Grand Gascon Saintongeois

The hunting prowess of this breed means he is brave and courageous, not aggressive at all. This breed is described as calm, gentle, kind, and sweet Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Their owner lovingly treats these dogs. They are also usually positively accepting of most people, including children.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The history of the Gascon Saintongeois dates back to the time of the French Revolution. At that time, the breed was called the Saintonge Hound. Only three dogs of the Saintonge Hound survived the Revolution: one bitch and two male dogs. These precious specimens belonged to Baron Carayon-Latour, who felt responsible for the preservation of the breed.

For this purpose, the baron had the dogs lined up with a similar type of dog, a big blue Gascon hound owned by another French baron. The first generation of puppies exceeded their expectations, and a new “hybrid” was born, consisting of Saintega and Gaston with the aptly named Gascon Saintongeois dog. This new breed inherited the traits of both breeds and succeeded in hunting roe deer. It was not until 1993 that the United Kennel Club recognized this rare breed.

Appearance

It is a large dog with a long muzzle, a large black nose, a wrinkled face, and floppy ears. The breed is quite stout, with heavy bones but slender and athletic. It has a deep chest and a trim waistline. Remarkably, the Gascon Saintongeois has good musculature, especially in the shoulder area, and looks powerful.

His facial features are rounded, with long ears and drooping lips. He has a distinct black nose, which can most often be seen when he sniffs. He always holds his long elegant tail, which is slightly curved. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois has a short, dense coat designed to protect his skin from barbs and thorns. The coat is usually white, with black spots and brown markings on the brow that give it a questioning look.

Character

The hunting prowess of this breed means he is brave and courageous, not aggressive at all. This breed is described as calm, gentle, kind, and sweet Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Their owner lovingly treats these dogs. They are also usually positively accepting of most people, including children.

However, Grand Gascon Saintongeois does not like to be left alone for long periods. He gets lonely. And to fill the long hours of emptiness, he is likely to howl or destroy everything around him.

As a breed accustomed to being kept in packs, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is “programmed” to get along with other dogs. However, his hunting instinct has its drawbacks, especially when it comes to other species’ furry pets. The Gascon Saintongeois doesn’t see the difference between a beloved cat and a deer and, as a consequence, stalks the critters.

Like all dogs, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois learns a lot at an early age. She must be socialized properly.

Care

Its short, dense wool is designed to protect it from wind, water, and sun. Thus, the coat is practically self-cleaning, and natural skin secretions make it almost water-permeable. We recommend combing it with oils: this will remove loose hair and moisturize the skin.

Training

This dog loves to make its owner happy, which makes it an ideal candidate for reward-based training. While other smart breeds are often willful and independent – this is not the case with the Grand Gascon Saintongeois. This dog should be praised when he behaves well and distracts from bad behavior. Treats are often used as a lure to teach the dog action, such as sitting or lying down. Then, when the action is completed, the dog is praised.

Common Diseases

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois dog is considered a healthy breed. This dog’s anatomy with floppy ears makes it more susceptible to diseases such as ear infections and abdominal bloating (or stomach congestion).

Nutrition

Grand Gascon Saintongeois’s nutrition should be balanced and full of vitamins. Only high-quality food should be used, and the number of meals should depend on your dog’s activity level.