The Grand Gascon-Saintongeois is a French breed, created from the now-extinct Saintongeois Hound and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. A man named Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour came into ownership of some of the last surviving Saintongeois Hounds (most, if not all others, were killed during the French Revolution). These dogs were bred with the Grand Bleus from a kennel owned by the Baron de Ruble, and the resulting matings spurred from two men formed the basis of this new breed. The Grand Gascon came into existence in the mid-19th century and today is a powerful scenthound with an amazing sense of smell and incredible persistence in the hunt. The breed specializes in hunting large game such as wild boar, deer and fox – and can do so even in dense vegetation.
Grand Gascons have several qualities that are seen in many scenthounds. Their deep, powerful voices can be heard from far distances which is a blessing in the hunt but possibly unsavory for those living in close proximity to their neighbors! Also like many scenthounds, they were bred to hunt both individually as well as in packs, which means they’re generally very dog-friendly. When it comes to smaller pets, however, they might not be as trustworthy as they have a strong prey drive. Cat owners be forewarned.
The Grand Gascon-Saintongeois is intelligent, particularly when it comes to hunting strategy. Off the field, however, he wants to please and can be quite obedient and even easy to train (for a scenthound)! Obedience training is an absolute necessity to make sure this large hound understands and abides by the rules of the household. Puppies should be trained to accept being alone in a crate – a skill that is invaluable to most dogs. As the Grand Gascon doesn’t like to be left home alone, he needs to learn that sometimes this is an inevitability. While the breed doesn’t do well for extended periods of alone-time day after day, he should learn that a few hours alone won’t kill him!
The Grand Gascon tends to carry himself in a dignified manner in the home, being calm and gentle with people. He is affectionate to his owners and patient when it comes to children. With strangers, he may be much more guarded until he gets to know them. Early socialization is necessary to keep him from becoming overly shy towards new people. When brought up in the correct way, however, he is an extremely sweet and loving dog who can make a wonderful companion.
Grand Gascon-Saintongeois need to live in a home with a large fenced yard. Alternatively they can be kept as outdoor kennel dogs but only as long as they are exercised daily and also taken out hunting on an extremely regular basis. These hounds need to run (and ideally hunt)! They make horrible apartment dogs because of their loud voices, large size, and need for space. Because they have always been primarily working (hunting) hounds, they have the high energy and stamina that one might expect from such a breed. As a whole, the Grand Gascon is generally a very healthy breed.
The coat of the Grand Gascon is short and tight, and is very easy to care for requiring only very infrequent bathing and brushing. It sheds only moderately. The color is always tricolor – with a white base, larger black patches and tan points. One of the most characteristic traits of this breed are the long hanging ears. Attached very low to the head, they should be exceedingly long and should reach to, or past, the point of the nose! The body should have tons of substance and plenty of muscle, and the chest should be deep. The tail is long and carried in a saber fashion.
