Overview
The Gascon Saintongeois comes in two sizes and was created in the nineteenth century by a French count from the last Saintongeois hounds crossed with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. It is a tall, elegant white hound with black patches and tan markings, kept in packs to hunt deer, boar and hare across rough country.
The breed is easy with people and other dogs and shows the classic pack hound calm at home. Outside, it is a scent-following machine with a voice that rolls across the hills.
Exercise and walking needs
Give the dog an hour and a half to two hours of activity a day. These hounds were built for long days behind big game and a short walk leaves them restless.
A long line on rough ground, a secure field and company from other dogs all help. Speed matters less than time spent moving and sniffing.
On the walk
- Recall: Poor in open country. Deer scent in particular takes this breed away for long distances. Keep it on a line unless fenced.
- Voice: Deep, loud and musical. It comes out on scent and in excitement. Plan routes away from houses.
- Pulling: Steady and strong with a scent ahead. A harness and a short lead near roads.
- Other dogs: Excellent. Pack hounds enjoy company and rarely argue. A calm, easy group dog.
Tips for professional walkers
- Pair the dog with other steady, active hounds; it is happier in company than alone.
- Carry treats for scavenging emergencies; pack hounds eat whatever they find.
- Pay attention to the ears after wet walks; long hound ears trap moisture.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog lived in a kennel or a house, and how settled is it indoors?
- Does it have any recall at all away from scent, and where has the owner tested it?
- Is there a secure field the owner uses, and is the dog safe with livestock?