The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dog is a breed of scenthound type dog. It is used in packs for hunting and it descends from the old Hound of Saintonge type of large hunting dog. The breed was originated from France.
The breed is one of three ‘Chiens Français’ native to France, alongside the Chien Français Tricolore and the Chien Français Blanc et Noir. All of these dogs are scent hounds that hunt in big packs and listen to a huntsman for their direction.
France have always had a rich hunting history and have taken pride in their hunting breeds. Unfortunately, tracing the origins of the Chien Francais Blanc et Orange is an almost impossible task as they have been in existence for several hundred years and were originally developed at a time when written records were not routinely kept.
However, most experts agree that the main predecessors of the Chien Francais Blanc et Orange were the Billy and the now extinct Hound of Saintonge, among other French and English scent hounds.
As a breed, it was initially used for working rather than showing. And the owners and breeders did not feel the need to register them or to create a breed standard. Over the years, this breed came close to extinction, both during the French Revolution and the two World Wars.
Currently, the Chien Francais Blanc et Orange breed is relatively unknown, even in it’s native area France. And it is not a popular breed of dog anywhere in the world and practically unheard of internationally.
It is widely accepted that the only country that the Chien Français Blanc et Orange is found in today, is France. Of the three Chiens Français, the Chien Français Blanc et Orange is known to be the rarest. The UKC recognized the breed within their scent hound group in 1996.[1]
Chien Francais Blanc et Orange Dog Characteristics
The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dog is a medium to large sized breed with beautiful appearance. It has a lean and muscular body, long legs, slightly domed head, long drop ears and slightly square flews.
The color of the coat of these dogs is white and orange, but the orange should never appear to be a red color. The dog’s skin is the same color as the fur, orange under the orange fur and white under the white fur. Faults are listed as physical or behavioural abnormalities, and a dog with such faults should not be bred.
The breed is noted for it’s perseverance on the hunt as well as a good nose and voice. Unusual for pack dogs, it is friendly and easy for humans to manage.[2]
Average body height of the mature dog is between 23.6 and 27.6 inches at the withers. And their average live body weight is between 22 and 36 kg.
Temperament
The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dog is renowned for it’s hunting ability, and most of the dogs are kept as hunting dogs. They have excellent stamina and they should be able to trot along easily at a fast pace for many miles without tiring.
Their scenting ability is superior to many dogs and they have a booming voice, which should travel well on thei air.
While primarily kept for hunting, the ease with which the Chien Français Blanc et Orange socialises with humans should not be ignored. A well-mannered and tolerant breed, this dog enjoys to spend time with humans and can fit well into family life in the right circumstances. This trait makes the huntsman’s job a lot more pleasurable. Within the family home setting, these dogs are affectionate and placid.
As is typical of scent hounds, the Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dog would not make a very effective guard dog as it is not hostile, not territorial enough. They can potentially make suitable watch dogs as they are often alert and will bark loudly at any new arrival.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dogs is between 12 and 15 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dogs are medium to large in size and they are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium to large sized breed with high exercise needs. Consult with a vet in your area for better feeding recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dogs. You should keep up with your dog’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early.
These dogs require regular exercise. Not only does hunting provide them with the hours of daily activity that they crave, it also keeps their mind sharp and prevents boredom and the development of potential vices.
Any exercise undertaken in public places, such as jogs or hikes, must be done on a lead to avoid the Chien Français Blanc et Orange taking off after a tempting scent. Once their attention has been caught, even the best-trained dog is unlikely to return to their master without significant hesitation.
The coat of the Chien Français Blanc et Orange keeps itself relatively clean and only needs a quick brush down every week or so. Their floppy ears should be cleaned on a weekly basis to remove wax and debris and prevent infection.
Health
The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include ear infections, hip dysplasia and hunting injuries. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Chien Francais Blanc et Orange |
| Other Names | None |
| Breed Size | Medium to large |
| Height | Between 23.6 and 27.6inches at the withers |
| Weight | Between 22 and 36 kg |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Coat of these dogs is white and orange, but the orange should never appear to be a red color. The dog’s skin is the same color as the fur, orange under the orange fur and white under the white fur. Faults are listed as physical or behavioural abnormalities, and a dog with such faults should not be bred. |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Good for Children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | France |
