Artois Hound
Basics
The Artois Hound (Chien d’Artois) is a French scenthound developed for hunting, traditionally worked in small packs and valued for nose, voice, and persistence. It’s a medium-sized, muscular hound built for sustained work rather than sprint speed.
In the home, well-bred Artois Hounds are typically affectionate and balanced, but they remain true hunting dogs at heart. They do best with owners who can provide daily exercise, meaningful scent work, and consistent boundaries.
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.
Traditional Artois Hound Roles
Appearance
This is a sturdy, well-constructed, medium-sized hound with a strong head and long, low-set ears that lie close to the head. The coat is short, thick, and fairly flat.
In the FCI standard, typical height is about 53–58 cm at the withers (with a small tolerance) and weight is roughly 28–30 kg. Color is a dark fawn tricolor pattern (often described as hare/badger-like), sometimes with a mantle or large patches.
Colors
• Dark Fawn Tri-color
• Tricolored
Health
The FCI standard emphasizes breeding only from functionally and clinically healthy dogs. For owners, the practical focus is keeping a lean, fit working dog and partnering with a veterinarian for routine screening and parasite prevention.
As with many hounds, ear care is important due to long ears and outdoor work. Monitor weight, joints, and overall conditioning, particularly if the dog is used for hunting.
Care
Daily activity is essential: long walks, hikes, and structured scent games help keep an Artois Hound content. Because they may follow scent, secure fencing and leash safety are important.
Grooming is straightforward (short coat): weekly brushing, routine nail trimming, dental care, and ear checks/cleaning. After outdoor work, check ears, feet, and skin for debris and irritation.
Training
Train with positive, consistent methods and make the work worth it—food rewards and scent-based games tend to be especially motivating. Recall around strong scents should be built slowly and practiced with long lines in safe areas.
Early socialization and calm handling matter, especially for a dog likely to be around other hounds. Basic manners (settle, leash skills, polite greetings) pay off in an active, outdoorsy lifestyle.
Temperament
The FCI standard describes the breed as vigorous and hardy, with a very fine nose and a strong voice, working effectively in a pack. With people, they’re generally affectionate and steady when their exercise needs are met.
Like many scent hounds, they can be independent and persistent—great traits in the field, but they require patient training and good management around wildlife scents.
Lifestyle
This breed is best suited to active owners who enjoy long outdoor days and who can provide regular, purposeful exercise. A secure yard is helpful, but the dog still needs structured activity and “jobs” involving scent.
They often do well with other dogs and can enjoy pack-style companionship, but they still need individual training and calm time in the home.
Ownership
An Artois Hound is a strong match for experienced hound people—especially hunters or sport‑tracking enthusiasts—who appreciate independence and voice. Expect to manage scent drive, roaming risk, and possible vocalizing.
Prioritize responsible breeders (or specialized rescue) who can document health practices and stable temperaments, and who understand the breed’s working heritage.
Interesting Facts
• FCI Standard No. 28 lists height about 53–58 cm and weight about 28–30 kg.
• Short, thick, fairly flat coat; dark fawn tricolor pattern typical (FCI).
• Traditionally used as a gun-hunting scenthound, often in small packs (FCI/SCC).
• SCC describes it as a medium-sized, muscular French scenthound with a tricolor coat.
• Known for a fine nose and a strong, high-pitched voice in work (FCI).
