Gascon Saintongeois

Loyally so.

This dog enjoys games and physical and mental challenges.

So long as he is given adequate opportunity to expend excess energy, this dog tends to be quite a calm one at home.

This is one brainy and sensitive dog, and therefore easy to train.

This dog is first and foremost a hunter. He was originally selected for hunting hare, but later became more versatile and can even hunt boar or deer.

The Gascon Saintongeois will remain peaceful if well-socialised from his youth.

While he can work independently, this creature is very close to his owner, and will not be so wilful or flighty as some of his cousins among the scent hounds.

He does not take kindly to being left alone and may become destructive. Positive acclimatization to short periods of solitude from a young age may help.

He is quick to pick up lessons and eager to impress his teacher. A solid dog-human relationship is key to getting good results.

He has a beautiful deep hunting voice, and may become barky if left alone or under-stimulated.

Like any scenthound, he can easily be lured away if he catches the whiff of something interesting. A secure environment is essential.

Since he hates being alone, this is when he will act up!

He has a healthy appetite, so his meals should be carefully measured and divided to avoid bloating or weight gain. Treats are always welcome to help with the training of this sometimes stubborn dog.

He will bark to alert his people to intruders but is unlikely to intercept them physically. He’s too friendly for that. That said, his size alone may be some deterrent.

He may be suitable for first-time owners who are confident and driven to train him well from an early age, and who can satisfy his energetic demands.

This dog is too big and energetic to live happily in a flat.

This dog has the capacity to hunt all day, so as you can imagine he requires a fair bit of a workout on days when he is not on the hunt. Two hours serious exercise a day minimum.

He’s too big and energetic for public transport but could be fine in a large enough car if he gets used to it as a pup.

In general, he would like to hunt them. However, he may make an exception for a cat with whom he is raised.

He just loves other dogs, and could happily live in a pack.

He’s pretty good with children, and is very gentle, patient, and calm with them.

With his size and exercise needs, he may only be suitable for older people who are sufficiently agile and energetic.