Artois Hound Dog Breed Overview and Care

The Artois Hound is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in France, specifically in the Artois region. They are a relatively rare breed.

This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and tan. Their ears are long and hanging, adding to their unique look.

Artois Hounds are a hunting breed, bred to track and hunt small game such as rabbits and hares. They are energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

The Artois Hound is a breed with a rich history that spans over 500 years. It was developed in France, specifically in the north of the country.

The breed's origins are tied to the Bloodhound, and it's believed to have been mixed with English hounds that crossed the channel over the years. This crossbreeding likely contributed to the Artois Hound's unique characteristics.

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As a scent hound, the Artois Hound was bred to track and hunt small game like rabbits, foxes, and boars. Its robust body and high-pitched bark make it well-suited for this purpose.

The breed's popularity peaked in the 17th and 18th centuries when it was a favorite among the French nobility. It's said that the Artois Hound was a common choice for hunting hounds during this time.

Unfortunately, the breed suffered greatly during both World Wars, and its numbers dwindled significantly. By the end of World War II, the Artois Hound was on the brink of extinction.

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The Artois Hound is a high-energy dog with a big playful streak, loving to play games with younger children. They're boisterous and enjoy expressing themselves through physical activity.

This breed has a reputation for being a bit "naughty", which can be attributed to their independent mind and strong will. They're extremely intelligent, but this can also lead to displays of difficult behavior if not properly trained.

As a breed bred to track and hunt rabbits, the Artois Hound is happiest when on the trail of a strong scent, showcasing their speed and stamina.

The Artois Hound is a high-energy breed that thrives on physical activity and mental stimulation. They have a strong prey drive and are bred to track and hunt rabbits, which means they'll prioritize their nose over all other senses.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and disobedience. If they don't receive enough physical and mental activity, they may become destructive and difficult to manage.

The Artois Hound is an intelligent breed with a strong and independent mind, which can sometimes lead to displays of difficult behavior. However, with proper training and socialization, they can become loyal and faithful companions.

Here are some key characteristics of the Artois Hound's temperament:

Overall, the Artois Hound is a unique and fascinating breed that requires careful consideration and attention. With the right training, socialization, and exercise, they can become loyal and faithful companions.

The Artois Hound has a medium-sized, powerful, and harmonious body.

Their head is rounded and broad, with a well-defined stop leading to a powerful muzzle. This is a characteristic typical of hound dogs.

Their brown eyes give the Artois Hound a soulful, ruminative expression. Their wide, brown eyes make them look quite endearing.

Their nostrils must be fully open, and the nose leather must be black. This is an important feature for a hound dog.

Their upper lip is very large, and most often it should cover the dog's lower lip. This is a distinctive feature of the Artois Hound.

Their thick necks are long and robust. This helps them to move quickly and easily.

Their backs are broad and muscular, and their chests are deep. This makes them well-suited for hunting and other physical activities.

Their coats are tri-colored, consisting of black, white, and dark shades of fawn. They usually have a mantle or large color patches.

Their thick coats protect them from the elements when they're working. This is especially important for hound dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors.

Individual dogs will range in size from 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 62 and 66 pounds. This is a medium-sized dog breed.

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The Artois Hound is a breed that thrives on attention and interaction. They form a strong bond with their main handler and need regular contact to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

These dogs are not suited for long periods of solitude and can become anxious or frustrated if left alone for too long. In fact, they're best suited for families who can provide them with plenty of attention and interaction.

Training an Artois Hound requires patience, experience, and creativity. They quickly grow bored with basic obedience commands and need to be consistently challenged and praised.

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Artois Hound is their high-pitched bark, which can travel for miles. This is perfect for hunting parties, but not so great for owners who live in apartments or have noise restrictions.

A table summarizing the Artois Hound's behavior:

The Artois Hound is a playful breed that loves to engage in activities that challenge their mind and body. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

If you're considering bringing an Artois Hound into your family, be prepared to provide them with a lot of attention and interaction. With the right care and attention, they can make wonderful companions.

The Artois Hound is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. A weekly brush is all you need to keep their coat looking its best.

Their short coat means they only require a few baths throughout the year, unless they get into something smelly or dirty. Regular ear checks are also a must, as their droopy ears are prone to ear infections.

You should check their ears regularly for signs of redness or bad odor, which could indicate an infection. Regular nail trimming is also a good idea, especially if they don't wear them down naturally.

Dental hygiene is also crucial, as periodontal diseases can be fatal. You can teach your dog to get used to tooth brushing or provide them with dental chews to remove plaque.

Shedding is a natural part of your cat's life cycle. Cats shed their coats to make way for new growth, and it's usually most noticeable during seasonal changes.

The frequency and amount of shedding can vary depending on your cat's breed, age, and health. Some cats shed heavily, while others may only lose a few strands here and there.

Cats typically shed their coats in a process called "molting", where they replace old or damaged hair with new growth. This process can be triggered by changes in temperature, humidity, or daylight hours.

Regular grooming can help reduce shedding by removing loose hair and distributing skin oils to keep your cat's coat healthy.

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The Artois Hound has minimal grooming requirements, but regular care is still essential for their overall health and well-being.

A weekly brush is all this breed needs to stay looking its best, with only a few baths required throughout the year.

Their droopy ears are prone to ear infections, so it's crucial to regularly check them for redness or a bad odor. If you notice any issues, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Their nails should be trimmed if they don't wear them naturally, and dental hygiene is also a must. You can teach your dog to get used to brushing their teeth, or provide them with dental chews to remove plaque.

Periodontal diseases can have fatal consequences, so regular dental care is vital.

The Artois Hound is a generally healthy breed, with an average lifespan of 11-15 years. They have a well-balanced, muscular build that allows them to comfortably track their prey across rugged terrain.

Their short, close-fitting coat prevents them from overheating, making them well-suited for warm weather. However, they do not tolerate cold temperatures well and may need a doggy coat if temperatures plummet.

Some potential health issues to watch out for include ear infections, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups, ideally every 12-18 months, can help identify any potential problems early on.

Here are some common health issues associated with the Artois Hound breed:

A balanced diet is essential for your Artois Hound's overall health and wellbeing. Feed your Artois Hound 3/4 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

To prevent weight gain, it's crucial to monitor your Artois Hound's weight regularly. If you don't pay attention to their weight, they can easily gain weight.

More than one daily walk should be on your schedule to keep your Artois Hound fit and happy. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

To maintain a healthy weight, reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and consult your veterinarian to make a diet plan if you notice any weight gain.

The Artois Hound has a short coat, making it a great choice for people with allergies. This means they don't shed much, reducing the amount of allergens in the air.

Regular brushing is a must, but it's a quick and easy process. A weekly brush will keep your Artois Hound looking its best.

Their ears are prone to infection, so it's essential to check them regularly. You should dry their ears after they get wet and clean the canals on a weekly basis.

Over-bathing is not advised, as it can strip their coat of its natural oils. They only need a bath if they've gotten especially dirty or smelly after being outside.

Trimming their nails is a must, especially if they don't wear them naturally. This will prevent overgrowth and potential health issues.

The Artois Hound is a generally healthy breed, with an average life expectancy of 12-14 years. They are known for their robust build and can comfortably track their prey across rugged terrain.

Their short, close-fitting coat prevents them from overheating, making them suitable for warm weather. However, they may need a doggy coat in extremely cold temperatures.

Artois Hounds are prone to a few health issues, including ear infections, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.

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Here are some common health risks associated with the Artois Hound breed:

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure the health and wellbeing of your Artois Hound. It's recommended to have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months, or preferably once a year.

As you start to return to your normal routine after a break, it's essential to prioritize your health and wellbeing.

Re-establishing a regular sleep schedule can help regulate your body's internal clock, which is crucial for physical and mental recovery.

Getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

Exercise, even in small amounts, can help boost your energy levels and improve sleep quality.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, such as brisk walking or cycling.

Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

By making small changes to your daily routine, you can set yourself up for long-term success and improved overall health.

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Training an Artois Hound can be a task and a half, and they do not lend themselves to most traditional training methods. They are smart dogs that have a mind of their own and can be frustratingly stubborn.

Artois Hounds are most responsive to training when they are maturing, as this is when they are most open to accepting that they are not the alpha dog in the relationship. Consistent and clear signals are key to getting through to them.

Their training should start from the moment the Artois puppy enters your home, with short and interesting sessions that end in plenty of treats and praise. This will help them learn allowed behavior, leash walking, potty training, and get used to their crate.

Artois Hounds are smart and can understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions. However, they are slightly harder to train than average and need more time and repetition to obey.

Artois Hounds are generally good with other pets and children, making them a great choice for families. However, they can be less than friendly towards strangers, so socialization is key to helping them become confident and calm in new situations.

Training an Artois Hound can be a challenge, especially for inexperienced owners. They are known to be stubborn and independent, requiring a trainer who knows their stuff and can communicate effectively.

Consistency and clear signals are key when training an Artois Hound. Short, interesting sessions with plenty of treats and praise tend to work best. If possible, the family member the dog has bonded with should take on the training role.

Artois Hounds are most receptive to training during their maturation period, making it the best time to shape their mind. Adopting an adult Artois Hound that hasn't been trained may lead to difficulties in gaining control.

These dogs are highly intelligent, with the ability to understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions. They are among the smartest dog breeds, but their trainability is slightly harder than average. They require more time and repetition to obey, making it a bit of a challenge to teach them new commands.

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To give you a better idea of their trainability, here's a quick rundown:

Artois Hounds are not the best watchdogs, as they are not very territorial or protective of their property. They are more suited to being a companion dog, requiring a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Mentally stimulating games, such as puzzles and scent work, are essential for an Artois Hound's sanity. Simply giving them access to a yard is not enough, as they demand some form of mental stimulation.

Artois Hound dogs can make great companions for kids, but it's essential to introduce them early and properly to ensure a harmonious household. This breed is generally good with children, making them a suitable choice for families with kids.

However, it's crucial to remember that Artois Hound dogs are not ideal for small kids, as they require proper interaction and play. If you have small kids, it's best to wait until they're a bit older and can interact with the dog more responsibly.

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If you do have Artois Hound dogs with kids, never leave them alone while playing together. This will help prevent any unwanted behavior from emerging.

Here are some key takeaways to consider when introducing Artois Hound dogs to kids:

* Age of KidsInteraction LevelSmall kidsNot idealBigger kidsExcellent

Overall, with proper introduction and supervision, Artois Hound dogs can be a wonderful addition to families with kids.