Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore

The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is a French scenthound that hunts in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hounds, a family of breeds made by crossing French scenthounds with English Foxhounds.

History

This breed comes from crosses between tricolored Poitevins and Foxhounds. The Foxhound side shows in its strong, compact build, and its coat is tricolor with a black blanket over the back.

It was used in packs to hunt large game such as red deer, roe deer and wild boar, and smaller quarry such as fox. The word “Grand” in the name does not necessarily describe the dog’s size; in most cases it simply marks a pack that hunts larger game.

The breed is recognized in France by the Société Centrale Canine, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted it in 1983 in its scenthound group. In France it is bred and kept mainly for hunting, not as a pet or show dog. It has been exported to North America, where the United Kennel Club recognizes it as a scenthound and where it is sometimes promoted as a rare breed for people who want an unusual pet.

Appearance

The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is a typical hound in outline, with long legs, long drop ears and a long tail. The short double coat is black, white and tan. It stands 60 to 72 cm (24 to 28 in) at the withers and weighs about 35 kg (76 to 78 lb).

Temperament

These hounds are said to be good-natured. Their hunting instinct is very strong, so letting one off the leash can be risky. They are normally kept in large packs in the countryside and may not adapt well to city or family life.

Care and health

This is a large hound that needs an immense amount of exercise.

Facts on this page were checked against Wikipedia and may have changed since.