Gascon Saintongeois
About the Gascon Saintongeois
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-28" |
| Weight | 66-77 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $800-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,300/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Gascon Saintongeoiss may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Gascon Saintongeois
The story behind the Gascon Saintongeois
The Saintonge region of western France once had its own large hound, reduced to a handful of survivors by the upheavals of the French Revolution and the following decades. During the nineteenth century Baron de Carayon-Latour is credited with crossing the last of these Saintongeois hounds with Grand Bleu de Gascogne stock, producing the combined type that carries both names. The dogs were bred to hunt in packs on foot or with mounted followers, working roe deer, hare and larger game across open country. A smaller variety, used chiefly on hare, was developed later and both sizes are recognised in France. The breed is used by hunting associations there and in a few neighbouring countries, is rarely seen as a household companion, and is scarce outside continental Europe.
Originally bred for: Pack scenthound, Large game hunter, Hare hunter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Gascon Saintongeois
Working scenthounds need a diet matched to season, richer through hunting months and pared back in the off season, since idle hounds gain weight quickly. Feed twice daily and, as with other deep-chested breeds, avoid heavy meals immediately around strenuous work.
Watch for: No particular intolerance is associated with this hound. Kennel-raised dogs are often used to a consistent ration and can react to sudden variety, including scavenged food on long hunts. Discuss persistent digestive trouble or diet changes with a veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Gascon Saintongeois
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.