Origin
Translated in English as the “French white and black hound”, the Chien Français Blanc et Noir was found in the Native French during the 18th century.
It is believed that this hound is a crossbreed from different English and French hounds but later had been recognized as originating from Saintongeois, Gascon-Saintongeois, and Poitevin.
Developed from the family of hounds, its instinctive trait is to persevere during hunting, sensitively smelling the scents of wild deer and foxes and tracking them dutifully.
They are also known to thrive on packs during hunting time, unfailingly searching for the prey and perform these tasks as directed.
They can be reliable companions, loyal working and responsible dogs.
Traits and Behavior
The Chien Français Blanc et Noir are dependable canines. They are affectionate and are eager to impress and get attention from humans. As they are trained to be hunting dogs, they will mostly like to be on their toes sniffing outdoors, running or walking around its premises.
Further, they love to chase around vermin and other small animals as long as it is within their reach. They are intelligent dogs, easily trainable to new tricks or specific tasks.
These hounds can be territorial and so can serve as watchdogs. They are good at finding scents; therefore, it is best that during their puppy years objects that may smell, like garbage bins, should be taken out from their presence as they may track this out and tinker and tear apart the odorous object.
They also have a loud barking voice which is beneficial in alerting owners of anyone arriving at their home.
With proper training, they can be companions and good watchdogs for young children. They are also playful and can be entertaining. If not being able to play or exert exercises, these hounds tend to be destructive such that they love chewing, eating or making much mess.
Pet Care and Diseases
These hounds don’t require much grooming. Its coat can be brushed using a firm bristled brush or a rubdown using a dry towel. Since the dog can be used for hunting, it is needed for them to completely dry out to prevent from catching chills and colds.
Their ears must be regularly checked for infection and mucous plugs that may cause bulging of the tympanic membrane. These dogs may tend to experience bloating in their stomach. It is, therefore, necessary that they are given easily digestible food.
Alert and active as they can be, owners should provide them daily routine exercises. Serious health problems of the Chien Français Blanc et Noir are hip dysplasia, degenerative disk disease, arthritis, congenital heart disease and skin allergies.
Appearance
They appear lean, muscular and a well-built body for hunting. These dogs have a length of withers about 65-72cm. Distinctive features are its body coat color of white and black with markings on the head, tail, or a tan marking on its thigh.
They possess medium-coat hairs, short and coarse. Their muzzle is long that protrudes more on its head. Eyes appear dark brown or black and there are markings on its eye rim. Ears are set at eye level and curled that reach its nose.
General Information
Its life expectancy goes about 10-12 years. The average litter size is 6-8 puppies. Other names include French White and Black Hound, White and Black French Hound and Francais Blanc et Noir.