French Tricolour Hound

This is not really a companion dog, since he is independent, stubborn, and not really inclined to affection.

He prefers to work, but doesn’t always distinguish between the two – so long as he’s kept busy.

This dog is always on the alert. It is rare to see him fully calm, since he lives in a pack and enjoys constant distractions.

The French Tricolour Hound is intelligent, and a disciplined hunter.

This is primarily a hunting dog; it is near impossible to quash his scenthound instincts.

He is more stand-offish than nervous around strangers.

When the scent calls, he may well forget his master and act independently.

This dog does not like to be left alone and may howl if neglected.

He is clever and eager to learn, but easily distracted. He may become stubborn or lose focus, particularly if there are lots of smells going on. Consistent and expert training is necessary for good results.

He barks a lot, mainly when working in a group.

He is easily drawn away by a scent and may be hard to recall.

This dog has the power and the passion to tear a home apart if he is left alone or without exercise for too long.

Although not particularly greedy, it is better to ration his daily meals to avoid a poorly tummy.

This dog is not a good guardian. He may bark at intruders, but equally he may make friends with them. He certainly won’t tackle them unless they physically attack his family.

This is a bit too much dog for an apartment. He needs daily walks and runs outside and good access to a garden or countryside space.

This dog needs lots of daily exercise, which can be complicated since if you let him off his lead it can be a challenge to get him back. Without quality daily exercise, this dog can quickly become unmanageable.

Not suitable for public transport, the French Tricolour hound should be fine in a car if he gets used to it as a puppy.

He may just about tolerate a cat that he was raised with, but don’t bank on it. This hunting hound sees cats as prey, and will give chase to all that cross his path.

He gets on with other dogs and enjoys the company of his pack. Dogs such as this learn the canine codes from a very young age.

He is generally affectionate and gentle with children who respect his nature, especially if he has grown up around children. However, because he’s big and likes to tussle he is not ideal around toddlers.

Potential owners should be aware of the intense training and exercise needs of this dog.

Strong-willed and work-oriented, the French Tricolour Hound is not an ideal first dog, especially when you take into consideration his training and exercise needs.