Grand Gascon-Saintongeois
Grand Gascon Saintongeois, Petit Gascon Saintongeois, Virelade Hound
The Gascon Saintongeois is a distinctive breed from France, offered in two sizes: Grand and Petit. This breed has a rich history as a scent hound, traditionally hunting in packs. Its ancestry can be traced back to the now-extinct Hound of Saintonge, a sizable hunting dog. Renowned for its gentle nature, the Gascon Saintongeois is generally friendly with children and other dogs. Its desire to please makes it very trainable. As a scent hound, it requires a securely fenced yard to explore and play safely, ensuring it doesn’t wander off into the neighborhood.
Breed Origin
After the French Revolution, only three Saintongeois Hounds remained: a single female and two males. In the mid-19th century, Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour of Chateau Virelade launched a breeding initiative, pairing these last hounds with the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne from Baron de Ruble’s kennel. This endeavor resulted in hounds with a distinctive white coat adorned with black ticking. Any puppies that did not display this specific coloration were excluded from the breeding program aimed at establishing the new breed, which was named Gascon Saintongeois. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that the breed was divided into two distinct sizes. Hunters in southwestern France preferred smaller hounds for pursuing hares and other small game, leading to the emergence of the Petit Gascon Saintongeois. Meanwhile, the larger hounds retained the designation Grand Gascon Saintongeois and were primarily utilized for hunting larger prey, such as roe deer, wild boar, and gray wolves. While the Saintongeois Hound is now considered extinct, many of its traits have been passed down to the Gascon Saintongeois. The breed received official recognition from the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FC) on August 10, 1963, although the breed standard was not published until March 2007. The lack of a published standard made it difficult for breeders to follow specific guidelines, leading to notable inconsistencies within the breed. As enthusiasts advocated for an official standard, its eventual publication enabled breeders to standardize their practices, resulting in a more consistent appearance and temperament among the dogs. The United Kennel Club later recognized the Gascon Saintongeois on January 1, 1993.
Breed Appearance
The Gascon Saintongeois is characterized by its elongated head and distinctively prominent occipital bone. It has a well-defined, black nose with open nostrils. The dog features loose, hanging lips that are also edged in black. Its oval-shaped eyes are dark brown and surrounded by black rims, giving it a gentle and trusting expression. The breed sports a short, tight coat with supple skin. Generally, the Gascon Saintongeois is primarily white with black patches, and while some individuals may display ticking or speckling on their white fur, this should not detract from their overall aesthetic. This breed is available in two sizes: the Grand and the Petit. The Grand variant is larger, standing between 26 and 28 inches tall and weighing between 60 and 70 pounds. In contrast, the Petit is smaller, measuring 22 to 24 inches in height and weighing 40 to 50 pounds, yet it should not give off an impression of delicacy or refinement.
Care Routine
The Gascon Saintongeois is a breed that requires minimal upkeep. Its short, sleek coat naturally sheds, becoming denser in winter and shedding again in spring and summer. To reduce the amount of loose hair on your furniture and clothes, it's recommended to brush him weekly using a soft slicker brush or a hound mitt. This breed does not need frequent baths—generally only two to three times a year—unless he rolls in mud. When bathing, choose a mild shampoo to prevent skin irritation, and be careful to keep water out of his ears. After a bath, make sure to dry the insides of his ears thoroughly to prevent infections. Given his loose lips, the Gascon Saintongeois is prone to drooling, so having a drool cloth handy is a good idea. Additionally, check his nails every few weeks and trim them as necessary.
Behavior & Temperament
The Gascon Saintongeois is an energetic and joyful dog, deeply enthusiastic about hunting. As a true scent hound, he eagerly embarks on various adventures guided by his keen sense of smell. This breed flourishes in a social setting and generally gets along well with other dogs, although he might try to take on a leadership role if the opportunity arises. While not excessively hyper, he thrives best in the company of children who respect his space and treat him with kindness. To keep him from wandering the neighborhood in pursuit of animals he considers prey, a securely fenced yard is vital. The Gascon Saintongeois is quite vocal and can become a nuisance if left alone for long periods. When not hunting, he is extremely affectionate, but he tends to be wary of strangers and may show aggression towards those he doesn’t know. Therefore, early training and socialization are essential for this breed.
Play & Exercise
The Gascon Saintongeois is a lively breed that flourishes with plenty of activity, yet it can also make a delightful indoor companion, provided it gets enough daily exercise. This breed is ideally suited for living in a kennel or spending time outdoors in a securely fenced yard equipped with stimulating toys. Consistent interaction throughout the day is essential for keeping him happy and eager to please. To enhance the relationship between owner and dog, he needs long walks at least once a day. Participating in various dog sports can also offer great enjoyment. As a scenthound, he particularly shines in activities that focus on scent work.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
1840s
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Scenthound
UKC
Scenthound
Height & Weight
Weight
56 lbs (25 kg)Male: 56 lbs (25 kg) , Female: 56 lbs (25 kg)
Height
25 inches (64 sm)Male: 25 inches (64 sm) , Female: 24 inches (61 sm)
6 Months
27 lbs ( m 27 lbs, f 27 lbs )
18 inches ( m 18 inches, f 18 inches )
12 Months
42 lbs ( m 42 lbs, f 42 lbs )
20 inches ( m 20 inches, f 20 inches )
18 Months
55 lbs ( m 55 lbs, f 55 lbs )
24 inches ( m 24 inches, f 24 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Pied
White
