Overview
The Chien Français Blanc et Noir is a large French hound bred to hunt in packs, especially after red deer and roe deer. It is lean, muscular and long-legged.
Unusually for a pack hound, it is friendly and easy for people to manage. Its looks and deep howl have made it a growing pet choice in the United States.
History
The breed descends from the old Hound of Saintonge, which nearly vanished during the French Revolution. Count Joseph de Carayon-Latour re-created it in the mid-19th century as the Gascon Saintongeois.
That breed was crossed with the Poitevin in the late 19th century, giving the Blanc et Noir, recognised in 1957. About 2,000 were registered with the FCI in 2009.
Appearance
A typical pack hound standing 65 to 72 cm at the withers, with females slightly smaller. It has a slightly domed head, long drop ears and square flews.
The coat is white with a black mantle, sometimes speckled or ticked with black or blue, plus pale tan spots above the eyes and on the cheeks.
Temperament
Persevering on the hunt, with a good nose and voice, yet friendly and approachable at home. It is a sociable dog that is used to working with others and generally gets along with people and dogs.
Care and exercise
It needs a lot of exercise and space and is not suited to small apartments. Scent work and long runs in secure areas keep it content.
The short coat needs only weekly brushing and regular ear checks.
