The Poitevin Dog is a dog breed named after its origin in west-central France. It is generally described as a large scenthound. It was created for hunting game in the 17th century. The creation of the Poitevin Dog is attributed to the Marquis Francois de Larrye of Poitou, a west-central province of France. Upon receiving 12 hounds from the Dauphin of France (the heir apparent to the throne of France), de Larrye crossed them with local hounds. A scenthound — it hunts by scent, rather than sight — the Poitevin Dog was originally bred to hunt wolves. However, it was eventually used to hunt other animals, such as fox, deer, and boar. It was nearly wiped out by the French Revolution in the late 18th century, a rabies epidemic in the mid-19th century, and the ravages of World War II in the mid-20th century. Today, the Poitevin remains a very rare breed.
The Poitevin has a shorthaired coat, and it sports a tricolor scheme—usually brown and white with a black-saddle patch. White-and-orange schemes are also common. This dog stands at 23.5 to 28 inches (58 to 71 centimeters) at the withers, and it weighs around 65 to 67 pounds (29.5 to 30.5 kilograms). The Poitevin's head is long, and it features a long and slightly convex muzzle with a wide black nose. Also featured are large and round eyes, medium-sized ears that are set a little low, and evenly-spaced white teeth. The neck is long and slim, with no dewlap. Other notable physical features include slightly sloping forequarters and hindquarters, long and wolf-like feet, and a smooth tail of medium length.
Personality
Over the past century, careful breeding programs have made the “foxhound” influence less perceptible than ever. This means that the Poitevin Dog is back to its original self in the 17th century. When outdoors, the Poitevin Dog is lively and enthusiastic. It has the uncanny ability to travel up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) in a single day of hunting, as well as follow a scent for up to seven hours. When indoors, the Poitevin is calm and docile. The dog's barks, growls, and howls are deep, loud, and pleasant.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11 - 12 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known. |
Poitevin Build Information
The Poitevin has a shorthaired coat, and it sports a tricolor scheme—usually brown and white with a black-saddle patch. White-and-orange schemes are also common. This dog stands at 23.5 to 28 inches (58 to 71 centimeters) at the withers, and it weighs around 65 to 67 pounds (29.5 to 30.5 kilograms). The Poitevin's head is long, and it features a long and slightly convex muzzle with a wide black nose. Also featured are large and round eyes, medium-sized ears that are set a little low, and evenly-spaced white teeth. The neck is long and slim, with no dewlap. Other notable physical features include slightly sloping forequarters and hindquarters, long and wolf-like feet, and a smooth tail of medium length.
| Size: | Large |
Behaviour and Personality
Over the past century, careful breeding programs have made the “foxhound” influence less perceptible than ever. This means that the Poitevin Dog is back to its original self in the 17th century. When outdoors, the Poitevin Dog is lively and enthusiastic. It has the uncanny ability to travel up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) in a single day of hunting, as well as follow a scent for up to seven hours. When indoors, the Poitevin is calm and docile. The dog's barks, growls, and howls are deep, loud, and pleasant.
| Activity Level: | Active |
| Affection Level: | Not very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Due to the shorthaired coat, grooming the Poitevin Dog is easy and minimal. Brushing can be done with a firm bristle brush to get rid of shed hairs. For the most part, bathing is barely necessary, unless the dog is very filthy.
| Shedding: | Little |
| Grooming: | Low maintenance |
Poitevin Common Health Conditions
The Poitevin Dog does not have any common or major health concerns.
Poitevin Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Other names for the dog breed include Haut-Poitou, or Chien du Haut-Poitou. Foxhounds were imported from England in 1844 to save it from extinction. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed on January 1, 1996. The average Poitevin Dog lives for around 11 to 12 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy |