French White and Black Hound: Characteristics, Origin & Lifespan

The French White and Black Hound is a breed of dog of the scenthound type. It is used for hunting in packs and descends from the old Hound of Saintonge type of large hunting dog. It is also known as Chien Français Blanc et Noir.

The breed was originated from France. It’s ancestry was in the old Hound of Saintonge, which almost disappeared during the French Revolution. Through the Gascon Saintongeois breed created by Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour in the mid-19th century.

The Gascon Saintongeois hounds were crossbred with the Poitevin in the late 19th century to produce the Chien Français Blanc et Noir. The dogs were officially recognised as a breed in 1957. In 2009, there were approximately 2000 of the breed registered through the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.

The French White and Black Hound are pack hunting dogs, which means that groups hunt together in packs, always directed by a human, not running about hunting by themselves. The Chien Français Blanc et Noir packs are especially valued in the hunting of red deer or roe deer.[1]

French White and Black Hound Characteristics

The French White and Black Hound is a medium sized breed with beautiful appearance. It is a typical hunting pack hound, with a lean and muscular body, long legs, slightly domed head, long drop ears, and slightly square flews that just overlap the lower lip.

The color of the coat is white and black, with a black mantle, sometimes speckled or ticked with black or blue. Pale tan dots are above each eye as well as tan on the cheeks, below the eyes and ears, and below the tail.

Sometimes, a tan marking is found on the base of the upper thigh, which is called the ‘roe buck mark’.

Faults are listed as deviations in appearance that have an effect on the health and working ability of the dog, as well as indication of crossing with Foxhounds or being off-colour, indicating that a dog with such faults should not be bred.

Average live body weight of the mature dogs is between 27 and 32 kg. And their average height is between 25.6 and 28.3 inches at the withers for males, and the females are slightly smaller.

Temperament

The French White and Black Hound are friendly with humans, gentle and even tempered. It is highly valued in many roebuck packs, due to it’s industriousness and reliability. Distinguished and well proportioned, these dogs have a fine nose and a good voice.

These are friendly canines that form close relationships with humans and are able to live peacefully in kennels. Their alert nature has earned them a reputation as excellent watchdogs.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of the French White and Black Hound is between 12 and 15 years.

Feeding

How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.

The French White and Black Hound is a medium sized breed and are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with high exercise needs. Consult with an expert or a vet in your area for better feeding recommendations.

Caring

Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising French White and Black Hound. You should keep up with your dog’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early.

They generally require less caring and minimal grooming. They are very active dogs, and require a lot of exercise.

Health

The French White and Black Hounds are generally very healthy. Very little health problems are known about this breed. Although you should always keep good contact with a vet in your area for getting help in emergency situations.