Grand Gascon-Saintongeois - photo: M. de Haas-Hiemstra
The Gascon-Saintongeois has been created in 1845 by crossing two old French Hounds. After the death of Marquis de la Porte aux Loups his dogs were inherited by Baron de Carayon-Latour. De Carayon-Latour had also Saintongeois from De Saint Legier. De Carayon-Latour wishes to restablish the hunt with a pack of hounds. As the Saintongeois were weakened by in-breeding De Carayon-Latour needed fresh blood. He found that in the Bleus de Gascogne of Baron de Ruble.
This crossing did not give the reconstruction of the Saintongeois but created a new breed: the Gascon-Saintongeois. The Bleu-blood was too dominant.
Another name of the Gascon-Saintongeois is Chien de Virelade, to the Castle of Virelade where De Carayon-Latour lived.
The Gascon-Saintongeois exists in two types: the Grand Gascon-Saintongeois and the Petit Gascon-Saintongeois.
The coat is white with black spots and brown markings above the eyes.