Artois Hound Dog Breed

The Artois Hound is a hunting dog, and they are also trackers. They are not for first time dog owners, and they may also be difficult for people who have only a little experience with dogs. For those who have a fair amount of hunting dog background, this breed is fine. Likewise, these dogs are good family companions — provided their needs are met.

PROS

• Barks very little
• Good gun dogs
• Extremely smart
• Low maintenance
• Excellent trackers
• Remarkable stamina
• Amazing sense of smell

CONS

• Very rare
• Not a guard dog
• Expensive to adopt
• Not hypoallergenic
• Not a good watchdog
• Not good with non-canine pets
• Might not get along with other dogs
• Needs a large home with outdoor space
• Requires consistent and patient training
• Has a huge need for lots of daily exercise
• Once on a scent, may be nearly impossible to call back

The Artois Hound is a not just a classic hound but one of the world's oldest scent hound breeds. These dogs are extremely talented. They are a hunter's best friend and yet they are comfortable and calm once back in the house after a long day. They are fine with mature children but non-canine pets can be very problematic. To a respected alpha, these dogs will be devoted and loyal to you to the end.

With their superior sense of smell and unflagging stamina, these dogs can track and find any prey they chase. They outmaneuver them by using their nose rather than chasing them down a straight line.

These are small dogs — so small that the French long ago nicknamed them the Briquet! — but they still have the strength and courage to chase down wild boars. In packs, these dogs communicate well and quickly, and they are a force to be reckoned with.

While they have a lazy gait when not chasing prey or with the family in the evening, they are in need of a great amount of exercise and activity by day. If they are not used for hunting, you will need to get out a few times a day to make sure that they are walked or have some other workout. They also need a lot of outdoor space when not otherwise active in the field or dog park.

Although Artois Hounds have been around for a very long time, there are very few of them and there is no health profile available on the breed. Still, they are said to have no health problems specific to them. They apparently have just a few of the typical dog problems, most of which occur because of improper diet, neglect or poor grooming.

Here are some of the things that affect Artois Hounds:

• Bloat
• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infections
• Cryptorchidism
• Elbow dysplasia
• Primary lens luxation
• Sensitivity to anesthesia
• Nail fungus or infections

The lifespan for an Artois Hound tends to average 12 to 14 years.