Grand gascon saintongeois

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Here, you will find all the useful information about grand gascon saintongeois. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

Developed in the middle of the 19th century in France, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a recently developed breed of dog. There are two types differentiated by their height at the withers, one rather large and high on legs, and another smaller one called the "Petit Gascon Saintongeois" which appeared later, at the beginning of the 20th century. Developed by Joseph de Carayon-Latour, he is credited with the full paternity of the breed, mainly created for hare hunting. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is the result of a cross between the Bleus de Gascogne and the Saintonge dog, the founder's wish being to update the latter's somewhat ageing characteristics, a declining breed which disappeared shortly after the creation of the Gascon Saintongeois. It was recognised by the International Cynological Federation on 10 August 1963, and its current standard was published on 6 March 2007.

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large, rather lanky and athletic dog, and despite its apparent frailty, it is solidly built throughout. Also known as the Virelade dog, it has an elegant, ample and regular gait. His head type is representative of French hunting dogs, his body is slightly longer than it is tall, fitting into a rectangle. The topline is discreetly curved, stocky and strong, with a powerful hindquarters, lean muscles and a well developed chest. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a powerful dog with exceptional stamina, legendary endurance and hard work that makes him a trusted teammate. Like all French hunting dogs, he has a formidable sense of smell and once he has scented a prey, he never lets go. Their coat is short, compact and close, mostly white with black patches, with a few speckles permitted by the breed standard.

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is an excellent tracker, tracking medium and large game without difficulty. They are very adaptable, no matter what the weather conditions or environment, and are at ease with all kinds of prey. Its formidable sense of smell is particularly appreciated by French hunters. The Gascon Saintongeois can work independently or in a pack, its stamina as well as its intelligence makes it excel in many fields. They are docile and pleasant companions, adapting naturally to life indoors, where they are calm and attentive, provided that their energy needs are met. Affectionate and demonstrative, it is a remarkable family dog, endearing, faithful and attentive to its environment, it will bring softness and tenderness to all members of the house.

Adult: The Grand Gascon Saintongeois will weigh 70.5-79 lbs and will stand 25.5-28" for males and 24.5-26.5" for females.

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Origins

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a dog breed originating from the southwest of France, mainly from the regions of Gascony and Saintonge. Its ancestors date back to the 18th century, when a crossbreeding between the Gray Saintonge Dog and the Blue Gascony was carried out to create a hunting dog specialized in tracking large game such as deer and wild boar. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is appreciated for its exceptional sense of smell, endurance, and ability to work in a pack, essential qualities for hunting in difficult terrain.

History

The history of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois begins in the 18th century with the crossing of the Saintonge Gray Dog and the Gascony Blue to improve hunting abilities. This breed quickly gained popularity among hunters for its ability to track big game over long distances and in difficult terrain. In the 19th century, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois almost disappeared, but thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, it was preserved and stabilized. Today, it is still used for hunting, especially in hunts and big game drives.

Standard

The standard of the Great Gascon Saintongeois breed describes a large dog, measuring between 65 and 72 cm at the withers for males, and slightly less for females. Its weight varies from 32 to 35 kg. The body is long and well-proportioned, with powerful musculature. The head is elongated with a slightly convex skull and drooping ears. The eyes are dark in color, expressing great intelligence and vigilance. The coat is short and dense, generally white with black spots, often marked with blue flecks.

Physical characteristics

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is an athletic and elegant dog, characterized by a long and muscular body, strong limbs, and a noble head. Its short and dense coat is typically white with black spots and sometimes blue speckles, giving the coat a distinctive appearance. The ears are long and drooping, adding to its majestic appearance. The eyes, often dark in color, convey an expression of gentleness and intelligence. The tail is long and carried like a saber, emphasizing its noble and powerful appearance, suited for hunting large game.

Character

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is known for its balanced, courageous, and sociable temperament. As a hunting dog, it is passionate and determined, with exceptional scenting abilities and great endurance. In the family, it is affectionate, loyal, and patient, although it may be reserved with strangers. Its sociable nature makes it compatible with other dogs. It is intelligent and responds well to training, but can sometimes show some independence. This dog is devoted to its master and enjoys interactions with its family.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is generally between 10 and 12 years. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is essential to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Owners should be vigilant about signs of aging and adjust care accordingly, including regular health checks to detect and treat potential problems early. Special attention should be given to its diet and exercise needs to maintain optimal fitness throughout its life.

Exercise and activity needs

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is an energetic hunting dog that requires a lot of exercise to stay healthy and balanced.

Recommended diet

The diet of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois must be balanced and adapted to its level of activity. High-quality food, rich in proteins and healthy fats, is essential to maintain its muscle mass and energy. Portions should be adjusted according to its age, weight, and physical activity. It is recommended to divide the daily portion into two meals to avoid digestive problems. Dietary supplements, such as omega-3 for joints and coat health, can be beneficial but should be given under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Training and obedience

The education of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. Intelligent and with a strong hunting instinct, he can sometimes be independent and stubborn. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are particularly effective with this breed. It is crucial to start training at a young age to establish solid foundations and encourage desirable behaviors. Early socialization is also essential to make him comfortable with various situations, people, and animals. Short, stimulating training sessions will help maintain his interest.

Behavior with children

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is generally gentle and patient with children, making it an excellent family companion. Its balanced temperament and affectionate nature allow it to get along well with younger children, provided that they are respectful and supervised in their interactions. However, due to its size and energy, it is important to supervise interactions with young children to avoid unintentional accidents. Teaching children how to interact appropriately with the dog is crucial to ensure a harmonious and safe cohabitation.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois, thanks to its pack instinct, generally gets along well with other dogs. However, due to its strong hunting instinct, it may be tempted to chase smaller animals such as cats or rodents. Early socialization and gradual introduction to other pets are essential to encourage harmonious cohabitation. With proper training and supervised interactions, it can learn to live peacefully with a variety of pets, although it is important to remain vigilant about its instinctive reactions.

Grooming needs

The grooming of the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is relatively simple thanks to its short and dense coat. A weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hairs and maintain the shine of its coat. Baths are only necessary on an occasional basis, typically when it is particularly dirty. It is crucial to regularly check and clean its drooping ears to prevent infections. Claws should be trimmed regularly, and teeth should be brushed to prevent dental problems. A regular grooming routine contributes to the overall health of the dog.

Health

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is generally a robust breed, but like all dogs, it can be subject to certain health conditions. Common problems include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and some eye disorders. Regular veterinary care is essential to detect and treat these problems early. A balanced diet, adequate exercise, and parasite prevention also contribute to maintaining good health. Responsible breeders conduct health tests on their breeding dogs to minimize the risks of hereditary diseases and ensure the quality of puppies.

Average price

The average price of a Grand Gascon Saintongeois puppy varies depending on several factors, including the breeder's reputation, lineage, and geographical location. In Europe, particularly in France, the price of a puppy generally ranges between 800 and 1500 euros. In the United States, the price can vary between 1000 and 2000 dollars. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who tests their dogs for hereditary diseases and raises their puppies in optimal conditions. Investing in a high-quality puppy can prevent many long-term health problems.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Grand Gascon Saintongeois include food, veterinary care, grooming products, and accessories. On average, owners can expect to spend between 1000 and 1500 euros (or 1200 to 1800 dollars) per year. High-quality food costs around 400 to 600 euros per year. Routine veterinary care can cost 300 to 500 euros, and grooming as well as accessories add around 300 to 400 extra euros. These costs may vary depending on the dog's health and specific needs.

Name ideas

For a Grand Gascon Saintongeois, names like Athos, Bella, César, Diane, Éclair, Fantôme, Hector, Isis, Javelot and Kipling are appropriate. Athos evokes nobility and strength, ideal for a powerful dog. Bella symbolizes beauty and elegance. César is an imperial name, reflecting the majestic stature of the dog. Diane, goddess of the hunt, is perfect for a hunting dog. Éclair recalls speed and agility. Fantôme and Isis add a mystical touch, while Hector, Javelot and Kipling evoke historical and literary figures, enriching the dog's personality.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific legislation banning the possession of Grand Gascon Saintongeois. As with all dog breeds, owners must comply with local laws regarding dog ownership, including vaccination requirements, licenses, and animal control. In France, this breed is not classified as dangerous and therefore does not require any specific restrictions. However, it is recommended to check local regulations before acquiring a dog to ensure compliance with current legal requirements.

Official recognition

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard n°21. This recognition highlights the distinctive characteristics of the breed and provides guidelines for breeding. In France, it is also recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), the leading organization for dog breeds in France. This breed enjoys international recognition within cynological circles, ensuring its promotion and preservation through strict standards and controlled breeding programs.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for Grand Gascon Saintongeois can be obtained from the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) in France and other recognized canine registries. These documents detail the dogs' lineages, ensuring their purity and conformity to breed standards. Pedigrees are essential for breeders and serious owners who wish to maintain the genetic quality and health of the breed. They also allow to trace the history of each dog and guarantee the transmission of desirable traits to future generations, while minimizing the risks of hereditary diseases.

Destination and usage

The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is mainly used as a hunting dog, specialized in tracking big game such as deer and wild boar. Its exceptional sense of smell, endurance and determination make it a popular companion for hunters. Outside of hunting, this breed can also be an excellent family pet for active families who can meet its exercise and mental stimulation needs. Its sociable and loyal nature makes it a good guardian and a faithful companion, well-suited for active family life.

Prohibitions

There is currently no specific prohibition concerning the possession of Grand Gascon Saintongeois in countries around the world. This breed is not classified among dangerous breeds and is generally accepted as a hunting and companion dog. However, it is always wise to check local regulations regarding dog ownership, as some regions may have specific laws regarding the ownership of large dogs or certain breeds. Make sure to comply with local laws to avoid any legal issues.

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