Overview
The Norman Hound was a large French scenthound from Normandy, now extinct. It was prized for its scenting ability, stamina and magnificent voice, but it was very slow, and a pack might need six to eight hours to hunt a stag.
It stood 66 to 76 cm tall and came in white, tricolour and black.
History
Little is known of its origins. It may have come from St. Hubert Hounds and local Norman hounds. The Normans reportedly brought it to England after 1066, and the Bloodhound and the Talbot are thought to descend from it.
By the eighteenth century faster hounds replaced it. Only one pack remained in the 1830s, and the breed was declared extinct in 1875.
Appearance
A very large hound, standing about 66 to 76 cm. Colours ranged from pure white through tricolour (black, tan and white) to pure black.
Temperament
Reported to have been persistent on a scent, with a fine voice, but unintelligent and lacking in initiative.
