Gascon Saintongeois
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's aristocratic large pack hound — powerful, deep-voiced, and built for grand venery in the finest French hunting tradition
66–88 lbsWeight
24–28 inHeight
10–12 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Scenthound · FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's aristocratic large pack hound — powerful, deep-voiced, and built for grand venery in the finest French hunting tradition
The Gascon Saintongeois is a French pack scenthound created in the 19th century by crossing the Grand Bleu de Gascogne (an ancient breed from southwestern France) with the Saintongeois (a breed from the Charente region, now essentially extinct as a separate type). The result is one of France's most noble-looking and powerful hounds — deep-voiced, steady, and purpose-built for hunting deer and wild boar on horseback in the grande vénerie tradition. It comes in two sizes: the Grand Gascon Saintongeois (for large game on horseback) and the Petit Gascon Saintongeois (for hare and rabbit, followed on foot). FCI recognized (Standard No. 21).
Real Gascon Saintongeois photos — showcasing their noble, powerful hound presence.
Calm, dignified, and sociable. The Gascon Saintongeois has the gentle, even temperament typical of large French pack hounds — affectionate with its family and friendly with other dogs. It is not aggressive but is strongly independent in the field. Like all pack hounds, it thrives in the company of other dogs. The grand varieties are particularly devoted and serene as household companions when their working needs are met.
High energy. Bred for all-day pursuit of large game, it needs substantial daily exercise — 60–90 minutes minimum. The Grand variety in particular requires space and extended runs. Thrives in rural settings. A pack hound at heart, it prefers canine company. City life is unsuitable; this is a working hound breed that needs to move.
Short, dense, white-and-black coat with tan markings. Very low maintenance — weekly brushing keeps the coat clean and removes loose hair. Ears need weekly inspection and cleaning. The breed has a tendency to develop ear infections in humid conditions. Drooling is minimal compared to other large hounds.
Intelligent but independently minded — trained for centuries to make decisions without human input. Basic obedience comes with patience and consistency. Off-lead recall near interesting scents is unreliable. Early socialization is important. Best suited to hunters or owners with significant rural space and experience with scent hound breeds.
Generally healthy for a large breed. Hip dysplasia can occur. Ear infections are the primary recurring concern. Bloat (GDV) is a risk for deep-chested large breeds and preventive feeding practices (smaller meals, no exercise immediately after eating) are recommended. As a relatively rare breed, health-screened breeding stock is important to maintain genetic health.
The Gascon Saintongeois does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 2½–3¾ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Use a large-breed formula and avoid heavy exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 2½–3¾ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a Gascon Saintongeois from a responsible breeder typically costs around $1,000–$2,500, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $110–$200 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $18,000–$28,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.