French White and Black Hound

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The French White and Black Hound (also known as the Francais Blanc et Noir and the French Black and White Hound) is a large pack hunting dog originating in France. It is a powerful and strongly built breed with a balanced impression. Originally developed to hunt small game, the French White and Black Hound, through resilience and stamina, is capable of hunting larger game like deer. Agile and very fast, the dog in action is a treat to watch while it springily follows a prey and easily covers the ground with big leaps.

The dog has a large head that is in proportion to the body with a slightly doomed and narrow skull. Long muzzle is slightly arched. Black nose has open nostrils while dark eyes hold intelligent and trusting expression. Moderate length ears are set at eye level and slightly curled. Long neck is strong and may have a slight dewlap. This breed has a long firm back, a deep chest that reaches the point of the elbows, a well muscled loin and a flank that is slightly tucked up. The whip like tail has an elegant appearance. Thick at the base, the long tail is carried upright when the dog is hunting. The coat is short and dense with black and white hair. Skin under white hair is white and black under black hair. Most dogs come with a black mantle or saddle.

This breed is developed using three magnificent dogs with an aim to create a super hunting dog with stamina and endurance that would surpass the capabilities of other hunting dogs. The dog was developed in early 1900's by Henri de Falandre through careful crossings between Saintongeois and the Bleu de Gascogne, the two breeds known for powerful, gallop and size and extra ordinary sense of smell respectively. Later the English Foxhound was added to the gene pool to ensure that the new breed will have maximum power and endurance as well as passion for hunting, devotion and docility to its master. This gave rise to this one of the most prized and valued breeds in France.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however it is recognized by some other kennel clubs like KC, FCI etc.

Color

The French White and Black Hound comes primarily in white and black colour; hence the name. This obligatory colouring may be accompanied by a black mantle or with more or less extended markings with black or bluish or tan speckles. Speckling is permitted only on legs.

Coat

The dog has a short and dense coat. The skin under white hair is white and similarly skin under black hair is black. It is a low maintenance coat.

Personality

The French White and Black Hound is an affectionate and loyal dog breed. The dog has an even temperament and it is docile and submissive to its master and family. Playful and energetic, the French White and Black Hound makes excellent playmate for children and gets along great with them with its patient and gentle approach. This breed is accustomed to living in packs; thus creates no trouble around other dogs in the family. Though non-aggressive and social, the dog is attentive to its surroundings and uses its throaty deep voice to signal arrival of an stranger. Never expect this dog to be protective as it will walk away from a potentially threatening situation. It is a social and human oriented breed that can wag its tail to welcome strangers. As a hunting dog, the French White and Black Hound is a treat to watch in action, galloping tirelessly after the prey. Its agility and strong scenting sense makes it a versatile hunter, one that is relentless and diligent in its job. It is a hard working dog that makes its owners proud by its exceptional hunting capabilities. An avid and accomplished hunter of small and larger game, the dog makes an excellent family pet.

Care

Short coat of this breed is low maintenance in nature and requires only weekly brushing with hard bristle brush to keep it clean. Bathe only when necessary. A thorough rubdown with a wet chamois cloth will keep the coat shiny. Ears should be regularly checked for infection.

Training

Due to its need for human attention and eagerness to please and impress its owner, the French White and Black Hound generally responds well to basic training and commands. This intelligent breed has the ability to learn to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach. Establishing immediate trust and respect is key to successfully training the French White and Black Hound. These dogs require a confident, patient, and caring handler with a stern yet gentle approach to repetitive exercises and tasks.

Activity

As an active and high energy dog, it requires lots of physical stimulation. It is not a dog to be used just as an indoor house pet. It will love to go out in the open spaces and run and play as it likes. The dog will require daily walks and tasks to do to be happy and content. This dog is not suitable for apartment life due to high exercise needs. Though relatively inactive indoors, the dog will be best suited in a suburban or rural setting where it has large space to roam around.