Billy
Chien de France-Comte
The Billy, known as the Chien de France-Comte, is a remarkable mix of several now-extinct French dog breeds. This elegant and sizable breed has a strong passion for hunting and tracking. Typically, they possess a well-behaved disposition, getting along fairly well with other dogs and showing a particular fondness for children. However, their amiable nature makes them less effective as guard or watchdogs. In the hunting field, they exhibit a lively spirit, marked by enthusiasm, endurance, and dedication. Unfortunately, their instinct to follow scents remains strong even at home; if allowed to roam off-leash, they may easily wander off in search of enticing smells. Billys often develop deep bonds with their owners, especially when trained by the same individual, leading to a lifelong loyalty. Although they are intelligent, training them can be quite challenging, necessitating an experienced handler to ensure a smooth process. While they are still used as hunting dogs in their native areas, this breed is considered rare and is more often employed for hunting rather than as typical family pets.
Breed Origin
Unlike many European scent hounds with uncertain lineages, the history of the Billy breed is distinctly well-documented. This breed was created in central France by Gaston Hublot du Rivault, who named it after his estate, Chateau du Billy. Rivault had a clear vision: he sought to blend the best aesthetic and character traits from several now-extinct purebred French scent hounds to develop the ultimate hunting dog. His ideal canine would exhibit speed, outstanding scenting abilities, endurance, and the skill to track and hunt both roe deer and wild boar, all while possessing a unique appearance. To realize this vision, Rivault chose the Montembouf, celebrated for its strength in boar hunting, which contributed a sturdy build, significant muscle, and a striking off-white coat with orange spots. He also included the Ceris for its exceptional hunting skills with foxes and hares, and the Larye for its heightened sense of smell. Many of these now-extinct breeds had been preserved for centuries without outside influence, resulting in a lineage that was genuinely noble. Their remarkable skills and temperament quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of a breed standard as early as 1886. Unfortunately, the following decades posed serious challenges. The two World Wars in the early to mid-20th century devastated their population, nearly driving them to extinction—by the end of World War II, only ten individuals were reported to exist. Thankfully, Rivault's son inherited his father's passion and took on the task of breeding the remaining dogs. It is believed he also introduced some Poitevins and Harriers to help revive the breed while preserving its bloodline. Since then, the Billy's population has stabilized. Although still uncommon outside of France, they are highly esteemed for their hunting prowess and excellent temperament. The breed gained recognition from the FCI in 1973 and from the UKC in 1996.
Breed Appearance
Billys are large dogs, typically standing just over two feet tall at the shoulder and weighing around 60 pounds on average. They possess a sleek, athletic build, marked by strong yet lightweight bones and well-defined muscles. Their coats are short and coarse, primarily white or off-white, with distinctive speckles of lemon and orange. They have a refined, lean head with a slightly rounded skull and a square muzzle that is proportionate in length. Their eyes and noses are rounded and dark, usually ranging from dark brown to black. The ears are medium-sized, folded, and positioned relatively high on their heads. Their necks are sturdy and of medium length, leading to a straight or gently sloping back. The front legs are straight and spaced apart, supported by a deep, narrow chest with flat ribs. The hind legs are moderately muscular, especially in the thigh area, enhancing their slender appearance, while their tails are long and tapering.
Care Routine
Billys are quite low-maintenance pets, as they have a light to moderate shedding pattern and their short fur results in minimal hair around the home. Grooming is simple, needing only a weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush. One key area to monitor is their folded ears, which can accumulate moisture and wax, heightening the risk of ear infections; thus, regular checks are essential. Furthermore, it’s advisable to inspect and trim their nails periodically to prevent cracking or breaking, and to brush their teeth weekly to maintain good oral hygiene, ensuring clean teeth and healthy gums.
Behavior & Temperament
Like other French scent hounds, Billys are exceptionally well-behaved dogs that flourish both in domestic environments and during outdoor activities. When engaged in hunting, they display a spirited and tenacious nature, skillfully tracking scents for long durations. Their intelligence is remarkable, and they have a unique vocal range, adjusting their tone and volume to convey their findings to their owners. However, this cleverness can pose challenges in training, as they may exhibit stubbornness, particularly in the early stages. Therefore, they thrive under the guidance of a patient and experienced owner who can provide consistent leadership to help them reach their full potential. Once properly trained, Billys become incredibly loyal and responsive to commands, forming deep bonds with their owners, especially if the owner is also their trainer. They develop a keen understanding of their roles both at home and in the field. In a home setting, Billys are calm and friendly, getting along well with children and strangers, which can diminish their effectiveness as guard dogs. They generally socialize well with other dogs but may exhibit some competition with same-sex peers due to their pack instincts, which promote social interaction while also fostering a desire to assert dominance. One of the main challenges they encounter at home is their behavior around non-canine pets, as their strong prey drive can be easily triggered unless they are raised with these animals from a young age. Given their size and energetic disposition, this breed is best suited for larger households, ideally with a yard, and an active family that can provide sufficient daily exercise.
Play & Exercise
Billys are recognized for their vibrant energy, making them an excellent choice for active households, particularly those with ample living space, expansive yards, or access to dog parks. Although they can get by with standard walks or jogs, these dogs truly flourish in open environments where they can roam and investigate. To ensure their happiness and promote good behavior, they need around 70 minutes of exercise daily, which adds up to roughly 18 miles of walking or running each week. This breed thrives on having a sense of purpose, so it’s essential to involve them in outdoor activities that stimulate their minds and help them expend their energy.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.5 Cups
Daily Activity
70 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
19th Century
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Large
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Scenthound
UKC
Scenthound
Height & Weight
Weight
61 lbs (28 kg)Male: 61 lbs (28 kg) , Female: 61 lbs (28 kg)
Height
25 inches (64 sm)Male: 26 inches (66 sm) , Female: 24 inches (61 sm)
6 Months
43 lbs ( m 43 lbs, f 43 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
12 Months
52 lbs ( m 52 lbs, f 52 lbs )
20 inches ( m 20 inches, f 20 inches )
18 Months
61 lbs ( m 61 lbs, f 61 lbs )
23 inches ( m 23 inches, f 23 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Fawn
Cream
White
