Gascon Saintongeois

The Gascon Saintongeois is a large French pack hound assembled in the nineteenth century from two regional strains, one of which was almost gone.

History

Baron de Ruble created it around 1846 by crossing the Grand Bleu de Gascogne with the last three surviving Saintongeois hounds, a strain the Revolution had all but destroyed along with the hunts that kept it. The result carried the Gascon frame and the Saintongeois markings. A smaller variety, the Petit, was later bred for hare.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm and gentle at home, sociable in a pack, and methodical rather than fast on a line, with the deep voice of the Gascony hounds.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure ground. The short coat is easy and the long drop ears want routine checking.

Health

Generally robust, with ear infections and bloat among the known concerns for a large deep-chested hound. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.