Artois Hound

Breed Description

The Artois Hound is a dog breed with a rich and interesting history, as well as unique characteristics that make it one of the most remarkable and valued hounds in the world. Let’s delve into the history and features of this breed.

The origins of the Artois Hound trace back to ancient times when hunters in France and Belgium sought dogs capable of tracking game in mountainous and wooded areas. It is likely that the Artois Hound was created by crossing local hounds with those from other regions, such as the Ardennes Griffon and the ancient Belgian hound. These selective breeding efforts resulted in a breed well-suited for hunting large animals, such as deer and wild boars.

Artois Hounds quickly gained popularity due to their excellent scenting ability and tracking skills. They became an integral part of the hunting culture in France and Belgium. Dogs of this breed are distinguished by their unique coat colors, often being tricolored with black, white, and fawn markings.

Over the centuries, Artois Hounds continued to evolve and improve to meet the needs of hunters. They became reliable companions in hunting, known for their endurance and passion for the chase. The breed was so popular that in the 19th century, their blood was used to develop other hound breeds, such as the Bavarian Hound and the American Basset Hound.

In the early 20th century, Artois Hounds were recognized as an official breed and established their breed standard. They also began to be used for tracking criminals and finding missing persons, thanks to their unparalleled sense of smell and ability to work in various conditions.

Today, Artois Hounds remain true to their history and purpose. They are excellent companions for hunters, active and affectionate pets, as well as reliable service dogs in police and rescue services. Their unique abilities and beautiful appearance make them a breed that continues to win the hearts of people around the world.The price for a puppy ranges from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Artois Hound is a breed of dog that attracts attention with its elegant and harmonious appearance. These dogs have a slender, muscular build, highlighting their excellent physical qualities and high endurance. The average height of an Artois Hound ranges from 60 to 70 cm at the withers, and their weight can vary from 25 to 35 kg, depending on gender and individual characteristics.

The head of the Artois Hound has a distinctive shape: it is wide and long with well-defined cheekbones. The skull is slightly rounded, giving the dog a noble and confident appearance. The forehead is broad and smoothly transitions into the muzzle, which also has length and strong jaws, making it quite impressive. The ears are long and hanging, with rounded tips, positioned high and freely drooping down the sides of the head, adding expressiveness to the face.

The eyes of these dogs are medium-sized, round, and have a kind yet cautious expression. Eye color varies from light brown to dark, depending on the dog’s coat. The expression in their eyes makes the Artois Hound appear intelligent and focused, perfectly matching its working qualities.

The body of the Artois Hound is strong and muscular, with well-developed muscles. The chest is deep and wide, allowing the dog to breathe easily during physical activity. The back is straight and strong, providing good stability and support during movement. The legs of this breed are sturdy and straight, with well-shaped feet, enabling the dog to develop speed and agility.

The tail of the Artois Hound is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering to the tip. It is usually held at the level of the back or slightly higher, and can be raised when excited, adding extra expressiveness to the dog.

The coat of the Artois Hound is short, dense, and smooth, providing good protection against adverse weather conditions. The color can vary and includes different combinations of white with black, red, and brown spots. These colors make each dog unique and attractive.Overall, the Artois Hound is a dog that combines strength, grace, and a friendly disposition. Their impressive appearance and excellent hunting abilities make them ideal companions for active people and valuable helpers in hunting. With proper care and attention to their physical condition, Artois Hounds can become loyal and devoted family members.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head is a proud and expressive feature of this breed. It is of medium length, with a flat skull that gradually transitions into the muzzle. The head is characterized by sufficient width between the ears and a well-defined stop.

Морда

The hound's muzzle is straight and strong, with well-defined lips and black pigmentation. The relatively long muzzle allows the dog to easily sense and identify scents while hunting.

Уши

Medium-sized ears are widely spaced, triangular in shape with rounded tips. They lie flat against the head and are covered with short fur.

Глаза

The eyes of this breed are large and expressive, oval-shaped, and come in dark carmine or brown hues. They give the dog an intelligent and somewhat melancholic expression.

Зубы

The Artois Hound has strong, complete teeth that come together in a scissor bite. This ensures a secure grip and hold on game during hunting.

Корпус

The body of the Artuaz is long, with a straight back and a prominent chest. It reflects a muscular and agile structure, making it an excellent hunting companion.

Конечности

The paws of this breed are strong, with well-developed musculature. The claws are short and dark, while the pads are resilient and sturdy. The front legs are straight and parallel, providing stable movement and good support while running and hunting. The hind legs are strong and muscular, allowing for quick and agile running. The angle of the thigh is well-developed, improving maneuverability when hunting in various terrains.

Хвост

The tail of the hound is of medium length, thickening at the base and tapering towards the tip. It is held high and straight in a state of alertness, giving the dog a proud and majestic expression.

Шерсть

The fur is short, dense, and glossy. It closely adheres to the dog's body, providing protection from bad weather and injuries while hunting.

Окрас

The characteristic tricolor coat of the Artois hound includes black, white, and fawn shades. The black and white areas can be distributed across the dog's body, featuring distinctive black ears and a mask on the muzzle.

Character

The Artois Hound has a number of unique traits that make this breed one of the most interesting and attractive among hounds. These dogs combine a passion for hunting, loyalty to their owners, and a balanced temperament.

Passion for hunting: The Artois Hound is renowned for its hunting instinct and excellent ability to track game. Their sense of smell is outstanding, and they can detect scents and tracks over long distances. This makes them great hunting partners and ideal dogs for hunting enthusiasts.

Intelligent and trainable: Artois Hounds possess high intelligence and quick thinking. They learn easily and can follow various commands. However, despite their intellect, they can also be independent and sometimes take a moment to contemplate before carrying out a command.

Friendliness and loyalty: These dogs are known for their friendliness and affection. They socialize well with families and other pets, especially if socialized from a young age. The Artois Hound will be a loyal friend and devoted companion to its owners.

Activity and energy: These dogs are very energetic and active. They require regular physical activity and long walks. If they don’t receive enough physical and mental stimulation, they may exhibit irritability and dissatisfaction.

Vocality: Artois Hounds are known for their tendency to bark. They may vocalize while hunting or when encountering unfamiliar people or other dogs. This makes them excellent watchdogs, but it also requires training and control to prevent excessive barking.Balance: These dogs generally have a balanced temperament, making them suitable for families, even with children. They are calm and sensible at home, while still retaining their energy outdoors.The Artois Hound is a breed that combines intelligence, passion, and loyalty. They are suitable for both hunters and families who can provide them with an active lifestyle and plenty of attention.

Care and Maintenance

Taking care of an Artois hound is crucial for ensuring the health, happiness, and performance of this breed. Here’s a detailed overview of how to care for your Artois hound properly.

Quality and balanced nutrition plays a key role in your dog’s health. It is recommended to choose high-quality commercial dog foods that meet the breed’s needs. Monitor their diet to avoid obesity, which can negatively impact their joints and overall health.

The Artois hound is a highly energetic breed that requires an active lifestyle. Regular walks, running, playtime, and hunting opportunities (where permitted) will help meet their physical activity needs and reduce stress.

These dogs possess high intelligence and require mental stimulation. Regular training, including behavioral training and commands, will help your Artois hound be obedient and smart. Socialization with other dogs and people from a young age is also important.

Grooming and coat care are integral parts of maintenance. The Artois hound has a short and dense coat that does not require complicated care. Regular brushing will help remove dead hair and reduce shedding. This breed does not shed excessively, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Regular dental and ear hygiene care is essential to prevent diseases and infections. Brush your dog’s teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs, and check their ears for signs of inflammation, cleaning them as needed.Conducting regular veterinary check-ups helps identify health issues at early stages and ensures your dog receives necessary vaccinations and preventive measures.Finally, remember that the Artois hound is a breed that needs the love and attention of its owners. They are loyal and affectionate, feeling happiest when spending time with their family.Caring for an Artois hound is a responsibility, but with proper care and attention, you will gain a faithful friend and a reliable companion who will delight you with their loyalty and activity.

Training and Education

Training and education of the Artois hound is an important part of ensuring its safety, manageability, and comfort, both at home and while hunting. For successful training of this breed, it is essential to consider their intelligence, energy, and hunting instincts. Here are some key points for training the Artois hound:

Start training at an early age: This breed easily learns, especially when young. Begin training as early as possible to instill good habits and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Establish command basics: Basic commands, such as “sit,” “lie down,” “stand,” “heel,” and “come,” should be mastered by your dog in the early stages. These commands will help you control its behavior in various situations.

Master hunting skills: If you plan to use the Artois hound for hunting, train it to track scents and hunt game. These dogs have an excellent sense of smell and can be taught hunting skills through specialized trainers.

Socialization: An important part of training is socializing your dog with other dogs and people. This will help it develop confidence and reduce aggressive behavior in the future.

Positive reinforcement: Artois hounds respond better to positive reinforcement, such as praise, affection, and treats, than to punishment. Be patient and encourage desired behavior.Activity level: These dogs are very energetic, so it’s important to provide them with enough physical activity before training sessions. A tired dog will be more receptive to learning and focused on tasks.Consistency and repetition: It is crucial to be consistent in training and devote enough time to practicing commands. Remember that training is a process that requires time and patience.Continue training: Even after initial training, continue to work with your Artois hound. Ongoing practice will help reinforce skills and maintain discipline.Training the Artois hound is an investment in your dog’s future. With the right approach and reliable training methods, you can create a friendly, intelligent, and manageable pet that will delight you with its loyalty and obedience. Zoonika features the best breeders offering pedigree puppies.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing an Artois Hound puppy is an important step that requires attention, knowledge, and careful consideration. The Artois Hound is a breed known for its unique character traits and appearance. To find the perfect companion for your family, let’s explore several steps that will help you make the right decision.

Before starting your search for a puppy, familiarize yourself with the characteristics of Artois Hounds. They are medium-sized, with strong limbs and fur that is brown or black. These are energetic and loyal dogs, originally bred for hunting boars.

Finding a reputable and responsible breeder is key. The Zooinka portal features only verified breeders and kennels. Ensure that the chosen kennel adheres to ethical breeding standards and cares for the dogs properly. Ask for recommendations from Artois Hound owners and read reviews.

Check that the kennel provides all necessary health documents for the parents and puppies. Hounds can be susceptible to certain hereditary diseases, so it’s important to confirm that the puppy has undergone the appropriate medical examinations.

Observe how the puppies behave in the kennel. Playfulness, friendliness, and curiosity are good signs. Inquire how the kennel socializes its puppies with other dogs and people.

Acquiring a puppy with a good pedigree can guarantee quality genetic traits. Request information about the puppy’s ancestors and their achievements from the kennel.Consider the size of the breed and your own activity level. Artois Hounds require a sufficient level of physical activity, so make sure you can provide them with enough exercise.Prepare for the fact that your puppy will need training and socialization. Plan training sessions and interactions with other dogs.Remember that a puppy is a long-term commitment. Think about the time, costs, and attention you will be able to dedicate to your furry friend throughout their life.Choosing an Artois Hound puppy is a serious decision, and by following the steps outlined above, you can find the ideal companion for your family. Take your time, and do everything possible to ensure your future friend is healthy, happy, and well-suited to your life. On Zooinka, it is easy, fast, and safe, with a quality guarantee.Dog Breeds in Alphabetical Order

Health and Diseases

The health and diseases of the Artois hound are an important topic for anyone interested in this breed. The Artois hound is a strong and resilient dog, but like all breeds, it has its own characteristics and potential issues that one should be aware of.

One of the main health concerns for the Artois hound is hip and elbow dysplasia. These developmental joint disorders can lead to pain and restricted mobility. Therefore, when selecting a puppy, it’s essential to consider its pedigree and ensure the parents have negative results from dysplasia tests.

Another common issue in Artois hounds are eye diseases, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Regular veterinary visits and eye checks can help identify and prevent these problems.

Gastric torsion is a serious and extremely painful condition where the stomach twists. Artois hounds are considered one of the breeds susceptible to this issue. Symptoms can include vomiting, aimless walking, and general malaise. This is an emergency condition, and the dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

Hypothyroidism, a thyroid gland disorder, can lead to metabolic issues, resulting in fatigue, weight gain, and other problems. If you notice signs of hypothyroidism, such as weakness and loss of energy, be sure to consult a veterinarian.

Artois hounds can suffer from food and skin allergies. Reactions to certain foods or environments can cause itching, skin inflammation, and other unpleasant symptoms. Regular grooming helps prevent skin issues.Furthermore, the Artois hound is an active breed, and a lack of physical activity can lead to obesity. Keep your dog in good physical shape by providing ample exercise and monitoring its diet.It’s crucial to note that, like all breeds, the health of the Artois hound depends on proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, and a balanced diet. It’s important to choose puppies from responsible breeders who prioritize the health of their animals and to pay attention to potential illnesses so your furry friend can delight you with its abilities and loyalty for many years.