Chien Français Tricolore

The Chien Français Tricolore is one of three French pack hounds separated by colour alone, and the most numerous of them.

History

French hunting fell apart with the Revolution, and the packs rebuilt in the nineteenth century by crossing what survived of the old French hounds with English Foxhounds for speed and consistency. The results were sorted into three breeds by coat colour — tricolour, white and black, white and orange — rather than by any difference in work, which is unusual and tells you what the breeders cared about.

Temperament

The breed is known for being even-tempered, tireless and thoroughly pack-oriented, friendly with people and single-minded on a trail.

Care and training

It needs a very great deal of exercise; this is a dog bred to run all day with a pack, not to live in a house. Secure ground is essential. The short coat is easy.

Health

Generally robust from working selection, with ear infections and hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.