Chien d'Artois
Breed Description

The Chien d'Artois is known by several names that reflect its heritage and regional origins. The breed's official name, Chien d'Artois, directly references the Artois region in northern France where the breed was developed. The term "Briquet" is commonly used as a shortened, affectionate name for the breed and distinguishes it from its larger ancestor, the Grand Chien d'Artois. Historically, the breed was also known as the Picard or Picardy Hound, names derived from the broader Picardy region of France.

The Chien d'Artois is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which classifies it in Group 6 (Scenthounds and Related Breeds), Section 1.2 (Medium-sized Hounds). The breed received official FCI recognition in 2017, marking an important milestone in its recovery from near extinction. The United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognizes the breed, listing it in the Scenthound Group. However, the Chien d'Artois is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which contributes to its rarity in North America.

In its native France, the breed is sometimes referred to simply as "l'Artois" among hunting enthusiasts. The breed's various names all acknowledge its deep roots in the Artois region of northern France, where it has been prized for over five centuries as a talented hunting companion. Despite its multiple names and historical significance, the Chien d'Artois remains relatively unknown outside of France, where it continues to serve both as a working hunting hound and a devoted family companion for those fortunate enough to own one.

The Chien d'Artois breed standard is maintained primarily by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the international canine organization that officially recognized the breed in 2017. The FCI standard provides detailed specifications for the breed's physical characteristics, temperament, and working abilities. According to FCI standards, the Chien d'Artois should be a well-constructed, medium-sized scent hound standing 21-23 inches at the withers and weighing between 55-65 pounds. The standard emphasizes the breed's muscular build, strong head with pendulous ears, and tricolor coat pattern featuring dark fawn, white, and black coloring.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) also recognizes the Chien d'Artois and includes it in their Scenthound Group. The UKC standard aligns closely with the FCI description, emphasizing the breed's hunting heritage and the importance of its scenting abilities, stamina, and pack-hunting instincts. The standard describes the ideal Chien d'Artois as courageous, hardy, and even-tempered, with a calm disposition when not working.

In France, the breed is supported by dedicated enthusiasts who work to preserve its hunting abilities and traditional characteristics. The Société Centrale Canine (SCC), France's national kennel club and FCI member, maintains the official studbook for the breed. Approximately 500 Chien d'Artois are currently registered in French stud books, representing a significant recovery from the breed's near-extinction in the mid-20th century. These organizations work together to ensure breeding practices maintain the health, temperament, and working abilities that have defined the breed for centuries.

Breed standards emphasize that the Chien d'Artois should retain its functional hunting abilities, including an excellent nose, stamina for long hunts, and the ability to work cooperatively in small packs. The breed standard also notes the importance of the breed's distinctive voice, described as high-pitched and musical, which hunters use to locate their dogs during hunts. While physical appearance is important, breed organizations stress that the Chien d'Artois must remain a capable working hound above all else.

• American Kennel Club (AKC): "Not Recognized"
• United Kennel Club (UKC): "Recognized - Scenthound Group"
• Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI): "Recognized - Group 6, Section 1.2"
• The Kennel Club (UK): "Not Recognized"
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): "Not Recognized"

The Chien d'Artois is a medium-sized scent hound with a solid, muscular body that conveys both strength and agility. Males typically stand 21-23 inches at the withers, with females being slightly smaller, and the breed weighs between 55-65 pounds. The overall impression is of a well-constructed hunting dog capable of sustained work over varied terrain. Their build is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline and well-sprung ribs that provide adequate lung capacity for endurance work.

The head is one of the breed's most distinctive features, being large, broad, and relatively short for a running hound. The skull is slightly domed with a well-defined stop leading to a substantial muzzle. The nose must be black with wide, open nostrils that facilitate their exceptional scenting ability. The breed's eyes are large, prominent, and deep brown in color, giving them a soulful, pensive expression that many find endearing. The upper lip is thick and expansive, often completely covering the lower lip when viewed from the side, a typical hound characteristic.

The ears are set at eye level and are one of the breed's most notable features. They are large, thick, and pendulous, hanging close to the head and covered in soft, velvety fur. When pulled forward, the ears should reach approximately to the nose. The neck is fairly long, thick, and muscular, sometimes showing a slight dewlap. The body features a deep, well-developed chest with a fairly broad loin. The limbs are straight and strong with well-muscled thighs, and the feet are compact and well-padded for covering rough ground.

The tail is long, thick at the base, and carried in a sickle shape. It may have slightly longer hair than the body coat and often has a slight curve or twist to it. The coat itself is short, thick, dense, and lies flat against the body. The typical coloring is a striking tricolor pattern featuring a dark fawn base color (described as similar to a hare or badger), combined with white and black markings. The head is usually fawn-colored, sometimes with a black overlay, while the body exhibits various combinations of these three colors, often appearing as a mantle or large patches. This distinctive coat pattern has remained consistent throughout the breed's long history.

The Chien d'Artois is one of France's oldest native breeds, with a documented history stretching back over 500 years to the 15th century. The breed originated in the Artois region of northern France, a historical area bordering the English Channel that has long been known for its hunting traditions. The Chien d'Artois is believed to be descended from the St. Hubert Hound, an ancient bloodhound breed that was the progenitor of many modern scent hounds. Some historians also suggest influences from English hounds that crossed the Channel over the centuries, contributing to the breed's development.

The breed reached its zenith of popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries when it became the hound of choice among French nobility and royalty. Historical records document that in 1609, Prince Alexandre de Gray wrote to the Prince of Wales about his intention to send "a pack of little d'Artois dogs to the king." The breed was particularly celebrated for its exceptional abilities in hare hunting, a popular sport among the French aristocracy during the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIII. The Chien d'Artois was prized not only for its keen nose and stamina but also for its manageable size, which made it suitable for hunting smaller game in the dense forests and agricultural lands of northern France.

Writers and huntsmen of the period praised the breed's qualities extensively. Le Couteulx de Canteleu, in his 1890 Manuel de Vénerie Française (Manual of French Hunting), noted the remarkable abilities of the Artois hound, expressing wonder at dogs that could track a hare that had passed an hour earlier in dry weather. Despite such accolades, Canteleu also observed that by the late 19th century, it had become increasingly difficult to find purebred Artois hounds, as French hunters had developed a preference for British hound breeds, leading to extensive crossbreeding.

The 19th century proved particularly challenging for the breed's survival. The popularity of English and Irish hounds led French breeders to crossbreed their Artois hounds with these imported dogs, particularly the English Foxhound, in attempts to improve speed and stamina. Another significant cross involved the Normand, a taller, more elegant, scroll-eared hound breed that is now extinct. These crosses diluted the original Artois bloodlines to the point where pure examples became extremely rare. Only the packs maintained at Chantilly and those belonging to the Prince de Condé retained the ancient type relatively intact.

In the 1880s, two French breeders, Ernest Levair and his cousin M. Therouanne, recognized the breed's peril and launched efforts to resurrect the pure Artois hound. They conducted extensive searches to locate remaining specimens that conformed to historical descriptions of the breed. Through careful selection and breeding over two decades, they succeeded in re-establishing a population that closely resembled the original type. However, their work was nearly undone by the devastating effects of World War I and World War II on France. By the middle of the 20th century, the breed had once again approached extinction, with only a handful of dogs surviving.

The modern revival of the Chien d'Artois is largely credited to Mr. B. Audrechy of Buigny les Gamaches in the Somme region, who in the 1970s undertook another rescue effort. After locating the few remaining specimens through an extensive search, Audrechy established a careful breeding program designed to rebuild the breed while maintaining its traditional characteristics. Thanks to his dedication and that of other passionate breeders, the Chien d'Artois has made a remarkable comeback. Today, approximately 500 dogs are registered in French stud books, and the breed received official recognition from the FCI in 2017. While still rare, especially outside France, the Chien d'Artois now has a more secure future and continues to be valued both as a working hunting hound and as a loyal family companion.

The Chien d'Artois exhibits a fascinating duality in temperament, being both a dedicated hunting hound and an affectionate family companion. When working in the field, these dogs display remarkable courage, independence, and determination. Their hunting instinct is exceptionally strong, and once on a scent trail, they become intensely focused and driven. The breed demonstrates the classic hound characteristic of being somewhat single-minded when pursuing prey, with their acute sense of smell taking precedence over all other considerations. Despite this intense working drive, the Chien d'Artois is notably calm, even-tempered, and well-balanced when at home.

With their families, Chien d'Artois hounds are loyal, affectionate, and devoted. They form particularly strong bonds with one or two family members, often selecting a primary person as their special companion. These dogs thrive on regular contact with their chosen people and do not tolerate long periods of isolation well. Their affectionate nature makes them surprisingly good companions despite their hunting heritage. They are described by owners as loving and warm, enjoying quiet time with their families after a day of activity. This combination of working intensity and home tranquility makes them well-suited to owners who can provide both adequate exercise and family companionship.

The breed's intelligence is considerable, particularly evident in their problem-solving abilities during hunts and their capacity to adapt strategies based on terrain and prey behavior. However, this intelligence comes with an independent streak that can make training interesting. Chien d'Artois hounds have strong personalities and can be willful or stubborn, especially if they become bored with repetitive training. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and owners who maintain firm but fair leadership. Harsh corrections or forceful training techniques are counterproductive with this breed and can damage the trust that is essential to their cooperation.

Socially, the Chien d'Artois tends to be friendly and open, even with strangers, which makes them poor guard dogs but pleasant companions in social situations. Their pack-hunting heritage means they generally excel in interactions with other dogs, understanding and respecting canine social structures naturally. They can be excellent playmates for children, enjoying active games and showing patience and gentleness when properly socialized. However, their high energy levels and size mean supervision is advisable with very young children. One notable aspect of their personality is their tendency to disengage independently when they've had enough interaction, walking away from play or attention when they choose.

The breed's most challenging personality trait is undoubtedly their prey drive, which is extreme due to centuries of selective breeding for hunting small game. Small household pets, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals, may trigger their chase instinct. While some individuals can be socialized to coexist with small pets, this requires early, consistent training and constant supervision. Owners must understand that the Chien d'Artois's hunting instinct is deeply ingrained and may override training in exciting situations. This trait, combined with their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation, means the breed is best suited to active families who can provide appropriate outlets for their natural behaviors through hunting, tracking sports, or other scent-work activities.

Living with a Chien d'Artois requires understanding and accommodation of this breed's dual nature as both a working hound and a family companion. These dogs can adapt to various living situations, but they thrive best in homes that provide both adequate space and structured activity. While the breed can adjust to apartment living if given sufficient exercise, a house with a securely fenced yard is ideal. The emphasis on "securely fenced" cannot be overstated, as the Chien d'Artois's strong prey drive and excellent nose mean they will pursue any interesting scent, potentially leading them far from home if given the opportunity to roam.

The breed's exercise requirements are substantial and non-negotiable for their wellbeing. Chien d'Artois hounds need at least one hour of vigorous exercise daily, with more being preferable. Simple walks around the neighborhood rarely suffice for this energetic breed. They require activities that engage both their bodies and minds, such as hiking in varied terrain, participating in scent work or tracking sports, or actual hunting if possible. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, these dogs may develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or become difficult to manage. Owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can incorporate their dog into an active lifestyle will find the Chien d'Artois an enthusiastic and rewarding companion.

In family dynamics, the Chien d'Artois generally integrates well, forming close bonds with family members while maintaining some degree of independence. They particularly enjoy being part of family activities and dislike being left alone for extended periods. These are social dogs that want to be near their people, whether relaxing in the evening or participating in outdoor adventures. Their calm demeanor indoors, provided they receive adequate exercise, makes them pleasant housemates. However, potential owners should note that like most hounds, the Chien d'Artois can be vocal, using their distinctive high-pitched bark and bay to communicate excitement, alert their family to interesting scents, or simply express themselves.

With children, the breed can be an excellent match for families with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. The Chien d'Artois's playful nature and energy level make them fun companions for active kids. They show patience and gentleness when properly socialized and enjoy games that involve running, fetching, or hide-and-seek activities that engage their tracking instincts. However, their size and exuberance mean they may accidentally knock over very small children during play. Teaching both the dog and children appropriate interaction boundaries is important for harmonious relationships.

Multi-pet households can work well with Chien d'Artois, particularly if other dogs are present. Their pack-hunting background makes them naturally cooperative with canine companions, and many enjoy the company of another dog for play and companionship. However, introducing a Chien d'Artois into a home with small pets requires extreme caution and may not be advisable. Their strong prey drive can make cohabitation with cats, rabbits, or other small animals challenging or dangerous, even with careful socialization. Some individuals can learn to accept household cats if raised with them from puppyhood, but this is never guaranteed, and supervision should always be maintained. Potential owners with small pets should carefully consider whether this breed is the right choice for their household.

Training a Chien d'Artois presents both rewards and challenges, requiring patience, consistency, and an understanding of hound temperament. These intelligent dogs are capable learners who can master a variety of commands and behaviors, but their independent nature and strong hunting instincts mean training must be approached strategically. The breed responds best to positive reinforcement methods using treats, praise, and play as motivators. Harsh corrections, physical punishment, or overly repetitive training sessions will be counterproductive, potentially damaging the trust and cooperation essential to working with this breed.

Early socialization and training are crucial for the Chien d'Artois. Puppy classes provide excellent opportunities to expose young dogs to various people, dogs, environments, and situations in controlled settings. This early exposure helps develop confident, well-adjusted adults who can handle new experiences calmly. Basic obedience training should begin as soon as puppies settle into their new homes, establishing foundational behaviors like sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking. The "come" command deserves special attention with this breed, as their tendency to follow scent trails can make recall challenging once they're focused on an interesting smell.

Keeping training sessions short, varied, and engaging is key to maintaining a Chien d'Artois's interest and cooperation. These dogs have a low threshold for boredom and will quickly disengage from repetitive exercises. Sessions of 10-15 minutes, several times daily, work better than long, marathon training periods. Incorporating their natural abilities into training makes the work more enjoyable for the dog. Activities like nose work, tracking trials, or hide-and-seek games that use treats or toys tap into their scenting instincts while building the human-dog bond and reinforcing desired behaviors.

The breed's stubbornness can manifest during training, particularly during adolescence. Owners must maintain firm, consistent leadership while remaining patient and understanding. This doesn't mean being harsh or domineering, but rather establishing clear rules and boundaries that are consistently enforced. The Chien d'Artois respects confident, fair leadership and will cooperate with owners who earn their trust and demonstrate reliability. Inconsistency in rules or expectations will confuse the dog and reinforce their independent tendencies.

Exercise requirements for the Chien d'Artois are extensive and directly impact training success. A tired dog is a trainable dog, and this breed needs substantial daily activity to be mentally and physically ready to learn. At minimum, plan for one hour of vigorous exercise daily, with additional time for walks, play, and mental stimulation. Activities should engage both body and mind for optimal results. Long hikes in areas where the dog can safely explore (while under control), participation in organized dog sports like tracking or rally obedience, or actual hunting work all provide excellent outlets for the breed's energy and instincts.

For owners who hunt, training the Chien d'Artois for its traditional work is deeply satisfying for both dog and handler. These dogs excel at tracking and trailing small game, working either independently or in small packs. Their natural abilities require refinement through exposure to game, practice in varied terrain, and development of cooperation with the handler. For non-hunting owners, dog sports provide wonderful alternatives. Tracking trials, barn hunt, nose work, and even agility or rally obedience can channel the breed's energy and intelligence productively. The key is providing regular, engaging activities that satisfy the Chien d'Artois's need for both physical exertion and mental challenge, creating a balanced, well-behaved companion.

The Chien d'Artois is generally a hardy, robust breed with few documented breed-specific health problems. This fortunate health profile likely results from the breed's small population, careful breeding practices by dedicated enthusiasts, and the natural selection that occurred during the breed's near-extinction periods. The average lifespan for the Chien d'Artois ranges from 12 to 14 years, which is typical for medium-sized dog breeds and reflects the breed's overall good health and vitality.

As with all purebred dogs, potential health concerns exist that owners should monitor. Hip dysplasia can occur in medium to large breeds including the Chien d'Artois, though it does not appear to be prevalent in the breed. This condition involves abnormal development of the hip joint, leading to arthritis and discomfort over time. Responsible breeders should screen breeding stock for hip dysplasia through radiographic evaluation and certification programs. Ear infections are a more common concern for this breed due to their long, pendulous ears that can trap moisture and debris. Owners should remain vigilant about ear health and seek veterinary attention if signs of infection develop.

Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus, is a life-threatening condition that can affect deep-chested breeds. While not specifically documented as common in Chien d'Artois, the breed's chest conformation means owners should be aware of this emergency condition. Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and potentially twists, cutting off blood supply. Feeding smaller meals throughout the day rather than one large meal, avoiding exercise immediately before and after eating, and monitoring for symptoms of distress can help reduce risk. Eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy have been observed in some hound breeds, though specific data for the Chien d'Artois is limited due to the breed's rarity.

Regular veterinary care is essential for maintaining the Chien d'Artois's health throughout their lives. Annual wellness examinations allow veterinarians to detect potential problems early when they are most treatable. These checkups should include a thorough physical examination, discussion of the dog's diet and exercise routine, and assessment of body condition. Vaccinations should be administered according to your veterinarian's recommendations based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors. Core vaccines typically include protection against distemper, parvovirus, and rabies.

Parasite prevention is important for hunting and active outdoor dogs like the Chien d'Artois. Regular screening for intestinal parasites and heartworm, along with year-round preventive medications, protects against these serious health threats. Flea and tick prevention is equally important, particularly for dogs that spend time in wooded or grassy areas where these pests thrive. Many modern preventive medications provide comprehensive protection against multiple parasites in convenient monthly doses.

Dental care contributes significantly to overall health and longevity. Regular home dental care combined with professional veterinary cleanings as recommended helps prevent periodontal disease, which can affect not only oral health but also major organs if bacteria enter the bloodstream. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is crucial for joint health and overall wellbeing. The athletic Chien d'Artois should maintain a lean, muscular body condition that allows you to feel but not prominently see their ribs. Obesity increases stress on joints and organs, potentially shortening lifespan and reducing quality of life. Genetic screening can help identify potential hereditary conditions, though this may be challenging with such a rare breed. Prospective owners should seek breeders who conduct available health testing and maintain careful records of their breeding dogs' health histories.

Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for maintaining your Chien d'Artois's health and longevity.

The Chien d'Artois is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, thanks to its short, dense coat. This practical coat type was developed for functionality in the field, requiring minimal care while providing adequate protection during hunts. Weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush, rubber curry comb, or hound glove is typically sufficient to remove loose hair, distribute natural skin oils, and keep the coat healthy and shiny. During seasonal shedding periods in spring and fall, increasing brushing frequency to several times weekly helps manage the moderate increase in loose hair.

Bathing should be done as needed, typically every few months or when the dog becomes particularly dirty or develops a noticeable odor. Over-bathing can strip the coat of natural oils that protect the skin and keep the coat weather-resistant. When bathing is necessary, use a mild dog shampoo and ensure thorough rinsing to prevent skin irritation. Between baths, the coat can be maintained by wiping the dog down with a damp towel or grooming wipe after muddy outings. The short coat dries relatively quickly, though toweling after baths or swimming helps speed the process.

Ear care deserves special attention with the Chien d'Artois due to their long, pendulous ears. These hanging ears create a warm, moist environment inside the ear canal that can promote bacterial or yeast infections if not properly maintained. Check the ears at least weekly for any signs of redness, odor, discharge, or excessive wax buildup. Clean the ears regularly using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution and cotton balls or pads, being careful not to insert anything into the ear canal itself. Gently wipe the visible parts of the ear to remove dirt and wax. If you notice signs of infection, such as head shaking, ear scratching, or foul odor, consult your veterinarian promptly.

Nail care is important for maintaining proper foot structure and preventing discomfort during the Chien d'Artois's active pursuits. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks or as needed when you can hear them clicking on hard surfaces. Use quality dog nail clippers or a grinding tool, being careful to avoid cutting the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If you're uncomfortable trimming nails yourself, professional groomers or veterinary staff can perform this service. Regular nail maintenance from puppyhood helps dogs become accustomed to the process and makes it easier for everyone involved.

Dental hygiene should not be overlooked, as dental disease can affect overall health and quality of life. Brush your Chien d'Artois's teeth several times weekly, or ideally daily, using dog-specific toothpaste and a dog toothbrush or finger brush. Begin dental care routines early in life to help dogs accept the process calmly. Providing dental chews, appropriate chew toys, and a quality diet also contributes to dental health. Regular veterinary dental checkups and professional cleanings as recommended help prevent serious dental problems. Additional routine maintenance includes regularly checking between the paw pads for cuts, thorns, or foreign objects, particularly after outdoor activities in rough terrain or wooded areas.

If you're looking to adopt a Chien d'Artois, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Chien d'Artoiss waiting for their forever homes.