Gascon Saintongeois
gas-KOHN san-ton-ZHWAH
France· Gascony and Saintonge, southwestern France
The Gascon Saintongeois is a large French scenthound created by crossing the Grand Bleu de Gascogne with the now-extinct Saintongeois hound, developed for pack hunting large game.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Large
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large
Where it comes from
Origins of the Gascon Saintongeois
Created to replace declining Gascon wolf-hunting packs, this hound combined Grand Bleu de Gascogne bloodlines with the now-extinct Saintongeois hound to restore the courage and stamina needed for hunting large, dangerous game. Southwestern France's warm, hilly terrain suited a tall, fast hound capable of long pursuits. The cross preserved qualities that would otherwise have been lost when the original Saintongeois hound died out. It remains one of France's principal large-game hunting hounds.
- Region
- Gascony and Saintonge, southwestern France
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm, hilly farmland of southwestern France
- Original job
- Pack hunting wolf and later wild boar and deer
The long read
About the breed
Its work pursuing wolf, wild boar and deer across open and wooded terrain shaped a tall, fast, courageous hound with great stamina and a resonant voice.
It is a devoted, sociable dog best suited to experienced hunting households, given its size, energy and strong pack instincts, rather than a typical sedentary pet home.
Today it is used mainly for boar and deer hunting in France, with two recognised varieties, and remains uncommon outside its native country.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Gascon Saintongeois greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Gascon Saintongeois is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Gascon Saintongeois's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1846
Original Saintongeois lost
Most of the original Saintongeois hound pack was wiped out by rabies, threatening its bloodline.
1849
Cross with Gascon hounds
Baron de Ruble crossed the surviving Saintongeois with Grand Bleu de Gascogne hounds to preserve the line.
1920s
Two varieties recognised
Virelade and Bocage varieties were established within the breed.
1970s
Boar hunting use
The breed found renewed demand as wild boar hunting increased in popularity in France.
1990s
Modern breed standard
The breed standard was refined and maintained by French hound clubs.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Long, deep-chested with a strong, level topline.
- coat
- Short and dense.
- ears
- Fine, set low, reaching towards the nose.
- eyes
- Dark brown, calm expression.
- head
- Long and narrow with a slightly domed skull.
- size
- Dogs 65-72cm, bitches 62-70cm
- colour
- White and black with tan markings, or white and orange.
- temperament
- Devoted, bold and sociable, with great stamina.
- general appearance
- A tall, elegant, powerfully built hound with a noble, athletic bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Gascon Saintongeoiss added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Gascon Saintongeois
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Gascon Saintongeois illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Gascon Saintongeois Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Gascon Saintongeois illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Gascon Saintongeois Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Gascon Saintongeois illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Gascon Saintongeois Mug
Ceramic mug with the Gascon Saintongeois illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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