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Gascon Saintongeois
Hound breed from Saintonge, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Gascon Saintongeois
The Gascon Saintongeois is a large, noble French scenthound with a distinctive tricolor coat and an elegant appearance. Bred for hunting large game, it is known for its superb nose, melodious voice, and pack-hunting endurance. This breed is gentle, calm, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and work-focused. It has a short coat that is tricolored. The breed's recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 30–35 kg, and estimated adult height is 65–71 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11–13 years. The breed has a high energy level (4 out of 5) and high trainability (4 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), and shedding is moderate (3 out of 5). It is generally suitable with children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), but less suited for apartment living (2 out of 5).
Quick facts
Gascon Saintongeois at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupHound
OriginSaintonge, France
Lifespan11–13 years
Male weight30–35 kilogram
Female weight30–35 kilogram
Male height65–71 centimetre
Female height65–71 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Gascon Saintongeois originates from the Saintonge region of France. According to one source, the breed was developed in the mid-19th century by Comte Joseph de Carayon-Latour, who crossed the last remaining Saintonge Hounds with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It was originally used for hunting wolves and later for hunting deer and wild boar. The breed is recognized by the FCI, but overall recognition status varies by registry. The exact timeline and details of its development are not fully documented, and some information may be based on historical accounts rather than verified records.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
30–35 kilogramAdult weight65–71 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolorRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentlecalmaffectionateloyalintelligentwork-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Gascon Saintongeois-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Gascon Saintongeois puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight30–35 kilogramAdult female weight30–35 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Gascon Saintongeois?
The Gascon Saintongeois is a large breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 30–35 kg, and estimated adult height is 65–71 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11–13 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of the Gascon Saintongeois?
The breed is described as gentle, calm, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and work-focused. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every dog will exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Gascon Saintongeois need?
The breed has a high energy level (rated 4 out of 5), so it likely requires substantial daily exercise. It was developed for hunting large game and has endurance for pack hunting, so activities like long walks, runs, or scent work are beneficial.
What are the grooming requirements?
The Gascon Saintongeois has a short coat and low grooming needs (rated 2 out of 5). Shedding is moderate (rated 3 out of 5). Regular brushing and occasional baths should suffice.
Is the Gascon Saintongeois good with children and other dogs?
The breed is rated 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for dog compatibility, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament and socialization play a significant role.
Can a Gascon Saintongeois live in an apartment?
This breed is less suited for apartment living (rated 2 out of 5) due to its large size and high energy level. A home with a yard is more appropriate.
Where does the Gascon Saintongeois originate from?
The breed originates from the Saintonge region of France. It was developed in the mid-19th century by crossing Saintonge Hounds with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, according to one source.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.