Gascon Saintongeois

Other name: Virelade Hound

Gascon Saintongeois

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

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Affectionate High prey drive

Size :

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 classification of the Gascon Saintongeois

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

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

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.

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Gascon Saintongeois: Purchase 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.

Gascon Saintongeois: Shedding

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.

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