Chien Français Blanc et NoirCharacteristics, history, training and care

The Chien Français Blanc et Noir descends from the Saintonge hound, whose origins are unclear. The standard says it has no link with the St. Hubert Hound, but probably has a distant relative in the famous white “Greffier” dogs of the 16th century.

Today's type appeared in the second half of the 19th century and was influenced by crosses with the Poitevin and the Gascon-Saintongeois. The FCI standard says the breed numbers about 2,000 dogs, with 300–400 births a year.

How the breed developed

• 16th century – The white “Greffier” dogs, probably distant relatives, are alive.
• Second half of the 19th century – The present type appears, from the Saintonge hound.
• 1957 – The breed receives its standard.
• 15 December 1959 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 4 November 2008 – the current FCI standard is published.
• Today – it is used almost only in packs, for hunting big game.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. The breed has no AKC profile and the FCI standard does not describe its temperament, so the rating is only a rough guide, based on its role as a pack hound.

It is a large pack hound, lean and muscular, with long legs. Wikipedia describes it as a typical French hound.

General appearance

The muzzle is long in relation to the skull. The dark eyes have an intelligent, confident expression. The ears, set at eye level, reach at least to the base of the nose when drawn forward. The tail, thick at the base, is carried fairly high.

The colour must be white and black, with a black mantle or more or less extensive black patches and, sometimes, black or bluish ticking. It has a pale tan spot above each eye and pale tan on the cheeks, under the eyes, under the ears and at the base of the tail. The “roe deer mark” often appears on the thigh.

It is bred almost exclusively for pack hunting, always led by a person. The dogs do not hunt alone, but together, at the hunter's command.

As with all hounds, a scent can make it forget commands, so the recall needs a lot of practice.

Tips for effective training

• Keep it in company. It is used to living and working in a pack.
• Practise the recall. On a scent, it can forget about you.
• Use rewards. Praise and food motivate it.
• Work with its nose. Scent games use its instinct.

It is a hardy hunter, bred for long days in the field. It needs a great deal of exercise and is not suited to city life.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is suited almost only to hunters who keep packs.
• It needs a large, fenced space.
• Its hound bark carries a long way.

Coat and skin care

The short coat is easy to keep, with one brushing a week.

Common health problems

There are no known inherited diseases specific to the breed. The long ears should be checked often, especially after hunting.

Other care

• Check the ears after every outing.
• Check for ticks after hunting.
• Check the paws after rough ground.

A large hound that hunts needs a lot of energy during the season. Weigh it, because the standard gives no 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.

• Give it its food in two meals a day to reduce the risk of bloat.
• Increase the portion on days of hard exercise.
• 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, 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.

• The roe deer mark. On the thigh it often has a tan patch called the “roe deer mark”.
• Relatives from the 16th century. It is said to be distantly related to the famous white “Greffier” dogs.
• About 2,000 dogs. The standard says the breed numbers about 2,000 dogs.
• Tricolour disqualifies. A Blanc et Noir with a tricolour coat is disqualified.
• It hunts only in a pack. It is bred for hunting big game with the pack.

How big does it get?

Males measure 65–72 cm and females 62–68 cm at the withers.

Is it suited to being a pet?

Not really. It is a pack dog, bred for hunting.

What kind of hunting is it used for?

For hunting big game, in a pack.

What colour is it?

It is white and black, with tan spots above the eyes.