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Ariegeois

Other names: Ariege Hound

Ariegeois

The Ariégeois is a breed of medium-sized dogs thought to have originated in 1912 in the Midi-Pyrenées region of southern France. The Ariégeois was originally bred to hunt, both by coursing and driving. To ‘course’ prey is to chase it; a dog such as the Ariégeois would have had the speed to do this to great effect. Game most often caught by this dog includes foxes, hares and boar.

Key facts about the Ariegeois

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Intelligent Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

The breed came about in the Ariège region located in southwestern France. It was created in 1912 by the joining of a Briquet with an indeterminate scent hound of the day (possibly the Bleu de Gascogne). The Grand bleu is a breed of dog believed to have been brought to France by the ancient Phoenicians.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Ariegeois

    Adult size

    Female : Between 20 and 22 in

    Male : Between 20 and 23 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 62 and 66 lb

    Male : Between 62 and 66 lb

    Coat colour

    White
    Black

    Type of coat

    Short

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    The head of the Ariégeois is long and narrow; the ears are set high on the head and fall close to the cheeks. The neck is arched slightly and is narrow; the top line leading from the withers is almost horizontal. The chest is narrow and deep.

    Good to know

    For the owner of an Ariégeois to deny this dog a good proportion of their time and energy will not do. This dog makes an excellent companion only if treated with respect and love. If the Ariégeois feels as though it has been abandoned it will be unhappy and depressed.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      A friendly and an affectionate dog despite its hunting heritage; the Ariégeois is slow to anger.

    • 66%

      Playful

      An active and playful dog that enjoys constant and positive interaction with the family.

    • 66%

      Calm

      A serene and stable dog; it is highly adaptable and not easily upset or made nervous.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      This dog is highly intelligent, well-adjusted to its living with humans, and generally sensible. The Ariégeois is skilled at manipulation.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      The Ariégeois was until recently bred to hunt. As a result it has a high prey drive.

    • 66%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      The Ariégeois tends to be welcoming of new people and will seek to play with visitors.

    • 66%

      Independent

      The Ariégeois was bred for its independent mind; this dog has a tendency for stubbornness.

      Behaviour of the Ariegeois

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        He can stay alone but in order for this dog to tolerate solitude occupation should be available to avoid him to be bored. 

      • 100%

        Easy to train / obedience

        The Ariégeois is reasonably easy to train. Its ability to learn relies on its closeness with the trainer and the manner in which the lessons are given. A harsh teacher makes this dog a shy and unhappy pupil.

      • 100%

        Barking

        He barks a lot when he works but never without reason.

      • 66%

        Tendency to run away

        A well-trained Ariégeois can be recalled. However, if the recall command is not learned, the dog is likely not to return to its owner when instructed to do so.

      • 66%