Ultimate Guide to Artois Hound Breed: History, Traits, and Characteristics

Discover the comprehensive Artois Hound Breed Guide, covering its history, traits, and characteristics.

Introduction

The Artois Hound is a rare and old breed of hunting dog that dates back to the 1400s. They are known for their excellent tracking skills inherited from their ancestor, the Bloodhound. These dogs are tri-color, active, and affectionate, making them great companions for active families and experienced dog owners.

Due to their rarity, finding an Artois Hound puppy may be difficult, and potential owners may need to be patient and join waiting lists. It’s important to provide the necessary supplies and a welcoming environment for the new puppy. Additionally, since the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder to ensure the dog’s health and lineage.

The Artois Hound is highly intelligent and even-tempered, making them suitable for indoor living. They are social dogs that bond closely with their owners and are good with children when properly socialized. However, they may exhibit dominance towards other dogs, especially males, and have a strong hunting instinct towards small animals.

Owning an Artois Hound requires careful consideration of their dietary needs, exercise requirements, grooming, and potential health issues. While they are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-14 years, they may be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears.

Despite their independence and stubborn nature, Artois Hounds can be trained with confident and consistent methods. It’s important to establish a strong bond and leadership with the dog to ensure successful training.

The breed has a rich history, having been favored by French nobility and nearly facing extinction after the World Wars. It is also believed to be an ancestor of the Beagle due to its development in Northern France and potential crossbreeding with English hound breeds.

Overall, the Artois Hound is a unique and intelligent breed that requires an experienced and active owner. With proper training and care, they can make excellent companions for the right family.

History of the Artois Hound

The history of the Artois Hound dates all the way back to the 1400s when they were popular hunting dogs. The Bloodhound is an ancestor to the Artois Hound, and the Artois Hound inherited the Bloodhound’s excellent tracking skills. These dogs were a favorite of French nobility in the 1500s and 1600s, often given as gifts to other upper-class members of society as hunting dogs. They were particularly popular for tracking animals such as foxes, boar, and hares.

In the 1970s, the breed was nearly wiped out entirely following the World Wars. Before the wars, the breed had become less popular and was being crossed with other breeds such as the Normandy Hound in order to prevent extinction. However, a breeder named M. Audrechy took it upon himself to hunt down any purebred Artois Hounds he could find in order to create a new breeding program that would recreate the breed’s original look.

The Artois Hound is thought to be an ancestor of the Beagle, as it is speculated that the breed was used in the creation of the Beagle. Because the Artois Hound was developed in Northern France, it is thought that it was crossed with English hound breeds over time, contributing to the creation of the Beagle.

Physical Traits of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy and muscular build. They have a strong and athletic body that is well-proportioned. Their head is broad and their ears are long and droopy, giving them a distinctive and charming appearance. The breed typically stands at around 21-23 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 55-65 pounds. Their coat is short, dense, and glossy, and they come in a tri-color pattern of fawn, white, and black.

The Artois Hound has a noble and dignified expression, with dark, soulful eyes that exude intelligence and warmth. Their nose is large and black, and their muzzle is strong and well-developed. They have a deep chest and a straight, powerful back, giving them the agility and endurance needed for their hunting heritage. Overall, the Artois Hound is a striking and elegant breed with a regal presence.

In addition to their physical appearance, the Artois Hound is known for their keen sense of smell and exceptional tracking abilities. Their strong, sturdy build and athletic physique make them well-suited for endurance and agility, allowing them to excel in their role as hunting dogs. The breed’s distinctive tri-color coat and soulful eyes add to their allure, making them a visually captivating breed. With their noble and dignified expression, the Artois Hound embodies a sense of grace and strength.

Temperament and Behavior

The Artois Hound is known for its independent, affectionate, and loving nature. These dogs are intelligent and even-tempered, making them great companions for active families. They have a strong hunting instinct and are excellent trackers, but they are also calm and well-behaved when raised indoors. Artois Hounds are social dogs and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are loyal and will bond closely with their owners, making them great pets for the right family.

In terms of behavior, Artois Hounds are generally good with children and can make great playmates. However, they are also independent and may stop playing when they feel they have had enough. It’s important to supervise interactions between the dog and young children, as the Hound’s size and energy level could potentially lead to accidents. When it comes to other pets, Artois Hounds tend to get along well with other dogs and can also coexist with cats, although their hunting instinct may kick in when they encounter small animals they don’t know.

Overall, the Artois Hound’s temperament and behavior make it a great fit for active, experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary socialization, exercise, and training for this intelligent and independent breed.

Care and Maintenance

The Artois Hound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their short coat only requires brushing once a week with a stiff brush to remove loose hair and keep their coat looking healthy. Additionally, their droopy ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. Bathing is only necessary if the dog becomes particularly dirty or smelly.

Feeding

Artois Hounds are medium to large dogs and should be fed a high-quality dog food formulated for their size and activity level. It’s important to measure their food to prevent obesity, as they can be prone to weight gain. If the dog is used for hunting, consider a dog food formulated for working breeds to support their high energy levels.

Exercise

These dogs require at least an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise each day. This can be in the form of walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced-in yard. They thrive in active households and enjoy being part of the family’s outdoor activities. Lack of exercise can lead to behavioral issues, so it’s important to ensure they get enough physical activity.

Training

Artois Hounds are intelligent but can be stubborn, making training a bit challenging. Consistent and confident training is key, and they respond best to a firm and assertive leader. Socialization from a young age is also important to ensure they get along well with other pets and people. It’s recommended for experienced dog owners to take on the task of training an Artois Hound.

Training and Socialization

The Artois Hound is an intelligent and independent breed, which can make training a bit challenging. However, with consistent and firm training, these dogs can be taught to obey commands and behave well. It’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader and to be patient and persistent with training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, tend to work well with Artois Hounds.

Socialization

Early socialization is crucial for Artois Hounds to ensure they get along well with other pets and people. Exposing them to different environments, sounds, and experiences from a young age can help prevent any potential behavioral issues. Introducing them to other dogs and animals in a controlled and positive manner can also help them develop good social skills.

Training Tips

– Start training your Artois Hound as soon as you bring them home, and be consistent with your commands and expectations.
– Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to motivate and reward good behavior.
– Keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom and maintain their focus.
– Seek professional training help if you’re struggling with training your Artois Hound, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Artois Hound is a rare and historical breed that has a lot to offer as a companion. With their intelligence, even temperament, and hunting skills, they can make great family pets for active and experienced dog owners. However, potential owners should be aware of the challenges that come with owning an Artois Hound, such as the difficulty in finding a puppy, the need for proper socialization, and the commitment to providing regular exercise and training.

When considering adding an Artois Hound to your family, it’s important to do thorough research and find a reputable breeder who can provide information about the dog’s parentage and health history. Additionally, prospective owners should be prepared to invest in proper care, including a suitable diet, regular exercise, grooming, and potential health issues related to ear infections.

Overall, the Artois Hound is a unique and interesting breed with a rich history and a lot of potential as a loyal and loving companion. With the right environment, training, and care, they can thrive as part of a family and bring joy to their owners. It’s important to consider all aspects of owning an Artois Hound before making the commitment, but for the right owner, this breed can be a wonderful addition to the family.

In conclusion, the Artois Hound is a loyal and energetic breed with a rich history of hunting and companionship. Known for their keen sense of smell and strong build, they make great family pets for active individuals or families. With their affectionate nature and distinct characteristics, the Artois Hound is a beloved breed with a fascinating background.