Originally from Croatia, the Istrian Shorthaired Hound was bred to hunt both fox and hare. This old scenthound breed is at least 100 years old (probably much more) and highly regarded as an excellent hunting dog. As might be surmised, he is a cousin to the Istrian Coarsehaired Hound – a breed which is slightly taller and wirehaired but otherwise shares many of the same attributes. Today he is mostly found in Croatia and surrounding areas, almost always as a hunting dog rather than a pet. Although rare in the United States, he is recognized by the UKC.

Istrian Shorthairs are a small to medium sized breed, weighing from 35 to 40 pounds and ideally standing no taller than 19.5 inches at the withers. Their smooth coat is hard in texture and sits atop a muscular, slightly boxy body and long tapered tail. Color is either solid white, or white with lemon patches/ticking. The broad head has a fairly distinct stop and medium-length hanging ears. They only require moderate brushing in order to keep their coat in good condition, and just regular maintenance grooming (such as regular ear cleaning and the occasional bath) for them to look their best.

As they are fairly active, Shorthaired Hounds do best in homes with yards for them to run around in, in addition to a large amount of daily exercise. They are energetic hunting dogs that are best paired with owners experienced in raising scenthounds. This really isn’t a typical “family pet” type of dog, they do best in hunting households or at least households which can replicate a similar lifestyle with exercise and mental activities. They are capable of being calm in the home (with enough of a workout) but tend to do best living outdoors with lots of mental/physical stimulation.

With their high prey drives, Istrian Shorthairs don’t always live peacefully with cats. They may or may not get along with other dogs.  They also may not the best choice in homes with children as they weren’t really bred to be companion dogs (not that it can’t be done, but make sure to introduce early and be prepared for lots of supervision). Furthermore they are fairly loud (like many other scenthounds) which also makes them more suited as hunters than pets in most traditional homes. They certainly aren’t apartment, or even city dogs! Shorthaired Hounds tend to be devoted, gentle and loyal to their owners although are not overly-playful or excessively affectionate. They are happiest when their days are filled with plenty of outdoor fun! They are suspicious of strangers which means that socialization is extremely important in puppyhood. This said, they are not guard dogs.

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is intelligent, steady and mellow in temperament but also independent. He is quite capable of all sorts of physical demands but may be a little slower to respond to obedience commands, particularly if he is engaged in any type of hunting when a command is given. As such, he requires plenty of consistency and extra proofing work around distractions. Furthermore he is prone to being overly assertive and will take control with a particularly lenient owner/trainer, so make sure to stay firm. He is trainable although may take a little longer and require a bit more work than the average dog. Make sure to start early with training and socialization for the best results!

The average lifespan of an Istrian Shorthaired Hound is between 13-14 years. For the most part a majority of these hounds are healthy although some issues, such as epilepsy and hip dysplasia, have been found in some lines. Most members of the breed are pretty hardy, however, and able to withstand the somewhat-harsh lifestyle that many hunting dogs are accustomed to. Ear infections or scrapes from hunting are the most common ailments. These are sturdy working hounds.

The Billy is a French breed, originating in the 19th century. This is a pack-hunting scenthound which was used on deer and wild boar – a job which they still do today. All of the breeds originally used to create the Billy are now extinct but these particular hounds are still in existence, albeit in small numbers and mostly in France. They are recognized by the UKC here in the United States although are a rare breed. This is a large, active hound that does best in a space where he can really stretch his legs. Apartment-dwelling prospective owners need not apply.

Billys are not the best choice for those who live in high-traffic areas and want an off-leash dog. With their high prey drive and surprising speed, they can easily run into the street and get injured or killed within seconds. This is one reason why they tend to do best in country settings versus a city. While one can live in an urban environment with a Billy, one must spend even more time exercising (on-leash!) and should ideally also find a fenced in area for the dog to visit frequently for romping/playing. Combining this with the fact that the breed much prefers being outside in wide open spaces, it becomes even harder to find a compatible home/owner living in the city.

The Billy does best with a medium to high amount of exercise daily. Having a fenced yard for him to run in is ideal, but must also be supplemented by a long daily walk or similar activity. Of course, the most ideal form of exercise is letting him go hunting! Activities which stimulate his brain as well as his body are also helpful – which can be accomplished by hunting, training or participating in dog sports. He can be a versatile dog capable of learning and competing in a number of different venues…assuming that his human puts in the time. He was built and bred to spend a lot of time engaging in active outdoor pursuits!

The coat of the Billy is short, yet harsh to the touch. Shedding is often minimal, especially if brushed on a regular basis. If one were to put off the chore of brushing for weeks at a time they would notice the dog shedding more frequently. Overall, however, this is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Don’t forget about trimming nails or cleaning ears, but otherwise brushing and baths are simple and quick tasks compared to many other dogs! The breed is normally white or off-white in color, with patches of orange or lemon markings. Because the fur is fairly short he may require a dog coat when outside in very cold temperatures, otherwise this is a fairly hardy breed.

Billys are loyal to their owners and social with other people – even strangers (which makes them poor guard dogs). They are usually very good with children and exceptional with other dogs… provided they have been raised with them. There can be some same-sex fighting in a household pack as they do rely quite heavily on pack dynamics and pecking order. This will often sort itself out but not always. Opposite-sex pairings may be a smarter way to go for owners that don’t want to risk fights. As hunting dogs they are brave and courageous when facing adversaries such as wild boar – they won’t back down easily during a hunt. Their prey drive does mean that they may not get along well with small pets or scurrying wildlife!

The Billy is trainable when an owner puts in the effort and starts young. He is intelligent although he may also be willful and stubborn when it comes to obedience training so patience is important! Also, he is easily distracted by interesting scents. Because independent-minded hounds such as the Billy are a bit more challenging to train than the average dog, he may not make the best pet for a first-time dog owner. This said, when given “the basics” this is a fairly easy dog to have around the house, with a gentle and easy-going personality.

The Ariegeois is a scenthound developed in 1912 and primarily used to hunt hare in the rocky French region of Ariege. He would drive the game towards the hunters, or would course and chase the game down himself. He was also used for tracking larger game like deer and boar. Like most pack hounds, this medium-sized fellow is good-natured both to other dogs and humans alike (including kids, although older kids are more compatible). While still capable of doing this job today, he also can make a friendly companion in the right home. This said, admirers of the breed may have a hard time finding a puppy – this is a fairly rare breed not often seen outside of France.

The smooth, low-shedding coat of the Ariegeois is always white with black markings (usually in patches although occasionally mottled). Tan markings may or may not be included. The coat is very easy to care for and requires only basic maintenance to keep clean and healthy. An owner of one of these hounds will trade ease of grooming for more difficult exercise requirements as they require lots of time to run, move and stretch their legs on a regular basis. At a bare minimum, they should be exercised at least an hour a day! When given enough exercise, they are generally low energy in the home and content to lounge around on the couch. Without this exercise… they are much more hyper and hard to live with.

The Ariegeois is an intelligent dog that is very capable of being trained. Naturally docile and easy-going, he may be a little slower to execute the commands than some breeds but is definitely capable. Although a bit of willfulness does exist, along with a penchant for getting distracted around interesting smells, many of them are extremely devoted to their owners and enjoy learning new things. In fact, his brain needs to be exercised just as much as his body so obedience training is definitely recommended! Bored hounds can become destructive, therefore training along with regular exercise and a given job to do are all paramount for a hound that is easy to live with.

An Ariegeois can be a somewhat loud dog, both in terms of “quality of voice” (they have impressive voice boxes) as well as “quantity of voice” (they enjoys hearing themselves howl). Like many scenthounds, they are better housed in places without close neighbors! Furthermore, although their howls may deter some intruders, their overly friendly natures means they do not make effective guard dogs. While some are at-first reserved around strangers, most quickly warm up to new people. Aggression is not really seen in this breed. Mostly, they want to be with their owners where they can give and get attention throughout the day. It should be added that they don’t do well when kept at home alone all day. Don’t obtain this breed if you work all the time and aren’t able to spend enough quality time with your dog!

The Ariegeois does have a strong prey drive to chase small animals, although often can live with indoor cats as long as he was raised with them. Furthermore there is almost never a problem with other dogs so multi-dog families are easy! The breed was used in large packs to hunt (often hunting with dozens of other hounds) and any hound that couldn’t get along with others would almost certainly “not make the cut”. Make sure to watch him around strange dogs that might not be as social around him, and also keep him on leash and unable to chase wild animals that he may see on walks – because he will chase them! This is especially prudent because the breed was built for running – meaning he is very fast and has lots of stamina and endurance. Better to be safe than sorry and risk him getting accidentally hit by a car while running after a squirrel!

When not socialized properly, the Ariegeois can tend toward being excessively timid so it’s extremely important to get him out into the world while still a puppy. The younger weeks (between 8-16 weeks) are the time to expose him to all sorts of people, places and situations so that he can grow up to be confident! When done right, he is just as happy out in the world as he is in his own home.

Photo By Bautt

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is one of four ancient Bleu de Gascogne breeds. All hailing from France, the Griffon is the wirehaired breed of the bunch. Like his cousins, he sports a speckled blue coat although the overall look is different because of the longer, rough hair. For a period of time, population numbers became very low and these scenthounds were faced with extinction. Today, while still a rare breed they are nonetheless growing in numbers (particularly in France and Spain). In the U.S., they are recognized by the UKC. In the past, these hound dogs hunted hare and wild boar and are still very keen hunting dogs today.

The Griffon Bleu was used to hunt both in packs, as well as individually. This means that most of them get along well with other dogs. Like other scenthounds, they have voices that carry well… and they use them freely – so city dwellers or those with close neighbors may want to think twice before acquiring one! They also have gifted noses which can be either a blessing (for those who want to hunt or do scent-related sports) or a curse (for those who don’t want a highly-distractable dog).

The Griffon Bleu is trainable and learns quickly, particularly if the lessons have anything whatsoever to do with hunting. This is a natural hunting dog that is easy to work with in that regard. With formal obedience training, he can be sensitive, independent and may take a bit longer to train than other breeds. Patience and consistency is key. This breed does not tend toward lavish shows of dominance and is usually willing to do what the owner/trainer wants, as long as he is shown the way. Make sure to be soft with him – he will shut down if shouted at or treated harshly! After the groundwork of obedience has been laid down, it is highly recommended to introduce nose-related dog sports such as tracking and/or nosework!

As a hunting scenthound, the Griffon Bleu does require extensive exercise in order to be happy. This exercise should be done on lead as he can (and will!) follow his nose to the closest animal/object to chase! On-lead jogging, long hikes, swimming, opportunities to hunt and/or scent-related games/sports are all great outlets for this energetic breed. Without his exercise needs being fulfilled, he will likely become destructive and frustrating to live with. Furthermore, this is a dog that does much better in a rural environment and will not thrive in an apartment or small home. This said, after his physical needs are met for the day he is often happy to lay on the couch next to his owner – he does enjoy indoor life.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is loyal, affectionate and becomes very attached to his owner but can be high strung when excited (or when he hasn’t gotten enough exercise). While a lot of the time he can be fairly composed and peaceful, this is interjected with spurts of happy exuberance. He can be gentle with kids but his active nature means they can be accidentally knocked over. It may be best to wait until any children are older before introducing this breed to the home. With strangers, he is usually more cautious and needs plenty of socialization while young in order to build his confidence with them. It is normal for Bleus to bark at strangers when they first meet. Finally, unlike some of the more “drive-y” scenthound breeds, he can often live harmoniously with a cat as long as early introductions were done correctly.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne can be recognized by his medium sized frame, long hanging ears and of course his distinctive blue coat. The coat isn’t actually blue but instead is a mixture of black and white hair that comes together in such a way that it appears blue from a distance. Light tan markings on his face, legs and under the tail are also characteristic of the breed. The long tail is often held outward from the body and ends in a gentle curve. Finally, the eyes are a deep brown and, when combined with his eyebrows and beard, gives him an almost human-like expression.

The average lifespan of the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is 13-14 years and they are generally a very healthy breed, staying active and alert for most of their lives. They don’t require a lot of grooming upkeep – only a weekly brushing and nail trim, and the occasional bath when needed. Once or twice a year, the coat should be plucked (have a groomer show you how) in order to keep the distinctive texture while still maintaining a neat and tidy appearance. Never shave this breed! The color will never be the same. Like most dogs with long hanging ears, they should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections.

Photo By Alephalpha

The Poitevin is a French scenthound breed originally created as a wolf-hunter in the 17th century. Large, smooth-coated and most often tricolor, he is similar to many other scenthounds – particularly Foxhounds and Coonhounds – but is a breed unto himself. In fact, he may be one of the original tricolor scenthounds! While fit and athletic, he is also quite elegant and has an appearance which is somewhat reminiscent of a sighthound (which makes sense as Greyhound may be in the ancient lineage). Long legs, long neck and long muzzle all combine to give him this distinct look.

Poitevins are capable of running long distances in a hunt, and for long hours at a time – oftentimes doing so while “singing melodiously” (AKA: this can be a loud breed). While retaining a sharp nose, they are also faster than many similar breeds meaning they have both speed, endurance and excellent tracking skills on their side. When faced with a carnivorous animal, they are courageous. For the most part they are quite healthy and any issues usually involve injuries obtained while hunting rather than genetic health problems. These pack hunters have been highly prized for their many attributes!

Poitevins do best in homes with multiple dogs as they were created and used as pack dogs. A single hound will not thrive, even when when surrounded by people. The breed is aloof around humans and much prefers the company of his own kind. In fact, the majority of them in France are still kept as hunting pack hounds – an occupation in which they are quite happy with. Rather than hunting wolves, today they are more often used to hunt wild boar and deer. Modern Poitevins, like their early relatives, aren’t usually the best choice for a family pet as they can be mistrustful of everyone except for a very select few of the family group. Even with the family, they are not very affectionate and quite reserved – sometimes even to the point of indifference. Many aren’t very keen on children.

The Poitevin is a supremely independent, willful breed which can be quite hard to train. A huge amount of patience will need to go into obedience training a Poitevin and teaching him the rules of the home. Setting up boundaries from the beginning is very important! Furthermore he needs mentally stimulating activities to keep his mind working and his energy focused – so obedience should still be taught along with regularly providing games and activities. He will need to be managed around small animals (or ideally live in a home without small pets – for the safety of the small pets), and can also suffer from separation anxiety if not kept with multiple other dogs. These traits are hardwired-in and, while they can be managed and even improved somewhat with extensive training, they will usually always exist.

Poitevins are horrible dogs for apartment living with their high energy levels and need for near-constant exercise. They also need to be kept on a property that has plenty of room for them to stretch their legs. This may be one of the reasons why they are fairly rare in the United States, as they don’t easily fit into the “cookie-cutter idea of a pet”. While easy to groom and often easy to keep in good health, they are simply too much dog for most people and require a very particular situation in order to be happy – that of a hunting pack dog. Exercise requirements are 90 minutes a day of good, hard fitness – minimum!

If it wasn’t clear before, the Poitevin is not for the first-time dog owner! He needs early and regular socialization if he is to become a family pet, in addition to living in the right atmosphere (large property with other similarly-sized dogs, a chance to exercise frequently, hunting opportunities, etc). If given these things, he will live a happy life of 10-12 years! While not particularly affectionate, he can be loyal, gentle and kind-hearted. This is the type of dog that one admires for his own unique qualities without expecting him to be something that he is not. And of course, for the hunter he is an exceptional and talented hound that will leave the owner in awe of his many abilities.

Photo By Canarian

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is an ancient scenthound developed in France. This breed is primarily used for working and not often seen as strictly as a companion or as solely as a show dog. Even when showing, every part of the standard is meant to emphasize a working dog that is able to do their job with ease. In the field, they are masters at tracking and have great endurance and stamina when hunting – their prey being wolves, deer and boar. This is a noble dog with a very large frame, powerful voice (read: can be loud), yet gentle and refined in temperament.

Grand Bleu de Gascognes are not guard dogs, although their size alone might be enough of a deterrent. If an intruder cannot see the dog in the home, he may be able to hear him! The Bleu is known for his melodic, yet loud voice and he uses it freely. This can be bad for those with close neighbors but great for people living in rural settings who want it to be obvious that a dog resides at the property. If a person were to break in, the dog might not actually take any action, however. While aloof with strangers, they aren’t normally the type to attack.

Like many hounds, Grand Bleus can be willful, independent and stubborn. They also have high prey drives and are prone to “forgetting” their recall when a prey animal is near. Although very affectionate and intelligent, they may take extra time to be trained. Young dogs can be quite mischievous so they need plenty of supervision and guidance for the first couple of years, in addition to regular obedience training. An owner must be very patient while the dog is maturing, expecting a certain degree of mischief while also working through it with training. For this reason, he is recommended for experienced dog people and might be a bit “too much” for a first-time dog owner.

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne does need plenty of exercise, as might be imagined from his heritage as a hunting scenthound. Two hours of walking or similar activity is the minimum required. It is highly recommended that an owner take the dog hunting on a regular basis in order to fulfill his mental and physical needs, however if this is not possible other similar activities could be substituted. Overall however, this is a dog who does best when he is given plenty of body/mind stimulation. Off-leash exercise can be best in order to let him sniff, run and hunt however this is definitely NOT recommended in a city or suburban setting. If in a populated area, the leash must stay on in order to keep him from running into a road and getting hit.

One of the key features of the Grand Bleu is the blue mottled coat – this and his very large size (he is one of the biggest scenthounds) distinguishes him from other hounds. Other distinct traits include the long muzzle and even longer pendulous ears. Luckily, despite his slightly loose lips he is not as drooly as other similar breeds. His shiny coat needs weekly grooming but overall his grooming needs are fairly minimal.

The Grand Bleu lost favor in his home country of France and is no longer popular in that country. Many had been imported into the United States and breeders here are working to preserve this ancient hound, however even in American this is considered a rare breed. One of the possible reasons for their low popularity is the fact that they are hunting dogs first and foremost, and companion dogs second. They can be more destructive and more prone to escape the yard than many other breeds. They are also slow to mature and require more patience during their early years. This said, the breed has many fantastic qualities for those who are looking for fabulous hunting and/or tracking dogs, and with the right education and exercise can make loving and noble pets.

Photo By RanchoRosco

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound was developed in the mid 19th century to hunt small game in Croatia. This scenthound, characterized by his wiry coat, is still mainly used as a hunting dog and not often kept strictly as a pet. While many breeders focus primarily on hunting ability and not on conformation, the non-hypoallergenic hair is always double-coated, rough-textured and white/orange in color. The breed is usually medium in size, with some members on the smaller side. This is usually a healthy breed with individuals often living 13-15 years – when vet bills occur they usually revolve around field injuries or ear infections.

Istrian Coarse-Haireds are known for being difficult to train because of their stubborn natures. They love to hunt and will work in the field all day with their masters but don’t always take quickly to formal obedience training. This said, without enough to occupy their time they can become destructive. Obedience is therefore a very good mental outlet for them that, while challenging, will exercise the mind. Getting the dog into a dog sport such as scentwork, hunting trials, competitive obedience and/or agility would be an even better project! These dogs are intelligent… but use their intelligence in their own way. Stay firm, yet fair and keep consistent in your training. They need strong leadership and won’t always work for wishy-washy trainers.

The ICHH is a rare breed and not readily known outside Croatia (or Slovenia – which also claims to be the country of origin). Because of their particular needs, many breeders will strongly favor a puppy-buyer who will take the dog hunting, which has also kept the numbers low in the United States. Add in the high prey drive and tendency to chase anything that moves (up to and including the family cat), and one can see that they only belong in specific homes.

The Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound is a loyal dog who forms a tight bond with those he loves, but he will take any opportunity he can to wander off and explore his surroundings. Make sure to have a securely fenced yard before bringing a member of this breed home! Also be sure to provide plenty of daily exercise to keep this active dog busy! He needs lots of physical stimulation with his family on a regular basis. His exercise needs and active lifestyle make him a poor choice for a first-time dog owner and he does better with those already experienced with scenthounds and/or hunting dogs. A home on a large property is a plus for this energetic and high-stamina fellow. Some ICHH’s suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owners for too long, particularly if they aren’t given enough things to do throughout the day, which means they do need homes in which the owner will be heavily involved.

Istrian Coarse-Haireds can be suspicious and aloof towards strangers, and many don’t like meeting new people (fun fact – they make good watchdogs but are not guard dogs). Also keep in mind that they tend to bond more strongly to one person in the family, which may or may be frustrating to those who are “left out”. They save their highest devotion for their favorite person. Finally, not all ICHH’s get along well with kids so this might not be the best pet for a young family. On the plus side, most do get along well with other dogs. They do best with single, active owners who plan to hunt and do activities with the dog in between exercise sessions. A ICHH that is fulfilled in this way will be calm and easy in the home, with a respectful and steady temperament.

Photo By Canarian

The Treeing Cur, like all cur breeds, was developed in the rural parts of America. These dogs were often owned and used by poorer folk who needed a dog that could serve many purposes (only one mouth to feed but capable of doing many jobs). Treeing Curs were used to hunt, in stock dog work, as well as to guard the home. Hunting was the most prized task and he was used both for smaller game (like squirrel and coon) as well as larger game when needed. Early breeders didn’t care what the dog looked like as long as he could do his job, and so there is a wide variation in the appearance of this breed – even more so than other cur breeds.

Speaking of variation, Treeing Curs can be any color or combination of colors, which can appear in any pattern according to the UKC. Size-wise, they can be rather small or range up to medium-sized dogs. Their tails are either long, very short, or somewhere in between. Coats are always short and smooth, and shed moderately. Grooming is an easy task as they don’t require anything more than the basics.

Treeing Curs are known to be intelligent and game for anything. This, combined with their athletic nature makes them great dogs to get into dog sports! They enjoy pleasing their owners and learning new things. This said, be aware that they can be “tough” dogs and definitely require firm rules. Those that live with zero boundaries can become overly protective or even aggressive, so they should only be owned by those who know what they are doing. These fearless and strong-willed dogs live to work, but can take over and become uncontrollable without proper knowledge. This is an independent breed who loves to work but may push to work on his own terms – don’t let him. In summary, this is a breed that must have a job and when done right, they are a joy to work with but are not for the faint-of-heart.

Treeing Curs tend to get along well with children as well as other dogs, and can make good family pets in the right setting (and in experienced homes). Keep in mind that they do bark (especially when excited or in hunting-mode) and are active, alert dogs who need plenty of tasks to do throughout their day. This is a dog who prefers to be given opportunities to hunt, and will do so enthusiastically at every opportunity! Furthermore, they need daily exercise and lots of it! Enough that will keep them moving at a brisk pace for at least an hour, if not more. This is not a dog who can live a sedentary life in a suburb with minimal attention!

Because they have been used as guard dogs, Treeing Curs make excellent protective animals for the home! This said, they must have been socialized from a young age and be given regular training and exercise so that they don’t become overly protective. This is also one of several reasons why they don’t fit in well to apartment life – lots of people walking around the property constantly can tend to rile them up. Treeing Curs are affectionate with family but suspicious of strangers – especially strangers who roam close to the home. This may also hold true for strange dogs as well. A Cur watching out the window of an apartment may become increasingly frustrated by passers-by, which would need to be addressed in the right way by an experienced owner. Easier (and less stressful for the dog) if he lived in a house with property instead.

Treeing Curs tend to be very healthy and rarely get sick. Their lifespan is normally 11-12 years. There is deafness in some lines but testing is available and should be taken advantage of both by breeders as well as future owners. Their small/medium size and general good health means that this is a relatively inexpensive breed to own and care for, however remember that any dog can suffer a random accident and it is important to have an emergency fund available for all pets, just in case.

All in all, the Treeing Cur is a playful and exuberant dog with a highly territorial nature and a strong hunting instinct. They are recommended only for people experienced both with hunting breeds as well as guarding breeds, and who have a household that can provide for the particular needs of this dog. This is not the typical “dog park buddy” or “casual socializing companion” in most instances. But he can be a great hunting companion or dog sport competitor when placed with a knowledgeable, active owner.

The French Tricolour Hound is one of the breeds in a small subset group of scenthounds called the Anglo-French hounds. There are seven breeds altogether that share a similar ancestry, with slight differences between them. The French Tricolour in particular is (not surprisingly) always tricolored. This breed was bred to hunt in packs which means they get along with other dogs exceptionally well, although may be more difficult to live in a non-hunting home. This is not to say that they can’t be kept as pets, however an owner will need to recognize their special needs and challenges.

French Tricolours are large dogs with plenty of strength and endurance. Originally used to hunt both deer as well as wild boar, they needed to be athletic and tough in order to do their job. As such, they are very active and require lots of exercise when living in a pet home! Prospective owners should be physically capable of handling these dogs and athletic enough to exercise them frequently. Without enough physical stimulation they can become obnoxious both to their owners as well as nearby neighbors (yes – they are capable of being quite loud, and have voices that carry far)! Furthermore they don’t adapt well to city or apartment life and do much better in more rural areas where their athletic abilities can shine.

The French Tricoloured Hound is a rare breed, both in the United States as well as abroad – even in their home country of France. This is probably partly due to the fact that they are more of a hunting dog than a companion dog, developed primarily for their instincts. For example, pet owners must have a secure fence because these determined hounds want to sniff, run and hunt as much as possible! They will decimate small critters unfortunate to make their way into the backyard. Furthermore, families with young children will find that this hound may be too exuberant and rowdy around their kids. Add in their high energy level and the fact that they really should be kept in a multiple-dog household without small pets, and it is clear that not many people are set up to care for this dog properly.

The French Tricolour is an intelligent dog although he is also quite stubborn and more prone to following his nose than following commands if he hasn’t had a strong foundation in obedience. Make sure to start training young – frequent mental activity is essential to the happiness of this dog. Furthermore he really needs a job to do in addition to training, whether it be hunting (vastly preferred), dog sports or regular access to stimulating mental games. Exercise for both mind and body will go a long way toward a successful life with this breed! Keep in mind that they aren’t known for spectacular performances when it comes to obedience or similar sports, however they can excel in scent sports such as tracking and nose work.

The French Tricolour Hound is easy and low-maintenance to groom, requiring very infrequent brushing sessions. Like all breeds, he does need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning. While grooming may be a low-priority on the general scale when it comes to care of this breed, he has other needs that are more important. For example, he can be aloof towards people although prone towards separation anxiety when left alone. Although very independent in nature, living in a pack is in his blood so he doesn’t deal well with being alone. If keeping as a pet, it is highly recommended that he lives with at least one other dog, if not several.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The Swiss Hound, also known as the Schweizer Laufhund, specializes in hunting hare although has been known to also hunt roe, rabbit, fox and even wild boar. This very old breed has four distinct varieties, separated by color: Bernese (tricolor), Jura (black/tan), Lucerne (blue) and Schwyz (white/orange) – but all are one breed with a single standard. Swiss Hounds are heavily influenced by French scenthounds that were brought to Switzerland at one point in time, although they are a distinct breed all to themselves.

Swiss Hounds are very active! They also have plenty of endurance ability and therefore need lots of exercise. This rare breed is kept mainly by hunters and isn’t as common as a pet, which means that most (if not all) bloodlines have a lot of energy! Because of their high hunting drives, they are also apt to follow interesting scents (with much passion) regardless of their owners wishes. They are also more likely to chase running animals and/or moving objects. This isn’t really the type of dog to take jogging off-leash in a city. They do much better with country living and plenty of wide-open spaces to run.

Some Swiss Hounds can be escape artists, particularly if they live in an area where “temptations” exist (such as rabbits and other prey animals). A very secure fenced area for the dog is paramount for this breed to keep them from getting hit by a car! Even though they love spending time with their owners, the smell or sight of a wild animal will cause most to immediately revert to hunting mode. In order to let them reach their average age of 13-14 years, make sure they are always kept in a safely fenced yard or on leash when in a potentially dangerous setting.

The Swiss Hound is characterized by his very long ears and medium-sized build. He is also characterized by his loud, melodious voice! Prospective owners should be aware of this latter trait and make sure that will fit into their lifestyle! Other than the typical scenthound quirks (voice, independent nature and prey drive), this is a sweet breed that is gentle with children and patient with other dogs. A friendly and social nature means he makes friends wherever he goes. Do take care when introducing this dog to small pets such as birds or pet rodents… for obvious reasons.

Swiss Hounds are known for their independent natures, which means training may be more difficult – particularly for novice scenthound owners. Furthermore they can be prone to testing their owner and/or “forgetting” obedience commands when they don’t feel like doing something. Make sure to utilize a trainer who is used to working with similar breeds and who can guide you through what to do when this happens. When given mental stimulation through obedience training (as well as physical stimulation through exercise), the breed is calm and well-behaved in the home. Just make sure that you start obedience training while the dog is still young, and stay on a consistent training schedule!

Swiss Hounds don’t require a ton of regular upkeep. They tend to housebreak easily and aren’t known for having excessive healthy problems which would require frequent vet visits. They also only require minimal grooming – a daily brush-through of the coat is a quick chore for this smooth coated dog. Otherwise make sure to clean the ears and trim the nails weekly, and give a bath only when needed. When their needs are fulfilled, and when in the right home, this uncommon breed can make an excellent companion.