The French White and Black Hound is a scenthound used for hunting large game in packs. Known for his loud voice (which he uses with frequency) and his tireless energy, he does not make the best pet for just anyone. Combine this with his high prey drive and tendency to chase small animals including cats, and he is best suited to a hunting home. Barring that, owners with extensive scenthound experience who can provide him plenty of physical outlets. He can make a great family pet and live nicely in a home, but his needs must be met and his idiosyncrasies understood.
As a pack hunting hound, the White and Black enjoys living with other dogs. His friendly nature and easygoing attitude with them makes him easy to integrate into a multiple-dog household (although tiny breeds may be seen as prey by these large hunters). He also gets along well with children and most humans in general. Some can be slightly aloof but aggression is not the norm with this breed at all. Although too friendly to function as a guard dog, he can make a good watchdog since he enjoys using his voice to make announcements. The majority are fairly social. With their families, they are extremely loyal and even playful.
The intelligent French White and Black is willing to please and can be trained in obedience but may have a very hard time when distracted, particularly if that distraction is a prey animal! Hunting is his favorite pastime, and one in which he will do without any training whatsoever. For those owners who insist on teaching obedience, however (and all dogs should learn the basics), keep lessons short and sweet! Use plenty of praise and rewards to show this hound that training can be fun. Their stubborn and independent natures make them poor choices for first-time dog owners.
In terms of exercise, the White and Black Hound is built to run for miles without tiring! This means they must be given lots of physical activity on a daily basis such as hikes and long jogs. As long as this is taken care of, they are calm and pleasant in the house. If not exercised enough they can become destructive, loud(er) and generally hyperactive. While having access to a yard is a big plus, either way they also need to be taken out on leash for their daily adventures. Plan to spend at least an hour out on each excursion! For reasons which should be obvious, this is by no means an apartment breed.
The French White and Black Hound is an exceptionally healthy breed with a great long lifespan for their size (averaging 13-15 years). Ear infections are the most commonly seen condition, but regular cleanings and maintenance checks can keep problems from arising. The breed is also very low-maintenance as far as grooming goes and very rarely requires baths (although they can shed heavily and should be brushed once or twice a week to control this).
The White and Black is a rare breed with only about 2,000 dogs registered in the FCI. In the United States they are recognized by the UKC but are rarely seen. The majority of these hounds are (not surprisingly) in France. There are three French Hound (Chien Francais) breeds, also including the Tricolor and the White and Orange. All three breeds are very similar but do differ in temperament besides the most obvious difference of color variations.
