Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et OrangeCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange descends from crossing the French Billy hound with the English Foxhound, at the end of the 19th century. In 1957, all the Anglo-French hound breeds were officially given the name “Anglo-Français”.

In France it is bred and kept mainly as a hunting dog, not as a pet or show dog. The breed has also reached North America, where it is recognised by the United Kennel Club.

How the breed developed

• End of the 19th century – The Billy hound is crossed with the Foxhound.
• 1957 – The Anglo-French hounds are officially given the name “Anglo-Français”.
• 27 January 1983 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1 August 2023 – 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

Wikipedia describes it as a large, powerful hound that shows the influence of the English Foxhound, with long legs, long hanging ears and a long tail.

The coat is white and lemon or white and orange, provided the orange is not too dark, verging on red.

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.

• A Billy ancestor. It descends from the white French Billy hound and the Foxhound.
• Orange, not red. The standard requires that the orange should not be too dark.
• “Grand” does not necessarily mean big. Wikipedia says “Grand” usually denotes a pack for big game.
• It reached America. It is recognised by the United Kennel Club, in the United States.
• No known health problems. Wikipedia says no unusual problems have been documented.

How big does it get?

Males measure 60–70 cm and females 60–70 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?

White and lemon or white and orange.