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Breed Characteristics
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Poitevin
| Other Names | Chien de Haut-Poitou, Poitevin Hound, Poitou Hound, Poitvin |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | Approximately 77 lbs. (35 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 24.5 - 28.5 in. (62 - 72 cm) Females: 23.5 - 27.5 in. (60 - 70 cm) |
| Coat | Short and glossy |
| Colour | Tricolour with black saddle, tricolour with large black patches, white and orange, wolf coloured |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 11 - 14 years |
| Origin & History | Originally there were three lines of the breed, the Larrye, the Montemboeuf and Céris. The finest of these lines, the Larrye, was created by the Marquis de Larrye of Poitou in 1692 when he received 12 hounds from the Dauphin of France, these he crossed with local hounds and English Staghounds. The breed suffered during the French Revolution, in 1793 Marquis François de Larrye of Poitou was beheaded during the Reign of Terror. After the revolution, two brothers of the de la Besge de Montmorillon family, Emile and Arthur, set about reviving the breed, a difficult task as only two hounds of the Larrye line had survived. The breed's fortunes were again in doubt when a rabies epidemic swept through the pack in 1842. The breed was revived through extensive out crosses of Foxhounds, by careful selection for type, the foxhound's influence was reduced within three generations, with Poitevin features such as skull profile and ear length being restored to the breed. Further infusion of Foxhound blood was necessary following World War II. Originally bred to hunt the wolf, today the Poitevin is used to hunt boar and deer the breed is renounced for its extraordinary nose, melodious voice, athleticism and endurance, its extraordinary speed has given rise to the nickname "Greyhound among the French hounds". The Poitevin was central to the development of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricoloure, Chien Français Blanc et Noir and Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie. All three of the original strains (prior to infusions of Foxhound blood) were used in the development of the Billy in the 19th century. |
| Personality | Low key and mild mannered in the home, the Poitevin is an exceptional hunter. Content to do the job and return to the homefront for a good meal and a sound sleep, they have been the cherished companion of those in Poitou for centuries. They get along well with children and other animals. |
Care Requirements
| Health | There are no known breed-specific health concerns. |
| Grooming | This dog does not require a large amount of grooming. Their smooth short-haired coat is easy to look after. Owners will simply want to make sure the coat is brushed on a consistent basis. These dogs should only be given baths when they need it. A wipe down with a damp towel should suffice for the bathing aspect, (although you should bathe it with mild soap only if or when necessary; you should also dry shampoo it occasionally), however a rubber, wire, or hard bristled brush would work best for the brushing aspect. The shedding patterns of these dogs are not known. Be sure to check the ears carefully for signs of infection. The nails should also be trimmed, (particularly to avoid nail-born infections). |
| Exercise | This is a hunting dog that needs extensive amounts of exercise. Without it, the dog could become problematic for its owners. It should be taken on walks daily, and this dog is great for healthy people who love to jog and hike. |
| Other Considerations | These dogs are not recommended for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and do best with acreage. As many other races of this group is a dog hunter, exclusive countryside environments and that has not been used in other purposes. Within this hunting breed is described as "trace and shows (by its smell so). It is used for both hunting hair (rabbits, hares, etc.). As for the feather (birds). It is perfect for hunting in any terrain (hard as it is) because it has an enviable physical endurance and speed. |
