In humans, an aristocratic nose is described as a “schnoz” with a prominent bridge that gives it the appearance of being curved or slightly bent.  With regards to Grand Gascon Saintongeois, we found no breed standard that mentions the word, “aristocratic,” but we promise! Virtually every informal description we read about the breed includes that word, and this is what we love about the dog in the photograph at the left. Is that not a quintessential aristocratic nose? 

We suppose it’s fitting that the breed was created by an aristocrat, Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour of Chateau Virelade. He came into possession of the only Saintongeois Hounds to survive the French Revolution (a breed now considered extinct)  He bred the dogs with the last descendants of the Bleu de Gascogne Grand from the kennel of the Baron de Ruble (another aristocrat), and the results were so spectacular that the breedings were continued. Resulting puppies were named, “Grand Gascon-Saintongeois.”

Today, the breed is recognized in two sizes: Grand (large) and Petite (smaller than the Grand, but certainly not a small dog.) The dogs still have a noble air, and are appreciated for their good nose, excellent voice, and beautiful gallop. They are instinctively pack dogs, and are said to be calm and affectionate.

Insert image found on Pinterest and “thought” to be by Denis La Jugla but attribution happily given upon receipt of information.