Great Anglo-French White & Black Hound

Other names: Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir

Great Anglo-French White & Black Hound

This sophisticated giant takes her name not from her size, but from the big game who perish at the hands of the hunts who exploit her. Many a stag or deer has fallen to the mercenary teeth of a pack of Great Anglo-French White and Black Hounds. While she is friendly among people and can even enjoy the society of children, she is mostly used as a pack dog and rarely kept as a pet or show dog. The Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound is also rarely found outside of her native France. 

Key facts about the Great Anglo-French White & Black Hound

Life expectancy :

4

15

9

10

Temperament :

Hunter

Size :

Origins and history

From the 16th century onwards, French breeders of hunting dogs have attempted to create the ultimate scenthound, with particular efforts in the 19th century when the Gascogne Saintgeanois was crossed with the Poitevin and Foxhound; this, most likely, is the lineage of the Great Anglo-French we see today.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds

Section

Section 1 : Scent hounds

Physical characteristics of the Great Anglo-French White & Black Hound

Adult size

Female : Between 24 and 27 in

Male : Between 26 and 28 in

Weight

Female : Between 62 and 66 lb

Male : Between 62 and 66 lb

Coat colour

Black
White

Type of coat

Very short
Hard

Eye colour

Brown

Description

This long, powerful dog seems to have dressed to emphasize her athletic appeal. Her black mantle appears as a cape draped over her back (which, alongside her Batman mask, gives rather an air of superhero) and her legs and flanks are likely to be paler, so that she looks even taller and stronger than she might in a chromatic onesie. Her belly is tucked; her chest, barrelled. Her short, tough neck appears necessary to support a beak that won’t quit. Her nostrils are flared, adding that curiously ambiguous sense of demureness and sophistication.

Good to know

It is hard to come by this dog in the UK, and extreme caution should be used when using the internet to find a breeder.

Temperament

  • 33%

    Affectionate

    This breed is generally affectionate towards those she knows and loves.

  • 33%

    Playful

    She can be quite playful if that play is physical and work-like.

  • 33%

    Calm

    This dog is usually calm when not working.

  • 66%

    Intelligent

    The Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound is moderately intelligent.

  • 100%

    Hunter

    This breed is primarily a hunter. She may chase small (or even large) creatures in your neighbourhood when she catches a scent.

  • 66%

    Fearful / wary of strangers

    She is generally disinterested in strangers.

  • 100%

    Independent

    This dog can become wilful and disobedient if the call to follow a scent outweighs her training to respond to her masters. She is bred to act independently (or alongside her fellow hounds) in the field.

    Behaviour of the Great Anglo-French White & Black Hound

    • 66%

      Tolerates solitude

      She is not to keen on being left alone for long periods of time.

    • 66%

      Easy to train / obedience

      While her hunting abilities come naturally, other training areas may require more work – especially if those hunting instincts overcome her discipline to study.

    • 100%

      Barking

      She has been known to bark or howl up a fuss when left at home.

    • 100%

      Tendency to run away

      She is easily drawn away by an enticing scent.

    • 66%