A born pack hound that works with a keen nose and a far-reaching voice. At home the standard describes it as calm, affectionate and willing to respond to its handler.12
how to spot oneGascon Saintongeois coat and colours
short, tight
A tall, lean and muscular hound with long legs, long hanging ears and a close, short coat. The body is mostly white with black patches and ticking, the head carries black patches over the ears and eyes, and the cheeks and brows show tan.12
Colourswhite with black patchesblack ticking/specklingtan markings on cheeks and above the eyes12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Gascon Saintongeois. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
by countryIs the Gascon Saintongeois legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Gascon Saintongeois in the 44 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksGascon Saintongeois exercise needs
Built for long days of hunting and galloping, so it needs plenty of daily running, scent work or long walks to stay content.12
the hands-on bitsGascon Saintongeois grooming and care
The short, tight coat is easy to keep: a weekly brush and a check of the long ears are usually enough.1
where they are happiestGascon Saintongeois at home
Best suited to a rural home or hunting household with space and a securely fenced area, as a scent-driven hound will follow a trail.2
who they like aroundGascon Saintongeois with people and other pets
Instinctively a pack dog that enjoys the company of other dogs and its people.2
where it all beganGascon Saintongeois history
After the French Revolution only a few old Saintonge hounds remained. In the mid-1800s Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour crossed them with old-type Bleu de Gascogne hounds, and the white, black-ticked offspring became the Gascon Saintongeois. In the mid-20th century hunters in south-west France selected the smallest dogs to create the Petit variety for hare hunting.12
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
The breed comes in two sizes: the Grand for big game and the Petit, bred down from small Grand dogs for hare.1
2
Its creation is linked to the last three old Saintonge hounds said to have survived the French Revolution.2
3
The breed is admired for its good nose, strong voice and a notably handsome gallop.2
4
The Grand variety was historically used on wild boar, deer and even wolves.2
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from the Gascony region of France and the old Saintongeois hound type, from which it descends. The 'Grand' and 'Petit' varieties refer to the larger and smaller sizes, respectively.2
stars of the breedFamous ones
Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour's foundation dogs The two male and one female Saintongeois hounds that survived the French Revolution and were used to create the Gascon Saintongeois breed.3
I wake up with a deep, happy bark to greet the morning. My human and I head out for a long walk in the woods. I follow my nose through the trails, sniffing every leaf and stone. I love to hear my own voice echo through the trees. At home, I am calm and gentle, resting by the fire. In the afternoon, we play a game of hide and seek with a favorite toy. I use my nose to find it every time. In the evening, I lie at my human's feet, content and peaceful. Life is a grand adventure.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
the official bitsRecognised by
FCI
Standard No. 21, Group 6 (Scenthounds); Great variety in Section 1.1 (large hounds), Small variety in Section 1.2 (medium hounds); current standard published 1 Aug 20231
As a deep-chested, large hound, split meals into two or three portions and avoid exercise for an hour after eating to reduce bloat risk. Keep treats under 10% of daily calories and adjust rations with the season, as this breed gains weight easily when less active.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Gascon Saintongeois, and at what times?
Feed your adult Gascon Saintongeois at least two meals a day, ideally at set times like morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and your vet can help you adjust portions.14Pet Wiki plan
What should a Gascon Saintongeois eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a safe diet plan.15Pet Wiki plan
How often should I bathe a Gascon Saintongeois?
Bathe your Gascon Saintongeois at least once every three months, or more often if it gets very dirty. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its short coat.16Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Gascon Saintongeois need brushing?
Brush your Gascon Saintongeois weekly to keep its short, tight coat healthy and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days. This also helps you check for any skin issues.16Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Gascon Saintongeois's nails, and how often?
Trim your Gascon Saintongeois's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.16Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
This breed needs plenty of daily running, scent work, or long walks to stay content. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play. It's a high-energy hound that thrives with active owners.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Gascon Saintongeois's teeth and ears?
Brush your Gascon Saintongeois's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check its long, floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never push anything into the ear canal.16Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Gascon Saintongeois live?
The lifespan of a Gascon Saintongeois varies, and it's best to ask your vet for specific guidance. Generally, larger dogs like this hound live around 10 to 12 years with good care.
Is a Gascon Saintongeois good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is calm and affectionate at home and enjoys the company of other dogs and people. As a pack hound, it usually gets along well with children and other pets, but always supervise early interactions.12
Can a Gascon Saintongeois be left alone?
This breed is a pack dog that thrives on companionship, so it may struggle with long periods alone. It's best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Petit Bleu de Gascogne