Let's talk Artois Hounds
In the northern stretches of France lies the Artois, a rugged region which produced an equally rugged dog, the Artois Hound. A stocky scent hound that remains a rare breed even today, the dog is sophisticated and noble, like their homeland. They are also quite sweet-natured and very vivacious. The Artois Hound’s lithe, medium-sized body is most content when in motion so active owners are welcome. As traditional sporting dogs, they’re used to being in a pack; if it’s the human kind, all the better.Official name: Artois Hound
Other names: Briquet, Picardy
Origins: France
| Drooling tendencies |
|
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) *: | High | Family pet? * |
 |
| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* |
|
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
53 - 58 cm
Height
28 - 30 kg
Weight
Female
53 - 58 cm
Height
28 - 30 kg
Weight
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age: | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age: | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age: | From 8 years |
1/7
Get to know the Artois Hound
All you need to know about the breed
Little familiar outside their native France, the Artois Hound holds a special place in the heart of the French: The breed first gained favour during the reign of King Louis VIII, a full eight centuries ago. The breed has had staying power ever since. Like most hound breeds, the Artois Hound is docile and amiable, and although they are celebrated in the field – especially in a country known for its pastoral pastimes – the Artois Hound has also become a family pet for many familiar with their super temperament.
Artois Hounds are known for their graceful gait, perhaps an unconscious expression of the ease they have about themselves. Typically raised in packs, this is a dog that usually finds themselves in good company. One thing’s for sure, they are valued for their diligence and devotion to sport, and their great affection as well.
Easily identifiable by their signature combination black, beige, and white colouring, the Artois Hound breed has a practically wash-and-wear type coat covering their strong muscular frame. Their body reflects their breeding, one that’s not too big and not too small but just right, with a solid build that’s perfectly suited to the field sport they’ve excelled at for centuries.
2/7
2 facts about Artois Hounds
1. A rare breed
Literally. There are only 500 registrations of the Artois Hound, and only with the United Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, and Société Centrale Canine. The breed’s origin in the northern French region of Artois saw centuries of cross-breeding, especially with the similar but now-extinct Normand breed. Further efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries kept the breed from disappearing altogether.
2. (Not) top dog
They say there’s safety in numbers but there is also familiarity in them as far as the Artois Hound is concerned. As a sporting dog, the breed is often found in good company. They will enter the pack around the age of six months finding themselves very comfortable in large groups of their peers. Used to the field and running long distances, the sea of black, brown, and white is a familiar sight in places where the Artois Hound is kept—and beloved.
3/7
History of the breed
The graceful Artois Hound hails from France, where the breed dates to the year 1223 and the court of King Louis VIII who prized the dog for their winning ways in the field. They were known as the Chien Picard, after the ancient northern Picardy region from which it comes. The dog descends from the St. Hubert Hound—also known as the Bloodhound.
The Artois Hound breed went on to a cherished position in the court of Henri IV two centuries later. Over the next few hundred years, they were cross-bred with English hounds, especially with the longer and taller Normand Hound. After World War II, they were at risk of being lost altogether but were maintained thanks to many determined French breeders. The Artois Hound was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique in 1963 and by the United Kennel Club in 2006.
4/7
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Artois Hounds
1. Ears
Long, large ears, on the thick side, rounded ends.
2. Head
Strong, fairly wide head, rounded in shape, flat at top.
3. Body
Lithe and long body with fine musculature.
4. Tail
Sickle-shaped, long pointed tail.
5. Coat
Short, flat coat over somewhat thick skin.
5/7
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Artois Hound
6/7
Caring for your Artois Hound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
A short, tight coat like the Artois Hound’s is the easiest kind to groom, with a good dose of twice-weekly brushing being sufficient. Since this is a dog still widely used for sports and outdoor activities, making sure their ears, as well as their paws, are clear of any mites or debris is vital to their health; they could easily pick something up unwittingly while in the field or garden. As with all breeds, brushing their teeth daily is a central part of upkeep.With sporting bloodlines that reach back centuries, exercise for Artois Hound dogs is a must. The breed is used to existing in packs with other dogs of their kind who take to the trail together so it’s vital that they receive lots of regular activity every day. If your dog is more of a family pet, take them on frequent daily walks – at least two – and give them room to run around on the homefront.
Training the Artois Hound is fairly effortless. They are docile and dependable, with a drive to please their owners. Teach them well from puppyhood to avoid any streak of over-independence that may set in.
7/7
All about Artois Hounds
Hounds, like Sporting, Herding, and Toy, are a group of different breeds of dog who all have one purpose: To participate in sport. Count the Artois Hound among them. Hound breeds differ from one another by size – some greatly – and colouring, of course. Their commonalities: An incredible sense of smell and a high level of intelligence. The Artois Hound is always pleased to fit into almost any household, big or small.
The Artois Hound and the Basset Hound are two totally different breeds. Although both have French roots, there are significant characteristics that define each. Many are familiar with the Basset Hound’s excessively long ears, stout body, and shortish legs. The Artois Hound’s body is medium in build and their legs are much longer, and lanky in shape. Their ears don’t plunge to quite the same depth either. The Artois Hound’s colouring is similar, and both have been used for sport so are very agile to boot.
translations.feature.breeds.otherbreeds
Read more on this topic
How your dog's nutrition needs change with age
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/