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.
