Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound

Historical Development and Purpose

The Great Anglo-French Tricolour Hound, or Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore, is a product of deliberate crossbreeding between French scent hounds and English foxhounds. Developed in the 19th century, this breed was engineered to combine the stamina and speed of the English hound with the scenting ability and obedience of the French Poitevin and Gascon breeds. These dogs were primarily used for hunting large game, such as deer and boar, in packs. Their development was closely monitored by enthusiasts who adhered to strict regulations to ensure the preservation of the breed's working utility. Historically, the breed was maintained by aristocratic hunting circles, where the documentation of bloodlines was paramount to maintaining the integrity of the pack. Today, the breed remains a specialized hunter, though it is occasionally seen in competitions where its structural soundness is evaluated against the breed standard.

Anatomical Specifications

• General Appearance: A powerful, well-balanced hound with a noble carriage and strong bone structure.
• Head: The skull is slightly domed with a well-defined stop and a strong muzzle.
• Eyes: Dark, expressive, and intelligent, reflecting the focus required by evaluators during assessment.
• Ears: Set at eye level, supple, and slightly folded, reaching at least to the base of the nose.
• Coat: Short and dense, displaying the classic tricolour pattern of black, white, and tan.
• Training: Prospective owners should consult training centers to manage the breed's high energy and independent nature.
• Recognition: The breed is recognized by national organizations that maintain the integrity of the studbook.

• The breed is known for its exceptional endurance, capable of hunting for hours over difficult terrain.
• They possess a very distinct, melodic baying voice used to signal the pack during a hunt.
• Despite their hunting background, they are known to be remarkably gentle and affectionate with their human handlers.
• The tricolour coat pattern is genetically dominant, ensuring the breed's signature look is easily maintained.
• They are rarely kept as house pets, as they require significant space and daily physical activity to remain healthy.