Origin and Development

The Gascon Saintongeois, a scenthound breed, originated in the Saintonge region of France, known for its hilly landscape and dense forests. This breed descends from the old Hound of Saintonge, a large hunting dog that was well-suited for the challenging terrain of southwestern France. The breed was recognized in two varieties: Grand and Petit, with the Grand being larger than the Petit but not classified as a small dog.

After the upheaval of the French Revolution, only three old Saintongeois hounds survived. Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour in the mid-19th century took the initiative to preserve the breed by crossing the last of the old Hound of Saintonge with a few of the remaining old-type Grand Bleu de Gascogne. This crossbreeding effort was crucial in developing the modern Gascon Saintongeois. In the mid-20th century, hunters in the southwest of France selected smaller dogs from litters of Grand Gascon Saintongeois for hunting smaller game, resulting in the creation of the Petit Gascon Saintongeois, which became popular for hunting rabbits and hares.

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is primarily used for hunting big game such as wild boar, roe deer, and sometimes gray wolf, typically in a pack setting. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois, on the other hand, is a versatile hunter, usually employed for hare and rabbit, but also capable of taking on big game when necessary.

Physical Characteristics

The Gascon Saintongeois is a large, noble, and powerfully built dog, embodying the essence of a hunting breed. Males typically weigh between 30-35 kg (66-71 pounds) and stand at 65-71 cm (25.6-28.3 inches) at the withers, while females weigh between 26-30 kg (57-66 pounds) and stand at 61-67 cm (24-26 inches) at the withers. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is slightly smaller, with males weighing 56-62 cm (22-24.4 inches) at the withers and females at 56-62 cm (22-24.4 inches) at the withers.

Characterized by a lean and muscular body, long legs, long drop ears, and pendulous flews (lips), the Gascon Saintongeois has an elongated head and a well-developed black nose. The tail is elegant and saber-shaped, adding to the breed's regal appearance. The coat is white with black patches, often speckled or ticked with black. Tan markings are typically found above the eyes and sometimes on the base of the upper thigh, known as the "roe buck mark. " Disqualifying traits include lack of substance, weak back, deviated tail, cow-hocked legs, or legs that are too angulated or straight, which could impede running ability, as well as being off-colour, overly aggressive, or overly shy.

Temperament and Personality

The Gascon Saintongeois is known for its gentle, calm, affectionate, and loyal temperament, which has made it a beloved companion among hunters and pet owners alike. This breed is intelligent and work-focused, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy hunting or working with their dogs.

Despite its hunting instincts, the Gascon Saintongeois can be a good family pet. Its medium level of friendliness and energy, along with its low shedding, make it a suitable choice for households with different living situations. The breed's high trainability also contributes to its ability to adapt to various environments and tasks, including obedience training and various dog sports.

Health Considerations

While the Gascon Saintongeois is generally a healthy breed, like all dogs, it can be prone to certain health issues. Specific health conditions that may affect this breed include hip dysplasia, which can cause lameness or arthritis, and degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can lead to weakness and paralysis of the back legs.

Responsible breeders also conduct health screenings on their dogs to identify and mitigate potential genetic health issues.

Living with a Gascon Saintongeois

Due to its large size and hunting instincts, the Gascon Saintongeois requires a home with ample space for exercise and play. This breed enjoys outdoor activities and excels in activities that challenge its intelligence and physical abilities, such as hunting, tracking, and agility training.

Daily brushing can help manage shedding and keep the coat healthy. The breed's calm and affectionate nature makes it a great companion for families, as long as the children are taught how to interact appropriately with a large dog. The Gascon Saintongeois is known to be gentle with children but requires supervision to ensure safety.

Given its pack instincts, the Gascon Saintongeois may not be the best choice for a single dog owner or those without other pets.

Choosing a Gascon Saintongeois

When considering adding a Gascon Saintongeois to your family, look for breeders who conduct health screenings on their dogs and provide a clear understanding of the breed's needs and potential health issues.

Be prepared for the financial commitment that comes with owning a Gascon Saintongeois. This includes the initial cost of purchasing a puppy, as well as ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, veterinary care, and training.

Consider your lifestyle and living situation when deciding if a Gascon Saintongeois is the right fit for you. This breed requires a dedicated owner who is willing to invest time and resources into their dog's well-being, including providing ample exercise, mental stimulation, and proper training. If you are an active individual or family with space for a large dog, a Gascon Saintongeois could be a wonderful addition to your life.