Billy

Other name: Chien de France-Comte

Photo: adult dog of Billy breed
© Olga Aniven / Shutterstock

The Billy is a large scenthound native to the central and western provinces of France. The breed was all but wiped out during WW2 and today is still considered a rare breed. It is rarely seen out of its native lands where it is put to use as a hunter of roe deer and wild boar. The size of the dog and its hunting heritage belie a gentle, calm and loving temperament. Although primarily used to hunt large game this dog makes a worthwhile family pet. 

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Life expectancy

The Billy has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years

Temperament

Size

Large

Adult size

Female Between 23 and 24 in
Male Between 24 and 28 in

Adult weight

Female Between 73 and 77 lb
Male Between 73 and 77 lb
Coat colour
White
Type of coat
Very short Hard
Eye colour
Brown
Good to know

Consistent socialisation and training of a Billy may dampen the dog’s natural instinct to chase and kill smaller animals, but these measures will not eradicate the instinct. Care should be taken during meetings between Billies and smaller animals. 

More details about the Billy

Billy: Origins and history

The Billy was first bred in the 1800s. It is named after the Château de Billy, in Poitou. The breeder (Monsieur Gaston Hublot de Rivault) bred a succession of native hounds to deliberately bring about a dog with the distinctive pale colourings of the Billy. Only two dogs of the breed survived World War 2. To this day it remains a rare breed. 

FCI classification of the Billy

  • Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

  • Section 1 : Scent hounds

Training a Billy

Billies are notoriously difficult to train due to their having a short span of attention. They can be tempted back to class with treats. 

Billy: Purchase price

As a rare breed, an average price for purchase of a Billy puppy is not available. It will cost £50 to £80 per month to care for this breed.

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1 comment

  • Aliharsten
    Aliharsten
    I love my Billy mix. She is a dream dog.
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