Artois Hound

Description

The Artois Hound, also known as the **Grand Bleu de Gascogne**, is a French breed primarily used for hunting, particularly in tracking and pursuing large game like deer, wild boar, and rabbits. Originating from the Artois region in northern France, this breed has a history that dates back several centuries and is renowned for its exceptional scenting ability and endurance.

Physically, the Artois Hound is a medium to large-sized dog with a well-proportioned, muscular frame. It has a distinctively short, dense, and rough coat, often seen in a combination of blue and white, sometimes with tan markings. The breed has a strong, noble appearance with a broad head, long ears, and an alert expression. Its deep, melodic voice is often heard when it is on the scent trail, and it has a tail that is carried in a gentle curve.

Known for its excellent sense of smell and stamina, the Artois Hound is a dedicated and hardworking dog, capable of tracking and hunting for long periods. It is a calm and gentle breed, with a reserved yet friendly temperament. Though originally bred as a hunting dog, the Artois Hound can also be a loyal companion in the right environment, especially for experienced dog owners familiar with its needs.

Training an Artois Hound can be challenging due to its independent nature and strong hunting instincts. While it is intelligent, it may be more focused on tracking and hunting than on obedience, so consistent, positive reinforcement and patience are key for successful training. Early socialization is also important to ensure that the breed is well-adjusted around other animals and people.

The Artois Hound thrives in active households or those with access to large areas where it can exercise and follow its natural instincts. It is not typically suited for apartment living, as it requires both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. With the right training, care, and environment, the Artois Hound makes a loyal, affectionate, and hardworking companion, particularly for those who appreciate its hunting skills and calm demeanor.

History

The Artois Hound, also known in French as the Chien d’Artois, is a scenthound with a heritage that traces back several centuries to the Artois region in northern France. Its ancestors likely included various regional hound types bred by French nobility for the pursuit of game, especially hare and deer. These dogs were prized for their keen noses, endurance, and ability to work in packs, all essential traits for the demanding hunting style practiced by the aristocracy. The earliest clear references to hounds from Artois date to the 15th and 16th centuries, when such dogs were central to the elaborate hunting traditions of the French court.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, the breed was widely sought-after and admired among both French and neighboring European gentry. However, the political upheavals of the French Revolution and the rapid changes in land ownership and hunting rights led to significant disruptions in breeding programs. As the aristocratic class lost power and influence, the Artois Hound, like many specialized hunting breeds, began to diminish in numbers. Only a handful of dedicated enthusiasts continued to breed and maintain these hounds in the following decades, preserving their unique characteristics.

The Artois Hound faced another threat to its survival in the 20th century due to the devastation of two World Wars on French soil. The breed’s population reached critically low levels, and it seemed in danger of extinction. Fortunately, a small group of breed fanciers recognized the importance of saving this piece of French hunting heritage. Through careful selection and breeding efforts that revived the remaining bloodlines, the Artois Hound was gradually reestablished. Modern breeding programs, particularly in France, have worked diligently to ensure that the Artois Hound retains its hunting instincts, conformation, and scenthound capabilities.

Today, the Artois Hound remains relatively rare, even in its homeland. It is recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (the French Kennel Club) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), classified within the scenthound group. Although still employed by some hunters for small game, it is also kept as a companion animal by enthusiasts who appreciate its gentle nature and deep connection to France’s rich hunting traditions. The breed’s survival story is a testament to the dedication of a few passionate breeders and serves as an important link to France’s cultural and sporting past.

Colors

•  Dark Fawn Tri-color
•  Tricolored