Discover Everything About Petit Gascon Saintongeois
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Petit Gascon Saintongeois overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is considered a robust breed, primarily kept for hunting, with few known hereditary health issues, which is why it receives a solid B grade. Since there are hardly any breed-specific genetic tests, buyers should primarily check for hip dysplasia (HD) in the parent dogs. In addition, their large, floppy ears are prone to chronic ear infections, and there is a breed-typical risk of acute gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Height
54–62 cm
Weight
23–26 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Petit Gascon Saintongeois, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Petit Gascon Saintongeois right for you?
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a tireless, sharp-nosed pack hound—bred for hours of hare hunting in a pack, where his nose and his distinctive voice take absolute control.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a highly specialized partner for tracking, mantrailing, or blood tracking, as simple walks will never satisfy that nose.
- You live in the countryside, ideally have a securely fenced garden, and aren't bothered by a resonant hunting howl.
- You already have a confident dog or can offer him close connection to a stable group of dogs, as he is a true pack animal.
- You lead with patience and can accept that a fresh scent trail will always be more interesting to him than blind obedience.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that will reliably stay off-leash with you in the woods—he was bred to follow trails for kilometers completely independently and loudly.
- You live in a thin-walled city apartment where his deep baying would immediately lead to neighborhood disputes.
- You would have to leave him alone regularly for several hours on weekdays—as a genetic pack worker, he suffers immensely when isolated.
The real vibes check
At home, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois is often as gentle and inconspicuous as a shadow—but as soon as he catches the scent of a hare outside, a switch flips. You aren't getting a dog that eagerly follows commands, but a passionate specialist who perceives the world primarily through scents. If you admire this hunting independence rather than fighting it, you will gain a deeply relaxed, charming companion.
Breed Profile
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a French hound breed that belongs to FCI Group 6, Section 1, the hounds. Originally, it was bred for hunting hares and other game in the regions of Gascony and Saintonge. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is characterized by its slender but muscular build, with an elegant head, long, hanging ears, and expressive, dark eyes. Its short, white coat is often speckled with orange or tan markings. The breed is known for its endurance, speed, and a strong hunting instinct, combined with a friendly and affectionate nature, which also makes it popular as a family dog. Within the breed, there are slight differences in size and appearance, which can vary depending on the bloodline.
| Height | 54 - 59 cm (Female), 56 - 62 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 23 - 25 kg (Female), 24 - 26 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 13 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, self-confident |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more. |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the Petit Gascon Saintongeois begins in the 19th century in the southwest region of France, particularly in the historic provinces of Gascogne and Saintonge. These hunting dogs were specifically bred for tracking game, especially hares and roe deer. Their excellent nose, endurance, and speed made them very popular with hunters. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a smaller variant of the Gascon Saintongeois and was specially developed for hunting in densely vegetated areas. The breed has been preserved over time through careful breeding and is today a valued companion for hunting as well as a lively family dog.
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a French hunting dog that was specifically bred for rabbit hunting.
France
1800
Character & Temperament
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a lively and intelligent hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell and strong work motivation. He is very people-oriented and shows a close bond with his family, being especially friendly and patient with children. His temperament is balanced, but he requires regular physical and mental exercise to fully develop his potential. As a versatile hunting dog, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois is particularly suitable for tracking and retrieving. He has a keen nose and works with great endurance and concentration. Despite his hunting drive, he is easy to control and usually appears calm and balanced in everyday life when sufficiently occupied. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois learns quickly and is grateful for consistent but loving training. He can stay alone well but needs regular contact with his people. Due to his high energy and work drive, it is important to give him meaningful tasks to avoid boredom and unwanted behavior. He is usually friendly with strangers but also shows a healthy level of alertness, making him a reliable companion. His prey drive is present but controllable if training begins early. Overall, the Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a loyal, hardworking, and balanced dog, well suited both as a hunting partner and as a family dog.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Petit Gascon Saintongeois: The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a French hunting dog known for its exceptional nose – it can scent game so well that it is often called the "bloodhound of the Pyrenees." Despite its size, it is a true endurance runner and accompanies hunters for hours through rough terrain.
What Awaits You
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is a lively and friendly hunting dog from France. It is characterized by its endurance and pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are active and require a lot of exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are easy to train and are especially suitable for hunting, but also as loyal family companions.
Housing & Care
Petit Gascon Saintongeois are lively and friendly dogs that are well suited as family companions. They are very affectionate and enjoy being close to their people, but require sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. Due to their active nature, they are especially suitable for families with access to a garden or rural environment, but can also live in the city if enough exercise is ensured. When dealing with children, they usually show patience and affection, although supervision with small children is advisable to avoid misunderstandings. Petit Gascon Saintongeois generally get along well with other dogs and pets, especially if socialized early. Overall, they are loyal and lively companions who need a lot of attention and activity.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Petit Gascon Saintongeois: The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is an intelligent and hardworking hunting dog that requires consistent and patient training. Similar to a Labrador or German Shepherd, it is important to encourage its natural instincts and provide it with varied activities. It learns quickly but also shows a certain independence, which is why a calm and positive training approach is crucial. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is well suited for hunting activities, retrieving games, and search tasks where it can use its keen nose and sense of smell. At the same time, care should be taken not to overwhelm it and to allow sufficient rest periods. Frustration tolerance and impulse control are important training elements to avoid unwanted behavior. Early socialization and building a trusting bond are essential, as the dog is very people-oriented and relies on clear leadership. Positive, reward-based training promotes cooperation and makes the Petit Gascon Saintongeois a balanced and reliable companion – both in everyday life and at work.
Nutrition & Care
Petit Gascon Saintongeois: The Petit Gascon Saintongeois requires a balanced diet with high-quality, protein-rich food that contains all essential nutrients to support its energy and health. Due to its active nature, it is important to monitor its weight and avoid overfeeding. Its short, dense coat is easy to care for but requires regular brushing, about once a week, to remove loose hair and keep the skin healthy. During the shedding periods in spring and autumn, increased hair loss may occur, and more intensive brushing is recommended. The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is well adapted to a temperate climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is considered a robust breed, primarily kept for hunting, with few known hereditary health issues, which is why it receives a solid B grade. Since there are hardly any breed-specific genetic tests, buyers should primarily check for hip dysplasia (HD) in the parent dogs. In addition, their large, floppy ears are prone to chronic ear infections, and there is a breed-typical risk of acute gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check and clean his long, hanging ears and ensure he is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints to avoid later problems.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, eyes, and hearts of the parent animals tested and pay attention to ears that are not too heavy to reduce risks in the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Petit Gascon Saintongeois
Is a Petit Gascon Saintongeois the right dog for me?
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Petit Gascon Saintongeois live?
The average life expectancy of a Petit Gascon Saintongeois is 10-13 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Petit Gascon Saintongeois need?
Petit Gascon Saintongeois grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Petit Gascon Saintongeois good for families with children?
The Petit Gascon Saintongeois can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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