Overview
The King's White Hound, or Chien Blanc du Roi, was a large French scenthound favoured by the kings of France from Louis XI to Louis XIV. It is now extinct.
Its fame rested on speed and courage in stag hunting, and its blood lives on in several French hound breeds.
History
The breed was said to descend from a white St. Hubert Hound named Souillard, given to Louis XI in 1470. His white offspring gradually replaced the other hounds in the royal pack. Later kings added Italian, Breton and Talbot blood.
It reached its peak under Louis XIII, when it could run down a stag in half an hour. Under Louis XIV it was crossed with slower Norman hounds, then under Louis XV with English Staghounds and Foxhounds, and the pure type was lost. It is believed to have helped found the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Porcelaine and the Billy.
Appearance
A large, powerful hound, at first close to the St. Hubert Hound with long ears and a deep scenting nose, later showing many sighthound features. Charles IX said it was as tall as a greyhound with a head as fine as a braque.
Despite the name, colours ranged from pure white to white with yellow, red or black patches, and badger or pure black.
Temperament
The hounds were said to be very courageous and steady, not easily distracted by the large crowd of followers on royal hunts.
Care and exercise
The breed no longer exists, but it was kept in large royal packs by many hunt servants and needed constant exercise and hunting work.
