An Ancient French Hound: The Artois Hound Dog Breed
Are you fascinated by rare dog breeds with unique histories? Meet the Artois Hound – an ancient French scenthound with a nose for the hunt. This distinctive tri-colored hound has been a skilled hunting companion for centuries, but they‘re still a rare find in most parts of the world.
With a lineage tracing back to at least the Middle Ages, the Artois Hound has a rich past tied to the sporting pursuits of French nobility. Despite their long history, this is not a breed you‘ll commonly find as a family pet. But for experienced dog owners who can meet their high exercise needs, the intelligent and even-tempered Artois can also make a loyal and affectionate companion.
Interested in learning more about this little-known hound? Let‘s dig into the details of the Artois Hound dog breed.
Noble French Roots
The Artois Hound, known in France as the Chien d‘Artois, hails from the former Artois region in northern France near the border with Belgium. While their exact origins are lost to history, we know this breed dates back at least to the 1400s, with some believing they descend from the St. Hubert Hound, an ancient scent hound from the Ardennes region.
What we do know is that by the 16th century, the Artois Hound was well-established as a premier hunting dog among French nobility. The breed gets its name from the County of Artois, once a fiefdom of the French crown. Artois Hounds were immensely popular hunting companions with the upper classes by the 1500s and 1600s, prized for their keen noses and tireless work ethic in the field.
French aristocrats and royalty used packs of Artois Hounds to track and chase quarry like rabbits, hare, foxes, and even larger game like boar. These tenacious scenthounds were often given as gifts between nobles and bred extensively during this time period when hunting was an integral pastime of the европейское aristocracy.
However, the breed‘s popularity dwindled by the 19th century as the nobles‘ hunting grounds gave way to the French Revolution. By the early 20th century, Artois Hound numbers had declined dramatically. The breed teetered on the brink of extinction after World War I and World War II, when many working breeds suffered major population losses.
The Artois Hound may have disappeared entirely if not for the efforts of dedicated breeders in the 1970s, notably M. Audrechy, who tracked down the remaining purebred Artois Hounds in an attempt to revive the breed. Thanks to these breeders‘ work, the Artois Hound persists today, albeit still in small numbers mostly concentrated in France and a few other parts of Europe.
A Striking Hound of Medium Build
The Artois Hound is a medium-sized hound of substantial bone and build, standing 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Typical adult weights range from 55 to 65 pounds, with males slightly larger than females. The body is just slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest, straight back, and strong, muscular hindquarters built for extended running.
One of the Artois Hound‘s most distinctive features is their medium-length head with a slightly domed skull and a long, tapering muzzle. The nose is black with wide nostrils, perfect for following even the faintest of scents. The low-set ears are long and velvety, hanging down past the bottom of the jaw in classic hound style.
The breed‘s short, dense coat features the tri-color pattern common to many French hounds: a base of fawn or tan with a black saddle and white accents on the chest, toes, and tail tip. Some dogs may have lighter ticking or freckling in the tan. The skin is supple with a slight dewlap under the throat. The long, tapered tail is carried up in a saber shape when the dog is in action.
Overall, the Artois Hound has a noble yet powerful appearance well-suited to an all-day hunting companion equally at home in fields or forests. Their build is more substantial and muscular than some of the lighter hounds, reflecting their original purposes as tireless chasers of game over long distances.
Temperament: Tenacious Hunter, Gentle Companion
Like many scent hounds, the Artois Hound is single-minded and tenacious when on the trail, with the stamina to follow their quarry for as long as it takes. They have a powerful drive to track and chase, which made them exceptional hunting companions but means they need ample outlets for both their bodies and minds as modern companions.
At home, the Artois Hound is known for a calm, even-tempered demeanor, bonding closely with their families and getting along well with children, other dogs, and pets when socialized. They are more likely to be on the sensitive side rather than scrappy or overly dominant with other canines. As a pack hound, this breed much prefers company to being left alone for long periods.
However, Artois Hounds also have an independent streak common to hounds, as well as a high prey drive. They may get along perfectly well with the family cat or other small pets indoors, but will be compelled to chase unfamiliar small animals outdoors with laser focus. A securely fenced yard is a must for this agile and determined hunter, as they can be escape artists in pursuit of interesting scents.
This breed is intelligent and very trainable for owners willing to put in the time using positive reinforcement and consistent expectations. Artois Hounds don‘t tend to be excessively "barky" in the home compared to some hounds, but will alert bark to strangers. They can be a bit reserved with unfamiliar people, warming up once introduced.
Exercise and Training Needs
Exercise is one of the most important considerations with an Artois Hound. As tireless workers bred to run for hours, they have high daily activity requirements and can become destructive or depressed if not given proper outlets. Expect to provide at least one to two hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per day, whether that‘s jogging, trail hikes, or safely enclosed spaces for all-out running.
In addition to physical outlets, Artois Hounds also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This curious, intelligent breed enjoys scent games, puzzle toys, and nose work that engages their greatest asset. Training provides another excellent avenue for expending some of that mental energy in positive ways.
Novice owners may find Artois Hounds challenging as a first dog, but they are rewarding companions for experienced owners ready to dedicate the time to consistent positive training. Appeal to their keen food drive and desire to bond with their people rather than harsh corrections.
With patient, confident handling, this sensitive yet strong-willed breed will work happily alongside you. Just be aware that no amount of training can suppress their instinct to follow an enticing scent, so a trustworthy recall and secure containment are non-negotiable.
Grooming and Health
The Artois Hound‘s short, dense coat requires minimal grooming to stay in good condition. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep shedding under control and skin and coat healthy. However, those long hound ears need frequent attention, as the Artois Hound is prone to ear infections without regular cleaning.
Trim nails every few weeks, and brush teeth regularly to prevent dental disease. The Artois Hound may be prone to weight gain, so monitor body condition carefully and avoid overfeeding or excessive treats. Joint supplements may be beneficial, as this breed can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
Otherwise, this is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan around 12-14 years. As a rare breed, the Artois Hound is not frequently health tested, so finding a responsible breeder who screens for inherited conditions is important. Vets may not be as familiar with this breed‘s health and care requirements, so be prepared to educate yourself on any special needs.
Is the Artois Hound Right For You?
If you‘re looking for a jogging partner who can keep up on the trails all day long and curl up on the couch for cuddles at night, the Artois Hound might be your perfect companion. This affectionate, noble hound bonds deeply with an active family willing to give them the time and training they need.
However, if your lifestyle is more sedate or your household has a revolving door, this sensitive yet high-energy hound may not be the best fit. Artois Hounds won‘t thrive being left alone for long workdays without exercise and companionship. And if you can‘t provide a secure yard for independent exercise, you‘ll need to commit to multiple long walks and full-out runs every single day, rain or shine.
Finding an Artois Hound puppy can also be a challenge given their rarity outside of France. Expect to spend time on waiting lists, research pedigrees and breeders carefully, and pay a premium for a well-bred pup. You won‘t find this uncommon breed in shelters, and adult dogs are seldom available.
If you can meet the Artois Hound‘s needs, though, you‘ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving companion as noble in spirit as they are on the hunt. These special hounds carry the history of centuries of French tradition in their unique package. With the right home, the tenacious Artois Hound can still shine as an unparalleled talented tracker, an athletic partner, and a gentle friend for many years to come.
