The Chien Français Blanc et Noir translated
into English as the French White and Black Hound, is a breed of dog of the
scenthound type, originating in France. The breed is used for hunting in packs
and descends from the old Hound of Saintonge type of large hunting dog.
Appearance
The
breed 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. Size is 65 to 72 cm (25.6 to 28.3 ins) at the withers,
females slightly smaller.
The
colour 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.
The
breed is noted for its perseverance on the hunt as well as a good nose and
voice. Unusual for pack dogs, it is friendly and easy for humans to manage.
History
The
breed'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
Chien Français Blanc et Noir 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 deer.
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