At a glance the quick version
Great variety: males 65-72, females 62-68 cm. Small variety: males 56-62, females 54-59 cm (FCI).
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
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
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
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
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
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Gascon Saintongeois. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and your vet can help you adjust portions.13 Furry Diary 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.14 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect its short coat.15 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days. This also helps you check for any skin issues.15 Furry Diary 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.15 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
This breed needs plenty of daily running, scent work, or long walks to stay content. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily walks and play. It's a high-energy hound that thrives with active owners.12 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never push anything into the ear canal.15 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 21 Gascon Saintongeois fci.beused for classification, sizes, coat, colour, temperament, history
- Gascon Saintongeois - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, uses, recognition
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.