Ariegeois
Ariegeois Hound, Ariege Hound, Briquet du Midi
The Ariegeois is a large scent hound renowned for its exceptionally friendly temperament. While not widely known beyond France, these dogs are appreciated for their easygoing nature, particularly in social situations, except when it comes to hunting. With a strong history as pack animals, they generally show little aggression towards other dogs and are often welcoming, even to strangers, which unfortunately diminishes their effectiveness as guard dogs. This breed is affectionate and loyal, thriving in a family environment. Although they possess a high energy level, they are adaptable and will join in on whatever activities the group is involved in, even if it means simply lounging together. However, it’s crucial to ensure they get regular exercise. As larger, athletic dogs, their well-being relies on sufficient physical activity. When not engaged in coursing or driving, they delight in running or having access to open spaces where they can sprint freely, reminiscent of their ancestral roles in chasing. They are relatively easy to train, particularly when a strong bond exists with their owner, and once trained, they respond effectively to commands.
Breed Origin
The Ariegeois is a relatively new breed that officially originated in France in 1912, yet it has a lineage steeped in history. This breed is a combination of three well-established French scent hounds: the Briquet, Grand Gascon-Saintongeois, and Grand bleu de Gascon, each with its own rich background. The Grand bleu is thought to have been brought to France by the Phoenicians, an ancient civilization known for their extensive trade routes across Europe, which included the exchange of goods and dogs. The Briquets, often incorrectly labeled as "Beagles," are not a single breed but are generally classified as medium-sized scent hounds from southern France. Historical accounts suggest that the Gauls utilized them as hunting dogs as far back as pre-Roman times. Over the years, these breeds blended together, ultimately leading to the creation of the Ariegeois, which, like its predecessors, became a popular pack dog recognized for its exceptional sense of smell, making it well-suited for hunting and coursing. Unfortunately, the breed came perilously close to extinction during World War II, but a small group of dedicated breeders worked diligently to revive it in the years that followed. While still uncommon outside of France, the Ariegeois is highly regarded for its hunting skills, intelligence, gentle temperament, and affectionate nature.
Breed Appearance
The Ariegeois is a robust breed, generally standing just under two feet tall at the withers and weighing between 60 and 65 pounds on average. They have a sleek, athletic build, marked by a deep chest and well-defined muscles in their legs and shoulders, though these muscles are not overly pronounced. Their heads are softly rounded, featuring a long, nearly triangular muzzle that is typically adorned with a black nose, although a pink nose can occasionally be seen. Their ears are long and folded, extending beyond their face. In terms of stance, they display a slight forward lean, with straight forelegs and hindquarters that are slightly angled, complemented by a mostly straight back and a tail of medium to long length that has a gentle wave. Their coats are short and smooth, primarily white with black markings, and may sometimes show hints of tan or reveal their pink skin underneath.
Care Routine
In general, this breed demands little maintenance. They shed a moderate amount and usually require brushing once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush to keep their coat in good condition. However, during heavy shedding periods, you might need to increase the brushing frequency to three or four times a week. Additionally, for larger breeds that eat a lot, it's crucial to routinely check and clean their teeth. If they are active working dogs, their nails tend to wear down naturally, but for those kept mainly as pets, consistent monitoring and trimming are necessary to prevent cracking or breaking.
Behavior & Temperament
The Ariegeois is known for its warm, affectionate, and playful nature, making it a great companion for both children and other dogs. This breed is quite intelligent and generally responds well to training; however, their natural hunting and coursing instincts can sometimes result in stubborn behavior, especially when they spot something that resembles prey. These dogs are full of energy and need plenty of exercise to channel their vigor effectively. They flourish in spacious environments where they can run and play freely, or in homes where they can join their owners on outdoor activities. That said, they also enjoy relaxing indoors with their family, which can lead to weight gain if their activity levels aren't monitored. Due to their friendly disposition, Ariegeois dogs are not the best choice for watchdogs, as they tend to greet strangers warmly unless specifically trained to be more cautious. Furthermore, their hunting instincts may make it challenging for them to live harmoniously with smaller pets. Overall, they are low-maintenance and adaptable, boasting a friendly personality that makes them a wonderful addition to a variety of families.
Play & Exercise
The Ariegeois is a lively breed that often reflects the energy of its family. If the household is bustling with activity, the dog will match that enthusiasm; however, a more laid-back lifestyle can lead to a sluggish dog, which may result in weight gain. To flourish, these dogs require plenty of room to roam, whether in a dog park, a large yard, or open fields. They also love to join their owners for walks and runs. To keep them healthy and fit, it’s crucial to establish a daily routine that includes at least a few miles of walking and around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
4.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
12 Years
Origin
1912
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Scenthound
UKC
Scenthound
Height & Weight
Weight
59 lbs (27 kg)Male: 63 lbs (29 kg) , Female: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Height
21 inches (53 sm)Male: 22 inches (56 sm) , Female: 21 inches (53 sm)
6 Months
39 lbs ( m 39 lbs, f 39 lbs )
14 inches ( m 14 inches, f 14 inches )
12 Months
47 lbs ( m 47 lbs, f 47 lbs )
17 inches ( m 17 inches, f 17 inches )
18 Months
55 lbs ( m 55 lbs, f 55 lbs )
21 inches ( m 21 inches, f 21 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
White
Black
