Additonal Breeds Starting
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COUNTRY:
France
WEIGHT:
66-71 pounds
HEIGHT:
25-28 inches
COLOR:
Tricolor; with tan only in spots on head,
black restricted to head and a few body spots,
and the white body having some black ticking
throughout
OTHER
NAMES: Virelade
REGISTRY:
FCI
GROUP:
Hound
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The Saintongeois
region of France is on the western coast, just north of Gascony and below
Poitou. Prior to the French Revolution, the famous hounds of Saintongeois
were acclaimed for hunting the wolf. But following the fall of the nobility,
the breed fell into disuse and only scattered specimens of the Saintongeois
remained, along with tales of the breed's greatness. In the 1840s, Baron
de Virelade crossed what few remaining specimens he could find with the
robust Grand Gasconies to create the Gascon-Saintongeois breed. Although
formally named for the breeds from which they came, this breed (especially
the large size) is often called the Virelade after their creator.
These dogs are
nearly as large as the Grand Bleu but are more powerful with a breathtaking,
elastic gallop. Originally used for roe deer, they are strong enough for
larger game, and today hunt deer, fox and boar. Their ultra-sensitive
sense of smell makes them adaptable to and competent in all forms of hunting.
A gentle and affectionate hound off the field, the breed is, unfortunately,
quite rare today. In 1986, only ten packs were left in France.
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