like an aristocratic dog, with strong legs, lean and muscular, with a strong neck, long bones, large and robust head. The breed's ears are long and thin, pointed at the tip a characteristic of the breed. The dog's eyes are round, dark colored (brown or black) and with tan dots over them. Its large and muscular chest denotes force and stamina, both traits of the classic hound. The coat is short, thick, smooth and colored in white, with black or dark-blue dots, sometimes with tan ones, on no more than 30% of the entire body. The fur on the head is evenly colored, while the rest of the body tents to be spotted. Under-sized, light eyes, pink skin or chop barking are aspects that can ruin the dog's chances to obtain a prize in a contest, but can sometimes be present in this breed.
The American Blue Gascon Hound, also called Bluetick Coonhound, is a large dog, measuring 25-30 inches in height and weighing 75-105 pounds. Their lifespan reaches approximately 12 years, being healthy dogs, in general. Their health problems are usually the same like with all big dogs - hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye or ear problems, sometimes skin issues or heart conditions. However, if the owner is aware of the genetic line from where the dog came and is very careful to get a dog from healthy parents, the health incidents could be reduced to a minimum.
Energetic and powerful, the American Blue Gascon Hound needs a large zone (like a yard) to satisfy its need to run or play during the day. Its powerful voice can be heard from a 5 mile distance and it can sometimes be quite stressing for the neighbors. This breed is not suitable for all people, but it is more likely to match the ones who live in remote places with big yards and high fences, and most of all energetic people who prefer to stay in the open all day long, walking or running or playing with their dogs.
Their behavior towards children is not aggressive at most times, but we do not recommend as a good idea to let the dog in the presence of small babies or pets who can be mistaken for pray. Our advice is that a minimal socialization with little pets and children is desirable.
Able to hunt a large array of game like foxes, deer, coyotes, wild boars and so on, the American Blue Gascon Hound is the most suitable dog for someone who is really into hunting.
