Pet Wiki

Gascon Saintongeois

Also called Grand Gascon Saintongeois, Petit Gascon Saintongeois

A born pack hound that works with a keen nose and a far-reaching voice.

SizeLarge
Height54 to 72 cm (21 to 28 in)males 56 to 72 cm, females 54 to 68 cm12
CoatShort, tight
OriginFrance (south-west)12
GroupFCI group 6
Recognised breedShort profile
excellent nose
deep, carrying voice
calm and affectionate
12

Personality what they are like

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

Coat and looks how to spot one

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

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Built for long days of hunting and galloping, so it needs plenty of daily running, scent work or long walks to stay content.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, tight coat is easy to keep: a weekly brush and a check of the long ears are usually enough.1

Home where they are happiest

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

Company who they like around

Instinctively a pack dog that enjoys the company of other dogs and its people.2

The story where it all began

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

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 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. 2

    Its creation is linked to the last three old Saintonge hounds said to have survived the French Revolution.2

  3. 3

    The breed is admired for its good nose, strong voice and a notably handsome gallop.2

  4. 4

    The Grand variety was historically used on wild boar, deer and even wolves.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

GastonBelleRouxChasseurFleurHectorOdePampreTruffleVigneCapitaineLouise

A day in the life told by a Gascon Saintongeois

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.

Recognised by the official bits

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
Société Centrale Canine
Recognised French breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Gascon Saintongeois tip

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.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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

Owner questions the things everyone asks

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.14 Pet 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.15 Pet 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.16 Pet 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.16 Pet 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.16 Pet 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.12 Pet 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.16 Pet 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.

You might also like

Grand Bleu de GascognePetit Bleu de Gascogne

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 21 Gascon Saintongeois fci.beused for classification, sizes, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. Gascon Saintongeois - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, uses, recognition
  3. ukcdogs.com ukcdogs.com
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.