Gascon Saintongeois
Temperament
Calm, Affectionate
[1]Two French varieties, Great and Small
FCI Standard No. 21 treats the French Gascon Saintongeois as Great and Small varieties, both classified as scent hounds.
[1]How the two varieties developed
In the FCI history, the Great variety arose in the mid-19th century from the last Saintonge hounds crossed with Bleu de Gascogne. Hunters selected the Small variety from smaller Great dogs in the mid-20th century, originally for hare hunting.
[1]Hunting work and heights by variety
The Great works with a pack or alone for shooting, including big game and hare: males 65–72 cm, females 62–68 cm. The Small is a versatile shooting hound specializing in hare but also hunting big game: males 56–62 cm, females 54–59 cm. A 1 cm tolerance applies above and below.
[1]White with black patches and pale tan
The short, close coat is white with black patches and sometimes limited ticking. Black head patches cover ears and surround the eyes; pale tan is preferred on the cheeks, with tan above the eyes. A dead-leaf-coloured mark may occur at the upper thigh.
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