Artois Hound

Other names : Chien d’Artois, Picard, Briquet

Formerly known as the Picard, the Artois Hound has been in existence for over 500 years. It’s believed to have been developed from the English Beagle and was used as a hunting dog by members of the French aristocracy. Unsurprisingly, the Artois Hound has an excellent nose, first-class tracking skills, and lots of stamina. They’re happiest when working, but can still make excellent pets.This is a friendly, affectionate, and loyal animal.

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Life expectancy	The Artois Hound has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years
Temperament	Affectionate Playful High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 21 and 23 in Male Between 21 and 23 in
Adult weight	Female Between 62 and 66 lb Male Between 62 and 66 lb
Coat colour	Black White Brown
Type of coat	Short
Eye colour	Brown
Purchase price	The Artois Hound costs between £1000 and £1200

Good to know

It’s advised to check their ears on a regular basis. They also need a monthly clean. Any breeds with long, pendulous ears are prone to ear infections.

Physical exercise is not enough for these dogs. They also need a mental challenge. This is a task-driven breed with a very strong work ethic.

More details about the Artois Hound

Artois Hound: Origins and history

The breed was developed in France around 500 years ago and reached its peak during the 17th century, when it was a dog of choice for the French Nobility. For hundreds of years it worked alongside hunters, tracking rabbits, foxes, and boars. Its numbers remained relatively high until after the second world war. The effects of the war on France, as well as growing industrialisation, forced the breed to the brink of extinction. It was saved by a French breeder named Mr. B Audrechy. After hearing of the Artois Hound’s decline, he located the remaining dogs and set up a breeding programme. The Artois Hound club now has over 500 dogs registered in its stud book and the breed’s overall numbers are on the rise.

Physical characteristics of the Artois Hound

Medium sized, well-constructed dog with quite a long body. Short, sturdy legs. Long, thin tail and large, pendulous ears. A warm and friendly expression.

FCI classification of the Artois Hound

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section 1 : Scent hounds

Artois Hound: Characteristics

Very affectionate

A loving and very affectionate dog. Very open and receptive towards humans.

Very playful

A high-energy dog with a big playful streak. The Artois Hound has tons of energy and enthusiasm, and really enjoys playing games with younger children.

More or less calm

A boisterous dog that loves to express itself through physical activity. Has a reputation for being a bit “naughty.”

Moderate intelligence

A very intelligent dog with a strong and independent mind. This can lead to displays of difficult behaviour. The Artois Hound has a very low threshold for boredom, and as such can become quite disobedient.

High prey drive

This dog was bred to track and hunt rabbits, which is something they do extremely well. Known for their speed and stamina, the Artois Hound is happiest when on the trail of a strong scent.

Not fearful of strangers

Very friendly and social, even towards strangers. This dog sees everyone as a potential friend.

Moderately independent

The Artois Hound has a real mind of its own. As puppies they’re much more compliant. However, without proper training, they’ll develop into stubborn and disobedient dogs.

Artois Hound: Behaviour

Moderately tolerant of being left alone

Not suited to long periods of solitude. These dogs form an exceptionally strong bond with their main handler. Tends to latch onto one member of the family and needs lots of regular contact with their “master.”

Moderately easy to train

Training the Artois requires patience, experience, and some creativity. This dog will quickly grow bored of the basic obedience commands. They need to be consistently challenged and praised.

Tends to be very vocal

The Artois has a very distinct bark. It’s a piercing, high-pitched sound that travels for miles. This is perfect for hunting parties trying to locate the dog. However, it’s not so great for people keeping the Artois as just a pet!

Has a moderate tendency to run away

There’s always a risk that a scenthound could run away. Once they pick up a scent, they’ll follow it for hours and across huge distances. When it comes to obedience training, teaching this dog the recall command is your first priority.

Can be destructive

This dog rarely displays any destructive behaviour.

Moderately food motivated

No issues with overeating.

Not necessarily a watchdog

The Artois Hound lacks the territorial instincts of a natural watchdog.

Training a Artois Hound

Training the Artois requires patience, experience, and some creativity. This dog will quickly grow bored of the basic obedience commands. They need to be consistently challenged and praised.

Artois Hound: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

A flat is not an ideal environment for the Artois. Ideally, they need to live near the countryside or in a house that has a large, secure garden.

Needs a lot of exercise

Around 90 mins of exercise every day. Scenthounds also need plenty of opportunities to run free and explore. Keeping them on a lead can be a frustrating experience for the dog.

Moderately easy to travel with

Easy enough to transport by car, although longer trips should be broken up into stages. This will prevent the Artois Hound from become bored, frustrated, or anxious.

Breed compatibility Artois Hound

Moderately compatible with cats

The Artois Hound has a very high prey drive. This makes them a bad choice for families with cats or other small pets.

Compatible with other dogs

Artois Hounds were bred to hunt in large packs. As a result, they get on very well with other dogs.

Compatible with children

Suited for families with older children who know how to behave around dogs. A bit too rough and boisterous to play with toddlers.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

This dog can be a real handful, especially during its first few years. Can be very difficult to train. Elderly owners will probably prefer a more naturally obedient dog.

Moderately recommended for a first-time owner

Due to its very specific training needs and independent nature, the Artois Hound is a poor choice for the first time dog owner.

Artois Hound: Purchase price

The initial cost of a Artois Hound puppy is between £1,000 to £1,200. The average cost to keep one of these dogs (including vet bills, insurance, and food) is between £80 to £85 a month.