Chien D’ Artois

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Chien D' Artois (also know as Artois Hound, 'Picard Briquet' is a medium size French Hound dog with a musculature, athletic and sturdy body. The body is slightly longer than tall. The head is large and strong and back is medium in length. The eyes are large and prominent while large flopped ears are set at eye level. The dog stands between 20-23 inches and weighs between 40-55 lbs. It has a short, thick and flat coat that comes in many colours.

A well constructed dog, the Chien D' Artois gives the impression of strength and energy. It is an ancient French breed and has been used in packs to hunt hares, foxes and other small game. The breed has been bred true since 15th century but the it decreased in numbers during the French Revolution. Careful selection methods and a strict breeding program were successful in reviving the original Chien d'Artois in the 20th century and this lovely hound is now a fairly common hunting dog and an amenable companion for working homes in rural France.

The dog is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by FCI.

Color

Common colours for this dog are dark fawn tricolour, similar to the coat of the hare or the badger, with mantle or large patches, the head usually fawn, sometimes with black overlay. Main colours are tan and black and white in any combination.

Coat

The coat is short, thick and flat and does not require much of grooming.

Personality

The Chien D' Artois is a balanced, calm and brave dog. A scenthound and hunter par excellence, the dog is very loyal and courageous. It is a hardy dog that can work tirelessly throughout the day. Though bred to hunt hares, the dog can also hunt deers, boars and other small to medium game equally well. It is a clever dog that takes advantage of it prey's faults. It has a strong sense of smell and can out manoeuvre hares. It can hunt deers beautifully by driving them to a certain direction where its master is ready to take down the prey. The dog is equally gifted to hunt boars by stirring them up with bravery and intrepidity. The dog is calm and obedient to its master and family and will usually follow the commands but it does have an independent nature and may become headstrong and willful if not properly trained. It can get along well with other dogs in the house since it is accustomed to living in packs. The dog needs to be trained not to harm small non-canine animals as it has a strong prey drive. Firm and consistent training will minimize stubbornness and the dog will become a true loving, loyal and efficient family pet.

Care

Short, smooth coat of this dog does not need frequent grooming. It can be in top condition if brushed once or twice a week. The dog should be bathe when necessary. A rub over the body with damp cloth will take care of the bathing but it should be bathed if and when necessary. Ears should be checked for infection.

Training

The dog is willful and headstrong occasionally and will need a firm owner who can set clear rules for the dog to follow. Consistent and firm training is also needed for this dog.

Activity

Being a working dog, it has lots of exercise need and will need to be provided with ample physical and mental stimulation. It is an ideal jogging and hiking companion. It can fit into apartment life but ideal setting will be in a house with a large or medium yard where the dog can play and run. When outdoor, it should never be off-leashed in open and insecure spaces as it can take off after an interesting smell. On such occasions, the dog will not listen to its master's calls and will return only after it has reached origin of the smell.