BillyCharacteristics, history, training and care
Billy at the Rallye Gaillardet, 2023 · MylèneTM / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Billy is a large white French hound from the Poitou region. It was created in the 19th century and takes its name from the Château de Billy. After the Second World War only two dogs were left, and the breed was rebuilt. It is used to hunt roe deer and wild boar.
Quick facts
| Common name | Billy |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | France (Poitou) |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 14 October 1963 (Group 6, with a working trial; standard no. 25) |
| Lifespan | No published data for the breed; large breeds usually live 10–13 years |
| Size (males) | 60–70 cm at the withers |
| Size (females) | 58–62 cm at the withers |
| Weight | about 33–47 kg |
| Coat type | Short, harsh to the touch |
| Common colours | Pure white, “café au lait” white, or white with light orange or lemon patches |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | No |
| Temperament | A pack dog, a hardy hunter |
| Tendency to aggression | Low |
| Good with children | Good |
| Good with other animals | Very good with other dogs; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No breed-specific diseases are known |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The Billy was created in the 19th century by Gaston Hublot du Rivault and is named after his home, the Château de Billy in Poitou. He started from three old Poitevin lines: Montemboeuf, Ceris and Larrye. Du Rivault chose the lighter-coloured dogs.
The pack was dispersed in 1927, and after the Second World War only two dogs survived. His son, Anthony, rebuilt the breed using the Poitevin, Porcelaine and Harrier.
How the breed developed
- 19th century – Gaston Hublot du Rivault creates the breed at the Château de Billy.
- 1885 – The breed standard is drawn up.
- Late 19th century – The Billy helps create the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange.
- 1927 – The pack is dispersed.
- After 1945 – Only two dogs remain; the breed is rebuilt.
- 14 October 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★★☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★★ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★★☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★★★ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★★ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★★★ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★★ |
| Good companion dog | ★★☆☆☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile, so the rating is based on the FCI standard and on its description as a pack hound.
Physical characteristics
The Billy is a well-built, strong but light hound. The front of the body is stronger than the rear.
General appearance
The eyes are lively, large and dark. The medium-sized ears are set fairly high for a French hound. The tail is long and strong. The standard calls for an easy gallop on the move.
| Feature | Billy |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Height at the withers | males: 60–70 cm; females: 58–62 cm |
| Weight | about 33–47 kg |
| Coat | Short, harsh |
| Eyes | Large, lively, dark |
| Tail | Long, strong |
The coat is white: pure white, “café au lait” white, or white with light orange or lemon patches or mantle. Black or red hair disqualifies.
Training and socialisation
The Billy is a pack dog, bred for hunting. It is trained in the pack, with patience and consistency.
It is not a breed for life as a city companion dog.
Tips for effective training
- Keep it in company. It is used to living in a pack.
- Practise the recall. On a trail, it may forget commands.
- Use rewards. Praise and food motivate it.
- Let it work with its nose. Tracking games use its talent.
Activity needs and lifestyle
It is a hardy hunter that needs a lot of exercise and space. A few packs are still used today to hunt roe deer and wild boar.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Long walks in nature | daily | Its stamina calls for a lot of exercise |
| Scent work | several times a week | Uses its hound instinct |
| Time with other dogs | daily | It is a pack dog |
Tips for a balanced life
- It is best suited to hunters.
- It needs a large, fenced garden.
- Keep it on a lead outside the yard.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The short, harsh coat is easy to look after, with brushing once a week.
Common health problems
There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. As with any large, active dog, its joints are worth watching.
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
Other care
- Check the ears after every outing.
- Look for ticks in the white coat after hunting.
- Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.
Diet and nutrition
A large hound that hunts needs a lot of energy during the season. Adjust the portion to its workload and weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 kg | 1,540 kcal | 1,730 kcal | 380–490 g |
| 40 kg | 1,780 kcal | 2,000 kcal | 440–570 g |
| 47 kg | 2,010 kcal | 2,260 kcal | 500–650 g |
- Give it its food in two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
- Fresh water should always be available.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Saved by two dogs. After the Second World War only two Billys were left.
- The name comes from a château. The Château de Billy in Poitou was the home of the breed's creator.
- It helped create another breed. It was used in developing the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange.
- Colour mattered from the start. Its creator deliberately chose light-coloured dogs.
- An old standard. The breed's first standard was drawn up in 1885.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Billy come from?
From the Château de Billy in Poitou, the home of the breed's creator.
How big does it get?
Males measure 60–70 cm, females 58–62 cm; they weigh about 33–47 kg.
What colour is it?
It is white, “café au lait” white, or white with orange or yellow patches.
Is it a rare breed?
Yes. It came close to extinction after the Second World War.
