Artois Hound: A Rare Breed with a Rich History

The Artois Hound is a unique and rare breed of dog originating from France. With a long history dating back over 500 years, this medium-sized hound is a descendant of the Bloodhound and is renowned for its exceptional sense of smell.

The Artois Hound is primarily used for hunting and possesses a strong pack instinct. Its muscular body and short, thick coat make it well-suited for outdoor activities. Despite its rarity, this breed is known for its loyalty and courage, making it a devoted companion for those who appreciate its hunting abilities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Artois Hound is a rare breed originating from France with a long and storied history.
• It has exceptional scent-tracking abilities and is primarily used for hunting.
• The Artois Hound is known for its muscular body, short, thick coat, and strong pack instinct.
• Proper training, socialization, and care are essential for this energetic and loyal breed.
• Artois Hound puppies can be found through reputable breeders or adoption from rescue organizations and breed clubs.

History of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound, formerly known as the Picard, is an ancient French hunting breed with a long and storied history. This breed has been used for hunting deer, hare, and wild boar for centuries, making it a valued companion for hunters. Its roots can be traced back to the aristocratic families of Artois in the northern part of France. The Artois Hound’s exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities made it highly sought after in the pursuit of game.

However, after the Second World War, the breed faced near extinction due to the devastation caused in France. Fortunately, in the 1970s, dedicated breeders began the task of reconstructing the Artois Hound using the remaining specimens. Through careful breeding and selection, they were able to revive the breed and ensure its survival. Today, the Artois Hound remains a cherished and respected hunting dog in its homeland of France.

Characteristics of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is a rare and unique breed known for its striking characteristics. This medium-sized dog boasts a muscular and well-proportioned body, giving it a powerful and athletic appearance.

The breed’s handsome head, with deep brown eyes and drooping ears, adds to its charm. The Artois Hound’s deep sense of smell is one of its most remarkable traits, making it an excellent hunting companion. This dog is fast and independent, known for its agility and ability to work autonomously.

Another notable characteristic of the Artois Hound is its high-pitched bark. This distinct vocalization is a key part of its communication while on the hunt, alerting its human companions and fellow pack members to its findings.

Detailed Characteristics of the Artois Hound

Body	Head	Eyes	Ears
Muscular and well-proportioned	Handsome	Deep brown	Drooping

Overall, the Artois Hound is a breed with a unique set of characteristics that make it a remarkable hunting dog and loyal companion. Its appearance, sense of smell, speed, and vocalization all contribute to its prowess in the field and the bond it forms with its human family.

Appearance of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other breeds. It has a rounded and broad skull, giving it a strong and muscular look. The straight muzzle adds to its refined and elegant features, while the black nose stands out against its tri-color coat. The eyes of the Artois Hound are round and dark brown, set at eye level, and they exude a sense of intelligence and curiosity.

This medium-sized dog has a medium-length neck that is muscular and well-proportioned, leading to a straight back and a broad chest. Its athletic build allows for agility and speed while hunting. The Artois Hound’s coat is short and thick, with a tri-color pattern of dark fawn, black, and white. This beautiful coat adds to its overall charm and character.

Artois Hound Appearance Table

Physical Feature	Description
Skull	Rounded and broad
Muzzle	Straight
Nose	Black
Eyes	Round and dark brown, set at eye level
Neck	Medium-length and muscular
Back	Straight
Chest	Broad
Coat	Short, thick with a tri-color pattern of dark fawn, black, and white

The Artois Hound’s physical features contribute to its overall athleticism and hunting abilities. Its strong and sturdy build, combined with its striking appearance, make it a breed that is both functional and visually appealing.

Temperament of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is an energetic and brave breed, known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. As a moderate-sized dog, it possesses a powerful sense of smell and an independent streak. The Artois Hound is happiest when engaged in hunting activities, tapping into its natural instincts. While it can be affectionate towards its family, this breed requires consistent training to ensure proper behavior.

The Artois Hound is an energetic and brave breed, known for its loyalty and affectionate nature.

The Artois Hound’s temperament is shaped by its strong pack instinct and hunting background. This breed thrives in an active lifestyle and enjoys tasks that challenge its powerful sense of smell. Whether it’s tracking a scent or participating in scent-based activities, the Artois Hound is in its element while hunting. Additionally, the breed’s affectionate nature makes it a dedicated companion to its family.

To bring out the best in the Artois Hound, consistent training is essential. This breed’s independent nature requires a firm and patient hand, ensuring that it follows commands and behaves appropriately. Early socialization is also crucial to expose the Artois Hound to different people, animals, and environments, helping it develop into a well-rounded and well-behaved dog.

Key Highlights of the Artois Hound’s Temperament:

• Energetic and brave
• Loyal and affectionate
• Moderate-sized with a powerful sense of smell
• Independent and happiest while hunting
• Requires consistent training and early socialization

Overall, the Artois Hound’s temperament combines energy, bravery, loyalty, and affection. With the right training, socialization, and care, this breed can make a loving and devoted companion for active individuals or families who appreciate its hunting heritage.

Traits	Details
Energetic	The Artois Hound is a highly energetic breed that requires regular exercise to meet its physical and mental needs.
Brave	With a fearless nature, the Artois Hound is not easily intimidated and displays courage in various situations.
Loyal	This breed forms strong bonds with its family and is dedicated to their well-being, making it a loyal companion.
Moderate-sized with a powerful sense of smell	The Artois Hound’s size allows it to be versatile in both its hunting abilities and its suitability as a family dog. Its exceptional sense of smell makes it highly efficient in tracking scents.
Independent	Due to its independent nature, the Artois Hound may exhibit stubbornness at times, requiring consistent training and a firm hand to guide its behavior.
Happiest while hunting	The Artois Hound’s true joy lies in hunting activities, where it can tap into its natural instincts and fulfill its purpose.
Affectionate	While the Artois Hound is known for its hunting abilities, it also has an affectionate side, forming strong bonds with its family members.
Requires consistent training	The Artois Hound’s independent nature necessitates consistent training to ensure proper behavior and obedience.

Training and Socialization of the Artois Hound

Training and socialization are crucial aspects of raising an Artois Hound. This intelligent breed can be stubborn at times, making firm and consistent training essential. Early socialization is also important to ensure that the Artois Hound grows up to be a well-adjusted and well-behaved member of the family. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, work best with this breed, motivating them to learn and follow commands.

During training, it is important to establish yourself as the pack leader and set clear boundaries. Artois Hounds respond well to a confident and assertive trainer who can provide them with structure and guidance. Patience and consistency are key, as this breed can sometimes test boundaries. With proper training, the Artois Hound can become a disciplined and obedient companion.

Early socialization is crucial for Artois Hound puppies to help them become comfortable in various situations and environments. Expose them to different people, animals, and experiences from a young age. This will help them develop into well-rounded dogs who are friendly and confident in any situation.

Socialization Checklist:

• Introduce the Artois Hound to different types of people, including children, adults, and strangers.
• Expose them to various animals, such as cats, other dogs, and small pets.
• Visit different environments, such as parks, busy streets, and crowded areas.
• Expose them to different sounds, such as loud noises, vacuum cleaners, and fireworks.
• Introduce them to different objects, such as bikes, cars, and household items.

Remember to make socialization a positive experience by using rewards and praise. This will help the Artois Hound associate new experiences with something enjoyable and build their confidence.

In conclusion, training and socialization are essential for Artois Hounds to become well-behaved and sociable companions. With firm and consistent training, early socialization, and positive reinforcement, the Artois Hound can thrive in any environment and bring joy to their owners.

Artois Hound Care and Grooming

The Artois Hound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Its short, thick coat requires minimal grooming, with a weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat looking its best. Over-bathing should be avoided, as it can strip the coat of its natural oils. Instead, occasional spot-cleaning can be done using a damp cloth or pet wipes to keep the Artois Hound clean and fresh.

Regular ear cleaning is important for the Artois Hound due to its drooping ears. Moisture and debris can easily get trapped, leading to ear infections. Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and gently wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball or cloth. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal to prevent injury. Regular nail trimming is also necessary to keep the Artois Hound’s nails at a comfortable length.

Care and Grooming Tips for the Artois Hound
Avoid over-bathing and only spot-clean as needed
Brush the coat weekly to remove loose hair
Regularly clean the ears to prevent infections
Trim the nails regularly to maintain a comfortable length

Exercise and mental stimulation are essential for the overall well-being of the Artois Hound. This breed is naturally active and has a high energy level, so regular physical activity is necessary to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Daily walks, jogging, or play sessions in a securely fenced area are recommended to fulfill the Artois Hound’s exercise needs. Engaging the breed’s strong sense of smell through scent-based activities can also provide mental stimulation and keep the Artois Hound mentally sharp.

A well-balanced diet is important to maintain the Artois Hound’s overall health. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size and nutritional requirements for the breed. It’s also important to provide fresh water at all times and monitor the Artois Hound’s weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems.

Health Issues of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound, like any other dog breed, is susceptible to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of. Regular check-ups and early detection are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of this breed.

Ear Infections

One common health problem that Artois Hounds may experience is ear infections. Due to their drooping ears, moisture and debris can become trapped, leading to bacterial or yeast infections. Regular cleaning of the ears and routine veterinary check-ups can help prevent and address these issues.

Hip Dysplasia

Another health issue that can affect Artois Hounds is hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint does not develop properly, resulting in pain and mobility issues. Responsible breeding practices, such as health screenings and selecting breeding pairs with healthy hips, can help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in the breed.

In addition to these specific health concerns, it is important for Artois Hound owners to prioritize the overall well-being of their dogs. This includes providing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Responsible ownership and proactive care can help ensure that Artois Hounds lead happy and healthy lives.

Exercise Requirements of the Artois Hound

The Artois Hound is a breed with high exercise requirements, demanding an active lifestyle to thrive. With its hunting instinct deeply ingrained, daily physical activity is essential to meet the breed’s energy needs and ensure overall health and well-being.

This breed’s strong hunting instinct drives its need for regular exercise and mental stimulation. Engaging the Artois Hound in daily physical activities, such as long walks or jogging, not only provides an outlet for its energy but also strengthens the bond between the dog and its owner.

While meeting the Artois Hound’s exercise requirements is crucial, mental stimulation is equally important. This breed thrives on challenging scent-based activities and interactive toys that engage its keen sense of smell and problem-solving abilities. Providing both physical and mental stimulation helps prevent boredom and destructive behavior in the Artois Hound.

Exercise Recommendations for the Artois Hound:

• Ensure daily physical activity through long walks or jogging sessions.
• Engage the breed’s hunting instinct with scent-based activities or games of fetch.
• Provide interactive toys that challenge the Artois Hound’s problem-solving abilities.
• Consider enrolling in agility or obedience training classes to provide mental and physical stimulation.
• Rotate activities to prevent boredom and keep the Artois Hound engaged.

The Artois Hound’s exercise requirements should not be underestimated. This breed thrives in an active environment that caters to its hunting instincts and provides ample opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. By ensuring regular exercise and engaging activities, owners can help their Artois Hounds lead happy, healthy lives.

Artois Hound Puppies

When considering bringing an Artois Hound puppy into your home, it is essential to choose a responsible breeder that prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Responsible breeding practices help ensure that puppies are bred from healthy parents with stable temperaments. This reduces the risk of genetic disorders and behavioral issues.

Early socialization is crucial for Artois Hound puppies to develop into well-adjusted adults. Exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments at a young age helps build their confidence and teaches them how to interact appropriately. Basic obedience training should also begin early, using patience and consistency to establish boundaries and expectations.

Positive reinforcement is key when training Artois Hound puppies. Reward-based methods, such as treats and praise, help motivate them to learn and reinforce desired behaviors. Consistency in training and patience in their development are important to create a strong bond and build a foundation for a well-behaved companion.

Key Points:

• Choose a responsible breeder that prioritizes health and temperament
• Ensure early socialization to promote confidence and positive behavior
• Start basic obedience training early with patience and consistency
• Use positive reinforcement methods for effective and rewarding training

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Responsibilities	Benefits
Choosing a responsible breeder	Healthy puppies with stable temperaments
Early socialization	Confident and well-adjusted adult dogs
Basic obedience training	Established boundaries and expectations
Positive reinforcement	Motivated and well-behaved companions

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Finding Artois Hound Puppies for Sale

When searching for Artois Hound puppies for sale, it is crucial to find reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Reputable breeders will provide you with valuable information about the breed’s history, temperament, and potential health issues. They will also offer health guarantees and be transparent about the lineage of their puppies.

One way to find Artois Hound puppies is through adoption or rescue organizations. These organizations often have dogs of various ages, including puppies, looking for loving homes. Adopting a dog not only gives you the opportunity to provide a forever home to a deserving dog but also helps reduce the number of dogs in shelters.

Breed clubs can also be a valuable resource when looking for Artois Hound puppies. These clubs promote responsible breeding practices and connect potential puppy buyers with reputable breeders. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process and ensure that you make an informed decision.

Responsible ownership plays a vital role in finding the right Artois Hound puppy. Conducting appropriate research, visiting breeders or rescue organizations, and asking questions about health, temperament, and lineage are essential steps in the process. By taking these measures, you can find a healthy and well-socialized Artois Hound puppy that will become a cherished member of your family.

Conclusion

The Artois Hound is a rare and unique breed with a long history of hunting. It is prized for its exceptional sense of smell, loyalty, and athleticism. While relatively unknown outside of France, the breed makes a wonderful companion for those who appreciate its hunting abilities and are willing to meet its high exercise requirements.

With proper training, socialization, and care, the Artois Hound can be a loving and dedicated family dog. This breed requires a firm and consistent hand during training, as well as early socialization to ensure it grows up to be well-adjusted. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for this active breed to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. Providing an active lifestyle and opportunities for scent-based activities will keep the Artois Hound happy and fulfilled.

For those interested in welcoming an Artois Hound into their family, it is important to find a reputable breeder or consider adoption through rescue organizations. Responsible ownership includes conducting thorough research, visiting the breeder or rescue organization, and asking about the breed’s health, temperament, and lineage. Reputable breeders should provide health guarantees and be transparent about any potential health issues.

In conclusion, the Artois Hound is a rare and remarkable breed that offers loyalty, athleticism, and a strong hunting instinct. With the right care and environment, this breed can make a loving and dedicated companion for those who appreciate its unique qualities.

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Source Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artois_Hound
• https://www.dogzone.com/breeds/artois-hound/
• https://www.ukcdogs.com/chien-d-artois