Let's talk Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hounds

The Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound was initially bred as a hunting breed, first and foremost. This elegant-looking dog was developed in the 19th century by crossing several French breeds, such as the Poitevin Hound, with the English Foxhound. They have a balanced temperament and make for pleasant company but the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is not a common family pet. Part of this is due to their sporting spirit, which means they also have energy for days, no exaggeration. The breed is also very rare, and practically impossible to find outside of their native France.

Official name: Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound

Other names: Grand Anglais-Français, Tricolore Hound

Origins: France

Black and white portrait of a Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound

 Drooling tendencies

Warm weather? Medium
 Shedding level Medium
Suited to apartment living?  Very low
 Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): High Kid-friendly? 
Medium
 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.

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Illustration of a Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound
Male
60 - 70 cm Height
30 - 35 kg Weight
Female
60 - 68 cm Height
30 - 35 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

Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound stood looking off to the side

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Get to know the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound

All you need to know about the breed

Let’s cut to the chase: the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound was originally made to be a hunting breed. Agility and speed are two top talents of this solidly built dog, who are capable of following large animals on the most difficult of terrains.

City life and apartments are not for a Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound. They need to run free and get plenty of exercise in order to thrive. If you do decide to commit, be prepared to search high and low or join a waiting list as the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is a very rare breed.

Scent hounds in general are gentle and affectionate towards children, once trained, so do not expect to be their favourite if you have kids. Speaking of training, persistence is key for a Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound. They are constantly alert, waiting for that next scent, and prefer to be on the move as much as possible. Rome wasn’t built in a day... so be patient.

A Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound and other dogs? The more the merrier - they are pack dogs after all. The breed would not be a good match for smaller household animals, however, due to their hunting heritage.

Ultimately, this elegant breed is best suited to a particular lifestyle. If you can offer them that, enjoy sporting adventures a-plenty.

Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound stalking over grassy ground

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2 facts about Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hounds

1. A bit of a bolter

Apartment life and the city is not a suitable environment for the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound. Therefore, they may look for any possible opportunity to escape to greener pastures, where they can get back to the great outdoors.

2. A dog-friendly dog

The Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is used to being part of a pack. They are most content when surrounded by other dogs, so will suffer if deprived of this. Early socialisation and training is necessary for Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hounds to be on their best behaviour around other dogs - they are not aggressive but they don’t like to be the first one to back down.

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History of the breed

Prior to the French Revolution, hunting with hound dogs was mostly how the French nobility entertained themselves. The demise of this class during the Revolution meant less of a need for hound dogs. When the French monarchy was reinstalled, many British hounds were shipped to France between 1815 and 1900, to create new hunting breeds.

The Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is the result of cross-breeding between several French breeds, such as the Poitevin Hound, with the English Foxhound. They were developed to be strong and indefatigable with an excellent nose. They are one of three Grand Anglo-Français breeds, the other two being the Grand White and Orange, and the Grand White and Black.

Like many dog breeds, the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound almost disappeared after two World Wars, only surviving thanks to French enthusiasts. In 1957, the breed was recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). However, the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is scarcely known outside of France, and is not recognised by either the American Kennel Club or the U.K. Kennel Club.

Black and white portrait of a Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hounds

1. Coat

Coat sits close to the body and varies in thickness.

2. Body

Body is robust and well-proportioned with a long neck.

3. Eyes

Large brown eyes with a black rim, expression is melancholic.

Close-up of a Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound's eye

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound
Great Anglo Francais Tricolor Hound stood leaning forward on front two legs

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Caring for your Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound

Grooming, training and exercise tips

The Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound is not demanding grooming-wise. Surprising, given how much time they spend outdoors. Brushing their short coat is recommended once or twice a week to keep it gleaming. Like all hound dogs, special attention should be paid to their floppy ears, which can harbour dirt or bacteria. Be sure to disinfect any scratches that come from sticking their face in a bramble bush. And don’t forget dental hygiene with daily teeth brushing. It is essential for your Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound to get substantial daily exercise. Brisk walks in the countryside, sporting activities, and stimulating playtime in the back garden make for an ideal fitness combination, which should take between 2-3 hours per day. Be sure to always keep your Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound on a leash when outside for safety purposes - their excellent nose means they’ll be off before you know it. Bundles of praise and a pocket of treats will be handy when training your Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound. You are likely to meet some resistance when they catch a scent - keeping them focused will present a challenge for both of you! Any food treats given as rewards should be counted as part of their daily kibble.

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All about Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hounds

That would be a no. An experienced owner is a must for a Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound. Due to their demanding exercise needs, the breed also requires a lot of space both in and outside. They may also be too energetic a breed for older owners.

No, sadly. The prey instinct of the Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound will be set off by a feline presence. Same goes for other small animals. Even with the best socialisation and training in the world, this pet combo is unlikely to ever work out successfully.

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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/