Overview
The Chien Français Blanc et Orange is a large French scenthound bred to hunt in packs under the direction of a human handler. It descends from the old Hound of Saintonge type.
It is known for perseverance, a fine nose and a good voice. Unusually for a pack hound, it is friendly and easy for people to handle.
History
The breed descends from the old Saintonge type of large French hunting hound. French hunters developed several pack hounds from this stock, each distinguished by coat colour.
The Blanc et Orange is slightly smaller than the related Chien Français Blanc et Noir and has long been kept for hunting in organised packs.
Appearance
A typical large French pack hound: lean and muscular, with long legs, a slightly domed head, long drop ears and slightly square flews. It stands about 62 to 70 cm at the withers.
The coat is white and orange, and the orange should never look red. The skin matches the coat colour beneath it, orange under orange and white under white.
Temperament
Despite its working background, this hound is friendly and easy to manage. It is persevering on the hunt, with a good nose and a carrying voice.
It is bred to work with other dogs under human direction, so it tends to be sociable with its own kind.
Care and exercise
This is a working hound that needs a great deal of daily exercise and a job to do. It is best suited to hunters or very active owners with space, rather than a flat or small garden.
The short coat needs only occasional brushing. Check the long ears and keep up good training and secure fencing, as scent hounds follow their noses.
