Ariegeois
Other names: Ariege Hound
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
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
Sometimes mottled black and white, but mostly white with well-defined black shapes. A pale tan is sometimes seen on the cheeks of the Ariégeois.
Type of coat
Smooth, short-haired, single coat.
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.