Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonBasenji is originated from Congo but Grand Gascon Saintongeois is originated from France. Basenji may grow 30 cm / 11 inches shorter than Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Basenji may weigh 22 kg / 48 pounds lesser than Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Both Basenji and Grand Gascon Saintongeois has same life span. Both Basenji and Grand Gascon Saintongeois has same litter size. Both Basenji and Grand Gascon Saintongeois requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Gun dog
undefined
Congo
France
Height Male:
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
Height Female:
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Virelade
Colors Available:
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
White with black patches
Coat:
short
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

basenjiThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

grand gascon saintongeoisKnown also as the Virelade, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois hails from the Saintongeois region of France, being a newish addition to the hunting dog breed.

The Saintongeois hound and the Grand Blue de Gascogne are the ancestors of this scentdog as these two breeds themselves, are exceptional hunters. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large dog and favored by the French nobility for its ability to hunt.

After the French Revolution the popularity of the breed waned. It was Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour who tried to revive the Saintongeois Hound. The dogs were mated with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and were so outstanding that breeding was continued. The breed that was created is the Grand Gascon Saintongeois which we know today.

It was in January 1993 that the Grand Gascon Saintongeois was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club.

Description

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

grand gascon saintongeois puppy - descriptionThe Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large, well built breed of dog that looks strong and robust. His head is strong and covered with loose skin that forms wrinkles around the cheeks. He stands at 61-73cm and weighs 30 to 35kg.

He has straight, long legs. He has a short, smooth coat which is white with black patches. Sometimes you'll also find a speckled or ticked pattern. There'll be tan dots over the eyes.

The eyes are brown, the nose black and the long, thin textured ears are low on the dogs head and also well back on the skull. The tail is long.

Temperament:

He is known for his deep voice to voice an opinion. He is a loving, friendly, courageous and affectionate breed with a well balanced temperament, making him a splendid pet. He is also intelligent and so he won't battle at all to learn some rules. Training and socialization will be good for him even though he is such an amicable dog already, but then he just becomes extra obedient.

Characteristics

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

grand gascon saintongeois dog - characteristicsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a true hunting dog breed and valued for his hunting prowess. He has another side to him though and is gentle, loving and calm with his human family.

He makes a wonderful family companion, getting on well with children as well as pets in the home. He may show a bit of aggression to strangers and this is why training and socialization works so well with him as it helps him behave well around family and strangers.

Training is never a problem as he is an intelligent dog. He is an energetic dog and won't fit well into city life in tiny properties, also because of his tendency to bark when bored. He fits well into country life or large properties.

When you provide your large pet with good food, a warm place to sleep, exercise and plenty of love and attention, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is going to turn out to be one of the most loyal, affectionate pets you can imagine.

Health Problems

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

grand gascon saintongeois puppies - health problemsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a robust dog, who with good care can reach up to 14 years of age. You're not going to be running to the vet often with this strong looking dog, but even so, there are one to two problems that you'll want to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Long-eared dogs are more susceptible to canine ear infections. The symptoms of the infection will be dependent on how severe it is. Certainly your dog may experience pain and you'll see him shaking his head and pawing at his ear. If both ears are affected by inflammation, he may even walk in a wobbly fashion and the infection could lead to deafness. It is imperative that he get to the vet as soon as possible.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the ball and socket joint of the hip is malformed. It results in a joint rubbing and grinding. It can lead to loss of function of the hip joints. It is a common skeletal disease in young or old dogs, small or large dogs and in both males and females.

Large dogs are more commonly affected though with hip dysplasia which can see arthritis developing too. Your dog will display decreased activity and difficulty with standing up after lying down. Veterinary intervention will be required.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

grand gascon saintongeois dogs - caringThese large dogs with their short smooth coats have very little grooming needs. Regular brushing twice a week will remove dead hair and also ensure the good condition of the coat.

He has long ears and these will need to be checked regularly to avoid ear infections. It will be a good idea to learn how to clean the ears and to do it in such a way as to avoid damaging them. Signs of ear infection include redness, discharge, irritation and bad odor.

Diet:

Following the feeding instructions on the packaging of top quality kibble, provide your Grand Gascon Saintongeois with at least 2 meals a day. To steer away from the monotony of kibble every day, mix in some raw meat from time to time, and also include some cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables as a tasty treat. Fresh, cool water should always be easily accessible to him.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Basenji vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Basenji vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Basenji vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Basenji vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Basenji vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Basenji vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Basenji vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Basenji vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Basenji vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Basenji vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Basenji vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Basenji vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Basenji vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Basenji vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Basenji vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Basenji vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Basenji vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Basenji vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Basenji vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Basenji vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Basenji vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Basenji vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Basenji vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Basenji vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Basenji vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison