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Artois Hound

Also known as: Chien d'Artois Picard Briquet

The Artois Hound originated in France, weighing 62-66 lb and standing 21-23 in tall. The Artois Hound comes from France, and typically weighs 28–30 kg. Individual Artois Hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Breed at a glance

Origin
France
Weight
28–30 kg (62–66 lb)
Height
53–58 cm (21–23 in)
Other names
Chien d'Artois Picard Briquet

About the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound originated in France, weighing 62-66 lb and standing 21-23 in tall. It is a medium-sized scent hound.

Overview

The Artois Hound or Chien D''Artois is a medium-sized breed of dog . A scent hound , the Artois was bred in northern France as a pack hunter. It is a rare breed today, but was popular in France before the 20th century. The breed was heavily crossbred and had to be reconstructed in the 1970s to more closely resemble the historical breed.

History

The Artois Hound are from Artois , in northern France . A similarly named dog was referenced as early as 1609, with Prince Alexandre de Gray mentioning "a pack of little d''Artois dogs" in a letter. During the 19th century, the Artois Hound was increasingly crossbred with British breeds. Le Couteulx de Canteleu, in the 1890 Manuel de Vénerie Française , writes that it was difficult to find a purebred Artois, but the breed remained one of the best breeds for hare hunting. In the 1880s, Ernest Levair in Picardy had attempted the re-establishment of the old Artois type. Another prominent breeder contemporary to Levair, Mallard also bred Artois, but his dogs were much less similar to the historical descriptions of the breed. Despite these efforts, however, WWII was very damaging for the breed and after the Second World War , the Artois was all but extinct. In the 1970s, a few aficionados, in particular Audrechy, decided to reconstitute the breed from a few remaining specimens, including those of the Prince de Conde . Thanks to these efforts, the modern-day Artois closely resembles the original. The modern Artois Hound is recognized by the FCI and the United Kennel Club.

Characteristics

The Artois is a medium-sized, muscular dog, about 53 to 58 centimetres (21 to 23 in) high at the withers and 28 to 30 kilograms (62 to 66 lb) . It has a square-shaped muzzle and long, low-hanging ears. Its tail is long and carried upwards in a sickle shape. The coat is short and typically dark fawn tricolor, "similar to a hare or badger." A scent hound, the Artois is a small pack hunter with a strong pack instinct. It has been used to hunt small game, as well as deer and wild boar. Like many hounds, it has a loud musical bark.

Considering a Artois Hound? Research breeders carefully, ask for health clearances, and consider adoption first. Check local shelters and breed-specific rescues before buying from a breeder.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key characteristics of the Artois Hound?

The Artois Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a square-shaped muzzle, long, low-hanging ears, and a long, carried upwards tail. Its coat is short and typically dark fawn tricolor, similar to a hare or badger. The breed stands 53 to 58 centimetres (21 to 23 in) high at the withers and weighs 28 to 30 kilograms (62 to 66 lb).

Is the Artois Hound a good family dog?

As a scent hound, the Artois Hound is naturally energetic and requires regular exercise. They can be suitable for families with older children who can provide the necessary attention and exercise. However, they may not be the best fit for very young children due to their strong prey drive and hunting instincts.

What health problems do Artois Hounds have?

As a rare breed, there is limited information available on specific health issues affecting the Artois Hound. However, like many breeds, they can be prone to general health issues such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on.

How much does a Artois Hound puppy cost?

The cost of an Artois Hound puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. As a rare breed, prices may be higher than for more common breeds. On average, expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 for a puppy, but this can range from $500 to $5,000 or more.

Where do Artois Hounds come from?

The Artois Hound comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.

Related breeds

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Artois Hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.