Gascon Saintongeois
Other names: Virelade Hound
Big and dopey looking, hardworking and peaceful, the Gascon Saintongeois may not be the most famous breed in the world but he’s one of those dogs who quietly keeps the world turning. This French gentleman asks not glory nor publicity, but only to be near his people, something to work on, and a place to run. And what a run! His lolloping canter carries a substantial trunk, so that he appears in motion like an extra from Belleville Rendez-Vous. He comes in two sizes. The ‘grand’ is a giant who makes up for his inelegant posture with his unshakable dignity. The so-called ‘petit’ would not do well shopping in the ‘petit’ sections since he is still every bit the Gallic whopper.
Key facts about the Gascon Saintongeois
Origins and history
In the 19th century, one Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour bred the Saintongeois Hound with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, creating a new breed for the hunting of large game. This aristocratic strain barely survived the French revolution, but although numbers have since climbed he is very rare today even his native land. Beyond those borders, he’s hardly known at all. Yet.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Gascon Saintongeois
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 27 in
Male : Between 26 and 28 in
Weight
Female : Between 66 and 88 lb
Male : Between 66 and 88 lb
Coat colour
The Gascon Saintongeois is white with black patches and speckles, black ears, and tan cheeks and eyebrow markings. Traces of tan may also be found elsewhere, including, on occasion, a dead leaf marking called “roe buck mark” on the thigh.
Type of coat
Tight and short.
Eye colour
Brown with black eyelids.
Description
Looking somewhat like a young Andreas Katsulas, and just as loveable, the Gascon Saintongeois appears supremely houndlike – as though each of his houndlike features has been dialled up to ‘11.’ Starting from the front, he has a serious muzzle behind a driven nose; eyes full of pathos, ears you could wrap an infant in; and a long, athletic body supporting a barrel-chest. His coat is short and tight, forming a kind of armour against the insults of the hedges and brambles through which he dashes in pursuit of a furry tidbit. The larger of the Saintongeois varieties looks almost mythological, so clumsily arranged but terrifyingly effective is the construction of his form.
Good to know
This dog is increasingly rare and you may need to journey to France to acquire a pup.