Breed History:

The Gascon Saintongeois is a French scenthound developed during the 19th century by combining the old Saintongeois hounds with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. The breed was created by Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour, who sought to preserve the hunting qualities of the Saintongeois after the breed had nearly disappeared.

Originating in southwestern France, the Gascon Saintongeois was bred for pack hunting large game such as deer, wild boar, and hare. Its exceptional scenting ability, endurance, and melodious voice made it highly valued among French hunters.

Today, the breed remains primarily a working hunting dog in France, though it is also appreciated by enthusiasts of traditional scenthounds around the world.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	65–72 cm	30–35 kg
Female	62–68 cm	25–32 kg

Size: Large

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Breed Appearance:

The Gascon Saintongeois is an elegant, athletic, and powerful hunting hound.

The breed commonly features:

• Long refined head

• Strong muzzle

• Dark expressive eyes

• Long pendulous ears

• Deep chest and well-developed body

• Long tail carried gracefully

Its coat is short, dense, and smooth.

Common coat colours include:

• White with black patches

• White and black with tan markings above the eyes and on the cheeks

• Tricolour patterns

The breed possesses the classic noble appearance associated with traditional French hunting hounds.

Breed Type – Scenthound:

The Gascon Saintongeois is a determined, intelligent, and hardworking hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Friendly and sociable

• Courageous and persistent

• Intelligent and alert

• Energetic and athletic

• Cooperative with other dogs

Because it was developed for pack hunting, the breed generally gets along well with other dogs and enjoys companionship.

Its scent-tracking instincts are exceptionally strong.

Training:

The Gascon Saintongeois is intelligent but can be independent when following a scent trail.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Recall training

• Obedience exercises

• Scent-work activities

The breed excels in:

• Tracking

• Hunting trials

• Scent detection

• Endurance activities

Consistency and patience are important, especially when training around distractions.

Health & Care:

The Gascon Saintongeois is generally healthy but may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Ear infections

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

• Hunting-related injuries

Routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and regular exercise help maintain overall health.

Frequent ear inspections are important due to the breed's long ears.

Living Conditions:

The Gascon Saintongeois is best suited to active households.

Ideal environments include:

• Rural homes

• Hunting properties

• Houses with secure fenced yards

• Active outdoor families

Apartment living is generally not recommended due to the breed's exercise requirements and tendency to vocalize.

The breed thrives when given opportunities to work and explore.

Exercise:

The Gascon Saintongeois has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks or runs

• Tracking and scent games

• Hunting activities

• Hiking and outdoor adventures

• Interactive training sessions

Mental stimulation is essential because of the breed's powerful scent drive.

Grooming:

The coat is easy to maintain.

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Exceptional scenting and tracking abilities

• Friendly and sociable temperament

• Good with other dogs

• Athletic and hardworking

• Low-maintenance grooming needs

• Generally healthy breed

Disadvantages:

• High exercise and mental stimulation requirements

• Strong scent drive can make recall challenging

• May become vocal while tracking

• Requires secure fencing due to wandering tendencies

• Not ideal for apartment living

• Can be independent and stubborn during training

• Best suited to active owners or hunting homes