Gascon Saintongeois
A large French pack scenthound with great stamina and a fine nose. Sociable and gentle with people and dogs, but a tireless worker built for the hunting field.
Gascon Saintongeois scorecard
Overview
The Gascon Saintongeois is a large French scenthound bred to hunt in a pack across the rugged country of south-western France. Standing around 56–72 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 30–35 kg, it is a tall, lean, powerfully built hound with a fine nose, tremendous stamina and the deep, carrying voice typical of pack hounds. The breed exists in two sizes — the Grand for larger game such as deer and boar, and the smaller Petit, originally developed for hare — but both share the same gentle, sociable temperament and serious working drive.
This is very much a working hound rather than a household pet, and it remains rare outside its native France. In the UK it is not separately recognised by The Kennel Club and is almost never seen, so prospective owners should understand they are taking on a specialist hunting breed with very high exercise needs. Where a Gascon Saintongeois does live as a companion, it tends to be calm and affectionate indoors provided its considerable physical and scenting needs are met.
Good to know — a Gascon Saintongeois needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The breed traces to the union of two older French scenthound lines: the Saintongeois, an ancient hound from the Saintonge region that was nearly lost in the nineteenth century, and the Bleu de Gascogne hounds of Gascony. In the 1840s Baron Joseph de Carayon-Latour is credited with crossing the last Saintongeois hounds with Grand Bleu de Gascogne to preserve the type, producing the modern Gascon Saintongeois.
The breed is recognised internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) within its scenthound grouping. It has always been valued chiefly as a hunting hound worked in packs, and it has never become a widespread companion or show breed, which is why population numbers remain low and it is seldom encountered in Britain.
Temperament & family fit
Gascon Saintongeois hounds are described as gentle, sociable and even-tempered, bred to work cooperatively in large packs. They are typically very good with other dogs and tolerant of people, including children, reflecting generations of selection for a non-aggressive pack temperament. At home a well-exercised hound is generally placid and affectionate.
The flip side of that pack heritage is an extremely powerful nose and an instinct to follow a scent for miles. Once a trail is picked up, recall can become unreliable, and the breed's loud, baying hound voice can carry a long way — something close neighbours may not appreciate. This is a dog driven by its nose first and its owner second when game is in the air.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As an intelligent, biddable pack hound the Gascon Saintongeois responds to patient, reward-based training, but it is not a natural obedience competitor. Its independence and scent drive mean owners should set realistic expectations: reliable off-lead recall in open country is difficult to achieve, and secure fencing plus lead walks in unfenced areas are sensible precautions.
Early, consistent socialisation helps channel the breed's sociable nature, and scent-based games and tracking work suit it far better than repetitive drills. Owners with hound or working-dog experience will find training far smoother than complete novices.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Gascon Saintongeois typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming needs are minimal. The short, dense coat requires only a weekly brush to remove loose hair and keep it healthy. As with all drop-eared hounds, the long ears trap moisture and should be checked and cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of ear infections, and nails and teeth maintained as for any dog.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Gascon Saintongeois
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to a large, very active dog, adjusting portions to the considerable energy this breed burns when worked. As a deep-chested large breed it is sensible to follow general veterinary advice on reducing bloat risk — feeding measured meals rather than one large meal, and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately around feeding. Monitor body condition and discuss specifics with your vet.
A large breed
An adult Gascon Saintongeois typically weighs 30–35 kg, so a healthy Gascon Saintongeois eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 11–13 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Gascon Saintongeoiss sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through a couple of hours of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Gascon Saintongeois weigh?
Adult 30–35 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.4–4 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5.6–6.5 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 11.1–13 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 22.3–26 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 30–35 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Gascon Saintongeois
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Gascon Saintongeois's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Gascon Saintongeois health & costs
Before bringing a Gascon Saintongeois home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Gascon Saintongeois is generally regarded as a hardy, robust working breed, and because it is rare and kept primarily by hunters there is very little breed-specific health screening data or large-scale UK research available. This means owners should be cautious about assuming it is free of problems; rather, the evidence base is simply thin.
As a large, deep-chested hound it shares the general risks of its conformation, including gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) and the joint conditions that affect many big breeds. Prospective owners should seek a breeder who works their dogs and can speak to the health of their lines, and should rely on general large-breed and hound health guidance from UK veterinary sources where breed-specific data is lacking.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested large breeds; learn the signs and seek immediate veterinary help
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — joint conditions common to large, active dogs that can cause pain and arthritis
- Ear infections — long pendulous ears trap moisture and debris, so regular checking and cleaning is important
- Exercise-related injury — high-stamina hunting in rough country carries a risk of cuts, strains and footpad damage
- Osteoarthritis — wear on joints over a working lifetime can lead to age-related arthritis
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Gascon Saintongeois; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Gascon Saintongeois puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Gascon Saintongeois
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Very sociable, thrives in a pack
- Hardy and low-grooming
Things to consider
- Demanding exercise needs, not a town pet
- Powerful nose and loud hound voice
Compare the Gascon Saintongeois
See how the Gascon Saintongeois measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Greyhound
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Similar temperament
American Foxhound
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Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
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Ariégeois
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Beagle-Harrier
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Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Gascon Saintongeois?
The Gascon Saintongeois is a large French scenthound bred to hunt in a pack across the rugged country of south-western France. It is a tall, lean, powerfully built hound with a fine nose, tremendous stamina and a deep, carrying voice. The breed exists in two sizes — the Grand for larger game and the smaller Petit, originally for hare.
How big does a Gascon Saintongeois get?
It is a large hound, standing around 56 to 72 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 30 to 35 kg. Built tall, lean and powerful for working long days in the field, it has a typical lifespan of around 11 to 13 years, in line with many large scenthounds.
Is the Gascon Saintongeois good with other dogs and children?
Generally, yes. Bred to work cooperatively in large packs, the breed is described as gentle, sociable and even-tempered — typically very good with other dogs and tolerant of people, including children. A well-exercised hound is usually placid and affectionate indoors, reflecting generations of selection for a non-aggressive pack temperament.
Does the Gascon Saintongeois bark a lot and wander off?
Its pack heritage brings an extremely powerful nose and an instinct to follow a scent for miles, so once a trail is picked up recall can become unreliable. The breed's loud, baying hound voice also carries a long way — something close neighbours may not appreciate. Secure fencing and lead walks in unfenced areas are sensible precautions.
How much exercise does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
A great deal. This high-stamina working hound needs vigorous daily exercise — long off-lead runs in safe areas, hiking and ideally scent or tracking work. An hour or two is a minimum, and it genuinely thrives on far more. It is not suited to town or sedentary living, and an under-exercised dog becomes restless and vocal.
How much grooming does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
Minimal. The short, dense coat requires only a weekly brush to remove loose hair and keep it healthy. As with all drop-eared hounds, the long ears trap moisture and should be checked and cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of ear infections, with nails and teeth maintained as for any dog.
Are Gascon Saintongeois dogs easy to train?
As an intelligent, biddable pack hound it responds to patient, reward-based training, but it is not a natural obedience competitor. Its independence and scent drive mean reliable off-lead recall in open country is difficult. Early socialisation and scent-based games suit it far better than repetitive drills, and hound experience helps.
What health problems does the Gascon Saintongeois have?
It is generally regarded as a hardy, robust working breed, but as it is rare and kept mainly by hunters, breed-specific screening data is very thin. As a large, deep-chested hound it shares the general risks of its conformation, including bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) and the joint conditions common in big breeds. Feed measured meals and follow general large-breed veterinary guidance.
Are Gascon Saintongeoises good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Gascon Saintongeoiss tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Gascon Saintongeois needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Gascon Saintongeoises shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Gascon Saintongeoises easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Gascon Saintongeoiss are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Gascon Saintongeoises bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Gascon Saintongeoises good with other dogs?
Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Gascon Saintongeoises suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Gascon Saintongeois really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard — https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/
- The Kennel Club — Breeds A to Z and hound group guidance — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- PDSA — Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in dogs — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/bloat-in-dogs
- Blue Cross — Choosing the right dog and exercise advice — https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Gascon Saintongeois
Matched to a Gascon Saintongeois's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.