Grand Gascon Saintongeois
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Grand (Great) Gascon Saintongeois is the larger of the two size varieties that the FCI describes in a single Gascon Saintongeois standard; the UKC lists it as a breed of its own. It was created in the mid-19th century, when Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour crossed the last descendants of the declining Hound of Saintonge with Baron de Ruble's Bleu de Gascogne. The FCI classes it as a large-sized scenthound used for shooting, sometimes big game and also hare, in a pack or alone as a sleuth. The coat is short and tight, white with black patches and tan markings above the eyes; the FCI gives 65–72 cm for males and 62–68 cm for females.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 62–72cm |
| Breed group | FCI: 6 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
No breed-specific screening named in the standards
Neither the FCI nor the UKC standard for this variety discusses health beyond the FCI's general rule that only functionally and clinically healthy dogs should be used for breeding, and neither names a breed-specific screening programme. Ask your vet what routine checks suit a large, active scenthound.
Behaviour
Pack hound: calm, affectionate, amenable
The FCI standard describes a pack hound par excellence — fine-nosed, wide-casting, with a very sonorous voice, joining the pack instinctively — and calm, affectionate and amenable to orders. The UKC standard uses almost the same words: an excellent pack dog with a fine nose and a sonorous voice, calm, affectionate and agreeable. Aggressive or overly shy dogs are disqualified under the FCI standard.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
FCI nomenclature — Gascon Saintongeois (standard no. 21, group 6), Great and Small varieties
One FCI standard covers both size varieties: history, appearance, temperament, and separate withers heights for the Great and the Small.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-29
United Kennel Club — Grand Gascon-Saintongeois breed standard
UKC Scenthound Group standard (revised 2009): history, appearance, temperament and height — males 25.5–28 in, females 24.5–27 in.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-29
Sources
- [1]FCI-Standard No. 21 — Gascon Saintongeois (Great and Small), 08.08.2023 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-29)
- [2]Grand Gascon-Saintongeois — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-29)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.