Chien d’ArtoisCharacteristics, history, training and care

The breed used to be called the “Picard” and was much sought after in the days of Kings Henry IV and Louis XIII. As early as 1609, in a letter, Prince Alexandre de Gray mentioned “a pack of little Artois dogs”.

In the 19th century it was increasingly crossed with British breeds. In 1890 Le Couteulx de Canteleu wrote that a pure Artois was hard to find, but that it remained one of the best breeds for hare. After the Second World War it almost disappeared, and in the '70s a few breeders, especially Audrechy, rebuilt it from the few remaining dogs.

How the breed developed

• 1609 – The first mention of a pack of Artois dogs.
• 16th–17th centuries – The breed, then called the “Picard”, is valued at royal hunts.
• 1890 – Le Couteulx de Canteleu praises it in “Manuel de Vénerie Française”, but finds it hard to come by in pure form.
• After 1945 – The breed has almost disappeared.
• 18 October 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• The '70s – A few enthusiasts rebuild it from the remaining dogs.
• 24 July 1996 – The current standard is published.

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.

It is a medium-sized, muscular and hardy dog. The muzzle is squarish, and the long, broad ears hang down to the start of the nose.

General appearance

The round, dark brown eyes have a gentle, melancholy expression. The tail is strong, fairly long and carried in a sickle shape. Towards the tip of the tail there are a few longer hairs, like an ear of wheat.

The colour is dark fawn tricolour, similar to the coat of a hare or a badger, with a mantle or large patches. The head is usually fawn, sometimes with black shading.

It is an intelligent hunter: the standard says it approaches game by cunningly taking advantage of its mistakes. It has a very fine nose and can outwit the tricks of the hare.

It is trained mainly for hunting, in a pack, with patience and consistency.

Tips for effective training

• Use its nose. Scent games please it most.
• Practise recall. On a fresh trail, it may forget commands.
• Keep it company. It has a pack instinct and does not cope well with being alone.
• Reward it straight away. Praise and food help it link the command to the reward.

It is a hardy hunter, with a moderate but steady pace. It needs a lot of space and sustained daily exercise.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters or people who live in the countryside.
• Its high-pitched bark can be heard from far away.
• Keep it on a lead outside the yard.

Coat and skin care

The short, thick coat is easy to maintain, with brushing once a week.

Common health problems

No hereditary diseases specific to the breed are known. The long ears should be checked often, as the area under them easily becomes infected.

Other care

• Clean the ears once a week.
• Check for ticks after every outing.
• Check the paws after rough ground.

A hunting dog needs more energy during the hunting season than during the rest of the year.

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.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Adjust the portion to its activity.
• 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.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

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 dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• It almost disappeared. After the Second World War very few dogs were left, and the breed was rebuilt in the '70s.
• It follows old trails. Selincourt marvelled that these dogs could follow a hare that had passed an hour earlier, in dry weather.
• The ideal pack. The standard says that 6–8 similar tricolour dogs make a small pack to please any demanding hunter.
• It has a beautiful voice. Its high-pitched, melodious bark can be heard from very far away.
• It was shown in Paris. Le Couteulx de Canteleu took dogs to the Jardin d'Acclimatation so that the public could get to know it.

Where does the Chien d'Artois come from?

From the Artois region in northern France.

How big does it get?

It measures 53–58 cm at the withers and weighs on average 28–30 kg.

Is it a rare breed?

Yes. It almost disappeared after the Second World War and was rebuilt in the '70s.

What kind of hunting is it used for?

Mainly hare, but also roe deer and wild boar.