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
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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.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Gascon Saintongeois
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Is the Gascon Saintongeois right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £120 to £200 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
His coat takes good care of itself; a weekly brush from his human colleagues, and careful inspection of his ears (which can harbour infections) should finish the job.
Nutrition of the Gascon Saintongeois
2-4 cups of quality food per day, divided across multiple meals in a high bowl to discourage fast eating.
Health of the Gascon Saintongeois
Life expectancy
This is generally a healthy breed of dog with an average life expectancy of 12 years.
Strong / robust
Generally a robust dog, except that his tremendous weight, combined with his delight in running around, may take its toll on his joints over the years.
Withstand heat
Fairly well.
Withstand cold
Very well. He can sleep outside in moderately cool weather, particularly if accompanied by other dogs. He shouldn’t be left out in the very cold and wet, however.
Tendency to put on weight
His dynamic energy should prevent him from putting on weight.
Common illnesses
- Ear infections
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Joint problems and dysplasia