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Ariegeois Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club

Native Country
France

Other Names
Briquet du Midi, Ariege Hound

Life Expectancy
Approximately 10-12 Years

Litter Size
Average 3-6 Puppies

Breed Group
Scenthound

General Description

Scenthound used for driving game to waiting guns and for coursing. His medium size and lightness make him a precious auxiliary, whether he hunts on his own or in a pack, capable of evolving easily on difficult terrains. Hare hunting is his favourite type of hunting; but he is also used in tracking roe deer or wild boar.

Breed Standard

Head: Long and chiseled. Slightly domed skull. Slightly pronounced occipital peak. Slight stop. Bridge of nose straight or slightly curved, equal in length to skull. Well-developed nose. Cleanly cut cheeks. Tight, thin lips.
Ears: Set on low. Long, thin, supple, and curled.
Eyes: Wide, brown.
Body: Long. Neck lightly boned, long, slightly arched. Chest long, moderately wide. Ribs moderately curved. Solidly attached, slightly arched loin. Flat flank. Slight tuck-up.
Tail: Hanging down to the hock. Thin at the tip, carried gaily in saber fashion.
Hair: Short, fine, dense.
Coat: White with well-defined black spots or flecks. Pale tan markings on the cheeks and above the eyes, forming pips.
Size: Dog: 52 to 58 cm (20,5-22,8 in).Bitch: 50 to 56 cm (19,7-22 in).
Weight: Approx. 30 kg (66 lb).


History

This dog from Ariege in southern France, sometimes called (the Bastard Hound), was produced by crossing medium-sized French hounds with the Blue Gascony Hound and the Gascon Saintongeois (both pack hounds). The Ariegeois has the typical characteristics of a pack hound but is shorter, smaller, and lighter in weight. The breed was recognized in 1907 by France's Gaston Phoebus Club. It almost disappeared after World War II but was successfully revived by 1970.


Behavior

Hardy, tenacious, energetic, and not very fast, the Ariegeois is merry, docile, friendly, and calm. With his keen sense of smell, superb voice, and determination, he excels at launching the hunt, staying focused and showing initiative. As a small game hound, he is especially skilled on hare but is also used in tracking deer and wild boar. He is very comfortable on the rocky, dry terrain of southern France, and he is easy to train.

The Ariegeois is not suited to city life and does not like being confined in an apartment. He needs daily exercise. He must be brushed once or twice a week, and his ears should be checked regularly.

Function

Hunting Dog.


Health

There do not seem to have been any health studies conducted on this breed, making it difficult to make any definitive statements about its health. Most seem to believe that the Ariegeois is a relatively healthy breed and that it does not suffer from genetically inherited conditions at significantly higher rates than other purebred dogs.



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