What makes the Grand Gascon Saintongeois Unique?
The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a very well constructed dog, combining strength and elegance. One finds a type very “French” to the head, the coat and the expression. The dog breed originated and developed in France with the aim to use it in pack hunting.
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Is the Grand Gascon Saintongeois Right For You?
The Grand Gascon Saintongeois may be a through and through hunter, valued by the hunting enthusiast in the family but the breed does have a gentle, calm and affectionate nature… qualities that endears the dog to other members of the family. A Grand Gascon Saintongeois makes a wonderful family companion as this is an obedient breed, always eager to please and acquiescent to the commands of the master. This breed is patient and gentle with the younger members of the family. A well socialized dog will be a good companion and playmate of the children.
In 5 Words
- Amiable
- Cordial
- Affectionate
- Intelligent
- Trainable
Characteristics
Learn About the Grand Gascon Saintongeois
Description
General Description
A typical French hound, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois has a lean body with unique muscles and longer legs. The ears are dropping and lips are the pendant. The chestnut eyes of the breed are dark in color. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is adorned with an elongated head and a black nose that is well developed. It is holding a robust back and deep chest. The elegant tail is slightly curved and carried in saber trend.
Size
These dogs have well developed bodies. The oval shaped chest is long broad and deep, the back is long and firm and the slightly arched loins are well muscled. This breed has muscular shoulders. The well boned and powerful forelegs and hind legs provide the dog the power to have an elastic gallop and a graceful gait.
A Grand Gascon Saintongeois grows to an average height of 28 inches and weigh from 65 to 70 pounds.
Coat
The breed holds a short and tight coat that is close to supple and fine skin. The background is white, spotted with black. Two white patches are generally placed on each side of the head, covering the ears, around the eyes and reaching the cheeks. These are fiery color. Two tan markings are placed below the eyebrows.
Short History of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois
This breed was created by Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour of Chateau Virelade, who came into possession of the only specimens of the Saintongeois hound to survive the French Revolution (one female and two males). (The Saintongeois is now considered an extinct breed.) These he mated with Grand Bleu de Gascognes from the kennel of the Baron de Ruble. The first-generation offspring were of such magnificent quality that the two men continued to breed in such manner, and the resulting descendants were given the name “Grand Gascon-Saintongeois”.
The Grand Gascon-Saintongeois was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.
Temperament
In addition to audacious hunting skill and great courage and titled personality, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is also holding a great mild, gentle and affectionate temperament. A keen hunter with great skill in fields and enthusiastic dog while at home. The calm, mild and gentle behavior of the dog makes it an endearing pet of the families, he belongs. An outstanding family companion, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois eagerly strives to please the owners and would always like to be acquainted with given commands in a short time. Being mild, the dog behaves nicely with children in the families. Though, it is sociable but socialization is paramount, a well-socialized dog can become an outstanding companion and playing buddy of kids. These dogs used to hunt in packs therefore it can get along with other dogs harmoniously. The breed is endowed with a natural hunting talent therefore care must be taken and never let smaller pets around this breed. Being having a strong prey drive, it can hunt them. Generally good with those he knows but can show aggression towards unfamiliar persons. In order to curb out the unwanted behavioral issues, you should socialized well your dogs in early ages along with positive training. They are intelligent and training these dogs is not an issue or they never pose any challenge during training. They would like to respond respectfully to positive training methods.
Caring for Your Grand Gascon Saintongeois
Grooming & Bathing
These dogs have very little grooming needs. The short smooth coat practically cleans itself as it naturally repels dirt. Regular brushing would remove dead hair and maintain the good condition of the skin and the coat. As with other breeds of hunting dogs with pendant ears, this breed is also prone to ear infection. Regular ear cleaning is necessary.
Exercise & Training
The Grand Gascon Saintongeois dog breed is most probably well suited to kennel life or houses with large but enclosed and fenced yards. Being a working breed, it would like to have plenty of daily exercises for its fitness. You should never keep them in an apartment with improper daily physical exertion and activities. Never left it alone for prolong periods because it will get boring and may become destructive. It will excel in large spaces. It must have at least a long walk when not applied on any hunting task.
Grand Gascon Saintongeois Picture Gallery
