The Complete Guide to Chien Français Tricolore: From History to Ownership

The Chien Français Tricolore, a breed of dog that's steeped in history and charm. This ancient breed originated in France, specifically in the region of the Loire Valley, where it was bred to hunt small game.

The Chien Français Tricolore is a rare breed, with a limited gene pool, which can make it challenging to find a reputable breeder. However, for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards are well worth it.

This breed is known for its exceptional hunting abilities, with a strong prey drive and excellent nose.

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The Chien Français Tricolore is a relatively new breed, created in the 1950s by the Comte Henri de Falandre. It's a recent addition to the world of French hounds.

The breed's exact origins are unknown, but it's believed to be a result of crossbreeding between several other breeds, including the Billy, the Bleu de Gascogne, and the Poitevin. This mix of ancestry is likely why the Chien Français Tricolore bears a strong resemblance to the Poitevin, but with a more muscular build.

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The Chien Français Tricolore was officially recognized as a breed by the FCI on December 15, 1959, with its official standard being established on January 13, 1965. This recognition marked a significant milestone for the breed.

Traditionally bred for hunting, the Chien Français Tricolore continues to carry out this duty today, primarily used to hunt boar and deer. They're part of a pack, working together with human direction to track down their prey.

The Chien Français Tricolore is an incredibly rare breed, with very few known breeders and a limited presence outside of France.

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The Chien Français Tricolore is a majestic breed, and its physical characteristics are truly impressive. Its body is well-proportioned and robust, without appearing too heavy.

Its head is rather long, with a cranium that's not too wide and a muzzle of the same length as the cranium. The muzzle is straight, sometimes with an arched nasal bone, and the lips are full enough to create a square appearance.

The Chien Français Tricolore has a distinctive nose, which is completely black with open nostrils. Its eyes are large and dark brown, sometimes surrounded by a black circle, giving the dog a sincere and intelligent expression.

Its ears are broad and set high at eye level, slightly turned but not too supple, and reach the root of the nose or two fingers below it. The tail is fairly long, carried high and elegantly.

The Chien Français Tricolore's coat is smooth and rather fine, with a short length that's not too dense. Its tricolor robe is its most striking feature, with a white and bright tan color and a black mantle.

Here are the typical height and weight ranges for the breed:

The Chien Français Tricolore's proportions are well-balanced, with a level top line that's slightly longer than it is tall and a slight tuck-up. Its neck is long and strong, sometimes with a slight dewlap of skin.

Its limbs are straight and lean, allowing for a quick and light step. Its feet are strong and long, with close toes. Overall, the Chien Français Tricolore is an elegant and athletic breed, with a muscular build and a robust constitution.

The Chien Français Tricolore is a social breed that thrives in the company of other canines and can develop separation anxiety if kept alone.

They're naturally wary of strangers, but with proper socialization from an early age, they can learn to accept new people and places.

This breed is extremely vocal, with a variety of barks and bays in their "doggy vocabulary", which can be an advantage as a hunting dog or watchdog, but a nuisance in a pet dog.

They're highly energetic and dedicated to work, making them well-suited for hunting and requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation.

The Chien Français Tricolore is sensitive about relationships and needs a strong bond with their human family.

They're gentle with children, but can be a bit bouncy and unaware of their own strength when playing.

This breed is not suited for households with small pets, as their strong hunting instinct means they won't tolerate cats or other small animals.

They're calm and obedient at home, but can be a bit aloof and not overly affectionate.

In fact, they're not naturally protective and would rather bark loudly than defend their territory, making them a poor watchdog.

The Chien Français Tricolore is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

They require little to no maintenance to keep their coats healthy, and a weekly brushing session is enough to keep their fur looking clean and shiny.

It's essential to inspect their eyes, ears, and paw pads regularly to ensure no dirt or parasites are stuck there.

Their teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent tartar and bacteria buildup, and their nails should be trimmed if they don't wear down naturally.

If you're not comfortable with these tasks, consider hiring a professional dog groomer.

The Chien Français Tricolore is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.

They require a weekly brushing session to keep their coat healthy and clean, or at least a brushing after every hunting trip.

Regularly inspecting their eyes, ears, and paw pads is also essential to prevent dirt and parasites from accumulating.

Brushing their teeth is crucial to prevent tartar and bacteria buildup, and trimming their nails if they don't wear them down naturally is a good idea.

If you're not comfortable with these tasks, don't hesitate to hire a professional dog groomer.

To provide the best possible life for your French Tricolore, it's essential to consider their ideal living conditions. They need to be near nature, so a house with a big garden in a rural area is perfect. This allows them to run around freely and engage in physical activity.

A securely fenced yard is a must, as they love to roam and may try to escape if they don't have enough space. French Tricolores are not suited for apartment living, especially since they tend to bark a lot. If you live in a city, it's best to find a spacious house or a property with plenty of room for them to exercise.

A French Tricolore needs a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. If they don't get enough exercise, they might develop destructive behaviors. This means you'll need to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run, play, and engage in outdoor activities.

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