Poitevin hound
Also known as: Chien du Haut-Poitou
The Poitevin hound is a French breed weighing 20.5-30.5 kg and standing 60-72 cm tall. The Poitevin hound comes from France, typically weighs 20.5–30.5 kg, and has a short coat. Individual Poitevin hounds vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Weight
- 20.5–30.5 kg (45–67 lb)
- Height
- 60–72 cm (24–28 in)
- Coat
- Short
- Colour
- Tricolour with black saddle
- Other names
- Chien du Haut-Poitou
About the Poitevin hound
The Poitevin hound is a French breed weighing 20.5-30.5 kg and standing 60-72 cm tall. Originating from France, it is a medium-sized scent hound.
Overview
The Poitevin , also known as the Chien de Haut-Poitou , is a breed of French scenthound from the province of Poitou , this predominantly pack hound was created in the 17th century to hunt wolves .
History
Poitevins descend from 12 English Staghounds that were gifted to the Dauphin of France in 1692. Some of the offspring of these hounds were given to François de Larrye, Marquis of Haut-Poitou, who crossed them with local hounds. The offspring of this crossbreeding resulted in strong, athletic tricoloured hounds that the Marquis used to hunt wolf , the first examples of the breed. In addition to the Larrye pack, two other packs of Poitevins were bred, both named after their owners, the Montemboeuf and Céris. These two packs were distinguished from the Larrye hounds in being bicoloured (orange and white), and both were considered inferior to the Larrye hounds. During the French Revolution , the fortunes of Poitevin suffered greatly. The then-Marquis de Larrye was beheaded in 1793 during the Reign of Terror , and the Larrye pack was dispersed and the breed almost disappeared. After the Revolution, two brothers, Emile and Arthur de la Besage of Montmorillon who lived in Poitou, sought to revive the breed. They collected whatever remaining Poitevins they could, including two from the Larrye pack, and reestablished a pack. In 1842, disaster struck the de la Besage hounds, with an outbreak of rabies in the kennels nearly destroying the pack. The breed was revived by the importation of English Foxhounds , a carefully considered crossbreeding program was implemented, and within three generations the Foxhound influence was barely perceptible within the pack. The breed suffered greatly during the First and Second World Wars , and at the end of the Second World War further outcrossings to English Foxhounds were necessary to reconstitute the breed.
Modern use
Whilst the Poitevin was originally created to hunt the wolf , several packs are still maintained in France but today are used to hunt boar and deer in the traditions of the ''Grande Vénérie''. The Poitevin was central to the development of the two most popular of France''s packhound breeds, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore and Chien Français Tricolore , as well as the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie .
Characteristics
The Poitevin is a refined, athletic hound with sighthound features. In appearance it looks like a mixture of a foxhound and a greyhound . The Poitevin typically stands 60 to 72 centimetres (24 to 28 in) at the withers and weighs 20.5 to 30.5 kilograms (45 to 67 lb) . They have a flat, gently sloping skull; a long, narrow tapering muzzle; a slender, well-muscled neck; long, straight, heavily boned legs and a long tail. The Poitevin''s short coat is usually tricolour; all other breeds of tricolour hounds are sometimes described as having Poitevin heritage. The Poitevin is renowned for its speed, stamina, scenting abilities and melodious voice whilst hunting. Packs have been known to reach speeds of 56 kilometres per hour (35 mph) and to hunt for up to seven hours. In his book La Vénerie , Pierre de Cossé Brissac, 12th Duke of Brissac said of the Poitevin "He is able to chase the quarry more than 7 hours. Because of his speed, the Poitevin''s nickname is ''Greyhound among the French hounds''." While not shy, the Poitevin is known to be more aloof than many other hound breeds and does not adapt well when not kept in a pack environment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Poitevin hound?
The Poitevin hound is a refined, athletic hound with sighthound features, resembling a mix of a foxhound and a greyhound. It has a flat, gently sloping skull, a long, narrow tapering muzzle, and a short, smooth coat. The breed typically stands 60-72 cm tall and weighs 20.5-30.5 kg.
Is the Poitevin hound a good family dog?
As a pack hound, the Poitevin is social and requires a family with experience in dog ownership. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation, which can be challenging for inexperienced families. However, with proper care and attention, Poitevins can make loyal and loving companions for active families.
What health problems do Poitevin hounds have?
As a large breed, Poitevin hounds are prone to hip dysplasia and bloat. They may also be susceptible to eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Poitevin hound puppy cost?
The cost of a Poitevin hound puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Poitevin puppy can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog, including food, veterinary care, and training.
Where do Poitevin hounds come from?
The Poitevin 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 Poitevin hound, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.