Français Blanc et Noir
🧠 Temperament & character
The Français Blanc et Noir is a calm, even-tempered dog strongly oriented towards the pack and towards cooperation. On the hunt he shows himself enduring, courageous and with a pronounced pack drive. In the family he is affectionate, gentle and compatible with other dogs. His independence on a long trail, however, calls for a patient, experienced hand.
📜 Origin & history
The Français Blanc et Noir emerged from the old Chien de Saintonge and was refined with English foxhound blood to improve speed and nose. The breed was officially recognised in 1957 and is one of the large French pack hounds for the grande vénerie. To this day it is kept predominantly in hunting packs and is barely found outside France.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Français Blanc et Noir's short coat is uncomplicated and needs only occasional care, but the long ears should be checked regularly. As a pack hound he has an enormous need for exercise and is essentially made for hours-long hunting. He needs plenty of exercise, mental occupation and, ideally, the company of other dogs. Training requires consistency, as he works independently and easily follows the trail.
🩺 Health
The Français Blanc et Noir is considered a robust, healthy pack breed with a life expectancy of about eleven to thirteen years. As with all dogs with long ears, the ears are prone to inflammation and should be cleaned regularly. In large, deep-chested scent hounds the danger of gastric torsion should also be watched. Responsible breeders rely on high-performing, healthy working lines.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Français Blanc et Noir is first and foremost a working dog for hunters who can handle him in the pack. As a pure family dog or for a city flat he is hardly suitable, because of his enormous need for exercise and his pack drive. He needs plenty of space, long runs and, preferably, the company of other dogs. In Switzerland he is found practically only in a hunting context.