Chien d’Artois (Artois Hound)

Temperament:

Persistent, Devoted, Balanced
Size: Medium
Height: 53-58 cm
Weight: 28-30 kg
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Dark mauve, badger and hare; head, dun colors
FCI Group: Scent hounds and related breeds

The French Shepherd, also known as the Chien d'Artois, is the smaller version of the Grand Chien d'Artois and is an active hunting dog. It is not suitable as a family dog, but needs to be kept busy hunting in a pack and needs plenty of exercise to feel comfortable.

Chien d’Artois (Artois Hound)
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Characteristics

The Chien d'Artois is a strongly built dog. Its coat is dense, robust and close-fitting. The head is broad and short for a running dog with brown eyes. The thick, broad, floppy ears are twisted, set at the level of the eye line and end round.

The tail is long, sickle-shaped and, in some representatives of the breed, has long hair and sticks out like a spike. It resembles a large Beagle, which is also due to the fact that this breed has been repeatedly crossed with others. In this way, attempts were made to adapt the appearance and character of the Chien d'Artois.

It is considered a courageous and fearless hunter that can also take down larger prey. This is why it is also used for pack hunting with six to eight animals for roe deer and wild boar. It is a quiet hunting dog that can drive the prey towards the hunter.

At home, the Artois Hound is balanced and relaxed, as long as it is sufficiently challenged. If the dog is not used for hunting, it definitely needs something else to do. This breed wants to work.

Training is moderately demanding. The Chien d'Artois is very affectionate, but needs a consistent hand.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

The food should consist of high-quality and balanced ingredients so that your dog receives all the necessary nutrients.

The composition and quantity of the food depends on age, weight, activity and state of health.

During the hunt, the feed should be higher in energy. During periods with less exercise, the amount of food or the composition of the food must be adjusted.

Fresh water should of course always be available. You can also occasionally offer chews to keep them occupied. These are then deducted from the food ration.

Health & Care

The short coat of the Chien d'Artois does not need much grooming. All the more reason to take care of its paws and eyes. When hunting, it runs a lot through rough terrain. As a result, it is exposed to a higher risk of injury than pure companion dogs. Injuries caused by broken glass, thorns, sharp stones and sprained joints are more common.

Floppy ears also need to be checked regularly. They are more susceptible to ear infections than prick ears. You can keep their teeth clean with chew bones.

Suitable accessories

In addition to hunting work, the Artois Hound needs sufficient exercise. To prevent them from acting out their hunting instinct, which is intensified by their fine nose, it is essential that they are exercised in a fenced-in area. Meetings with other dog owners are very suitable for this breed. These social animals like to play with other dogs and let off steam.

For walks, the Chien d'Artois needs a sturdy lead and a good harness as well as an owner who keeps an eye on its surroundings. If the Chien d'Artois sees a deer in the field, it has probably already scented it.

If it is temporarily not used for hunting, it is also suitable as a companion when cycling or jogging.

Chien d'Artois history

Origin & History

As the name suggests, the Chien d'Artois comes from France. Its ancestors go back to Henry IV and Louis XIII. At that time, it was considered the ideal dog for hunting hares.

In the 20th century, there were numerous attempts to breed this breed again. After the Second World War, it was briefly thought to be extinct forever, but fortunately this was not the case. In 1963, it was recognized as a breed by the FCI.