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Billy Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club (UKC)

Native Country
France

Other Names
N/A

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12-13 Years

Litter Size
No litter information available.

Breed Group
FCI-Scenthound

General Description

A Billy is a large hunting dog originating from Central western France in the 19th century. Billys are a combination of Montemboeuf, Ceris and Larye breeds which are now extinct. Foxblood has been introduced to the Billy to keep bloodlines fresh. Billys were first bred by Monsieur Gaston Hublot du Rivault, who lived at the Chateau de Billy, in Poitou. They were mainly used as pack hunting dogs to track Roe deer and Wild Boar, which they still continue to do in their native France.

Breed Standard

Head: Fairly thin, chiseled. Slightly domed skull, not very broad. Pronounced stop. Nosebridge straight, slightly domed. Angular nose of medium length. Black or orangish-brown nose. Flews slight or absent.
Ears: Medium-sized, fairly flat, turning slightly at the tip.
Eyes: Large, dark, edged with black or brown.
Body: Solidly built. Fairly long, powerful neck with slight dewlap. Chest very deep and narrow. Flat ribs.
Tail: Long, b, sometimes slightly velvety.
Hair: Lying close to the body, hard to the touch, often rather thick.
Coat: Completely white, white with coffee-brown markings, or white with spots. Mantle light orange or lemon.
Size: Dog: 60 to 70 cm. Bitch: 58 to 62 cm.
Weight: Approx. 35 kg.

History

The Billy is the final descendant of the Chien Blanc du Roy, a large scenthound popular with royalty from King Francois I to King Louis XIV. The breed was developed in the nineteenth century in Poitou, France by Mr. Hublot du Rivault. He crossed several breeds that no longer exist: the Ceris, a hunter of hare and wolf, the Montemboeuf, a hunter of wild boar, and the keen-nosed Larye. He named the new breed the Haut-Poitou Hound, after the region where he grew up. The standard for the breed was established in 1886. The Billy is one of the most popular pack hounds for large game hunting.

Behavior

This remarkable large game hunting dog is hardy and very fast. He excels on deer and has a melodic voice. He may be contentious with pack mates.

The Billy is not an apartment dog and needs a lot of exercise, like most large hounds they are difficult off the lead and extremely fast. They have been known to be same sex aggressive and do not always get along with other dogs, they are very intelligent and courageous and have been known to compete in obedience.

Function

Hunting Dog.

Health

No health information available.

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