Artois Hound
A rare French pack scenthound with great stamina and a keen nose. Sociable and brave, but a dedicated worker that needs serious exercise and rural life.
Artois Hound scorecard
Overview
The Artois Hound, or Chien d'Artois, is a sturdy, medium-sized French scenthound from the historic Artois region in the north of France. A pack hound bred to hunt hare and other small game, it is a compact, powerfully built dog with a broad head, long drop ears, a dense tricolour coat and a deep, resonant hunting voice. Brave, hard-working and tenacious on a trail, it is one of the oldest of the French hound types in lineage but today is a genuinely rare breed, even within France.
The Artois Hound is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), but it is not a breed recognised on the Breed Register of The Kennel Club in the UK, and it is very seldom seen here. Sociable and good-natured with people and other dogs, it nonetheless remains first and foremost a working hound with a strong nose, high stamina and a tendency to bay. It is best suited to active, rural homes that genuinely understand and can meet the needs of a pack scenthound.
Good to know — a Artois Hound needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Artois Hound descends from old French pack-hound stock and has roots going back several centuries in the Artois region, making it one of the long-established French hound lineages. It was prized historically as a steady, courageous hunting dog used in packs to pursue hare and other game. Over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, crossing with other hounds and changing hunting fashions reduced the pure population, and by the early twentieth century the breed had become very scarce.
Dedicated French breeders worked through the twentieth century to revive and stabilise the breed from the remaining stock, and the modern Artois Hound is the product of those preservation efforts. It remains numerically small and closely tied to traditional French hunting culture. Because the breed nearly disappeared and detailed records are limited, some aspects of its precise modern ancestry are not fully documented, and broad descriptions of its history are more reliable than specific claims.
Temperament & family fit
The Artois Hound is generally described as sociable, gentle and even-tempered, with the companionable, pack-friendly nature characteristic of French scenthounds. Bred to hunt cooperatively in groups, it tends to be good with other dogs and friendly towards people, including children it has been brought up with, and it is typically affectionate and steady at home rather than nervous or aggressive. It is also noted for courage and determination in its work.
Underneath that good nature is a serious working drive. This is a confident, energetic dog governed strongly by its nose, with the persistence to follow a trail at length and the loud, carrying bay of a hunting hound. It can be independent and self-directed when scenting, which makes it less naturally obedient than some breeds. As ever, individual temperament depends on breeding, early socialisation and training, so meeting the parents and seeing how a litter has been raised is valuable where possible.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training an Artois Hound requires patience and consistency, because it is an intelligent but independent-minded scenthound rather than a naturally compliant companion breed. Reward-based, motivational training using high-value food and short, engaging sessions works best, and early, thorough socialisation to people, other animals and everyday situations is essential. Harsh methods are counterproductive; calm, positive and consistent handling earns far better cooperation from a hound.
The defining difficulty is managing a powerful hunting instinct. Once an Artois Hound picks up an exciting scent, recall can become very difficult, so secure areas, long-line work and realistic expectations are sensible, and some owners accept that off-lead reliability around game may always be limited. Giving the dog appropriate outlets through scent work, tracking and trailing makes life much easier, and teaching a reliable settle plus early management of the hound's voice helps it adapt to family living.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Artois Hound typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming the Artois Hound is simple. Its short, dense, close-lying coat needs only a weekly brush to remove dead hair and keep it healthy, with a little extra grooming during seasonal moults. Baths are rarely necessary unless the dog becomes very dirty. As with all long, drop-eared hounds, ear care is the priority: check and gently clean the ears regularly, since trapped moisture and debris can lead to infection. Keep nails trimmed and maintain good dental hygiene through regular tooth brushing. After working or walking in rough cover, examine the coat, ears, eyes and feet for grass seeds, ticks and small injuries, dealing with anything found promptly to avoid complications.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Provide a complete, good-quality diet suited to the dog's age, size and activity level, beginning with the manufacturer's feeding guidelines and adjusting to keep the dog lean and well-conditioned. As a hard-working hound, an Artois Hound's calorie needs rise on active days and fall during rest, so judge by body condition rather than the bag alone, and avoid letting a food-motivated hound become overweight. Feed at least two meals a day to support digestion and steady energy, and as a solidly built, deeper-chested breed take care around bloat by keeping vigorous activity away from mealtimes. Use some of the daily ration as training rewards, keep fresh water constantly available, and consult your vet for tailored advice on diet and weight management.
Artois Hound health & costs
Before bringing a Artois Hound home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Artois Hound is generally considered a hardy, functional working breed, and well-bred individuals are typically robust with a working lifespan into their early teens. As a rare breed that came close to disappearing, however, it has a small gene pool and very little published health-screening data or formal research, and there is no large UK health survey, so health guidance must rely on general knowledge of active drop-eared scenthounds rather than precise breed statistics. The scarcity of data makes choosing a careful, transparent breeder particularly important.
The most foreseeable health issues are practical: ear infections associated with long, pendulous ears; grass seeds, ticks and minor injuries from working in undergrowth; and the joint and soft-tissue strain that accompanies a very active life. As a reasonably substantial, deep-bodied dog, bloat is also worth being aware of. Owners should keep up with vaccinations, parasite control, dental care and weight management, choose breeders who are open about the health of their lines, and register with a vet who can advise on the needs of an active working dog.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections (otitis externa) — long, hanging ears trap moisture and debris, so regular checking and cleaning is important to prevent recurring infections.
- Grass seeds and foreign bodies — hounds working through cover frequently collect grass seeds in ears, eyes, paws and skin, which can cause painful abscesses if not removed.
- Ticks and external parasites — frequent exposure to long grass and woodland raises parasite risk, making consistent prevention essential.
- Joint and soft-tissue injuries — a very active, hard-running lifestyle can strain muscles and joints, especially if young dogs are exercised too hard before maturity.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach that deeper-chested dogs are at some risk of; know the signs and act fast.
- Limited breed-specific data and a small gene pool — as a rare, revived breed there is little health-screening information, so a conscientious, open breeder is especially important.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Artois Hound; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Artois Hound puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Artois Hound
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Hardy, sociable pack hound
- Low grooming needs
Things to consider
- High exercise needs, not a pet for town life
- Strong nose and vocal hound
Compare the Artois Hound
See how the Artois Hound measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Artois Hound?
The Artois Hound, or Chien d'Artois, is a sturdy, medium-sized French scenthound from the historic Artois region in northern France. A pack hound bred to hunt hare and other small game, it is a compact, powerfully built dog with a broad head, long drop ears, a dense tricolour coat and a deep, resonant hunting voice.
How big does an Artois Hound get and how long does it live?
It stands roughly 52–60 cm at the shoulder and weighs around 28–30 kg. As a generally hardy, functional working breed, it has a typical lifespan of around 11–13 years, with well-bred individuals usually robust and working into their early teens when kept fit and healthy.
Is the Artois Hound good with people and other dogs?
Generally yes. It is described as sociable, gentle and even-tempered, with the companionable, pack-friendly nature typical of French scenthounds. Bred to hunt cooperatively, it tends to be good with other dogs and friendly towards people, including children it has been brought up with, and is typically affectionate and steady at home.
How much exercise does an Artois Hound need?
A lot. Built to hunt all day, it has high exercise needs and excellent stamina, requiring at least one to two hours, frequently more, of daily activity that mixes vigorous exercise with scent-based mental work. An under-exercised Artois Hound is prone to frustration, baying, roaming and destructive behaviour.
Is the Artois Hound recognised by The Kennel Club?
No. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), but it is not on the Breed Register of The Kennel Club in the UK and is very seldom seen here. As a very rare breed that once came close to disappearing, breeders and breed support in the UK are scarce.
Does an Artois Hound need much grooming?
No, grooming is simple. Its short, dense, close-lying coat needs only a weekly brush, with a little extra during seasonal moults, and baths only when very dirty. Ear care is the priority: as a long, drop-eared hound it is prone to infection, so check and gently clean the ears regularly, and keep up nail and dental care.
What health problems can affect the Artois Hound?
As a rare breed with a small gene pool, there is very little published health data. The most foreseeable issues are practical: ear infections from its long ears, grass seeds, ticks and minor injuries from working in undergrowth, and joint strain from an active life. As a deep-bodied dog, bloat is also worth being aware of.
Is the Artois Hound a good first dog?
It is best suited to active, experienced owners in a rural or semi-rural setting who understand pack scenthounds. It is unsuited to apartment life, to homes where it would be alone for long periods, or to owners seeking a calm, low-energy companion, as boredom readily leads to baying, roaming and destructive behaviour.
Are Artois Hounds good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Artois Hounds tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Artois Hound need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Artois Hound needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Artois Hounds shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Artois Hounds easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Artois Hounds are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Artois Hounds bark a lot?
Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.
Are Artois Hounds good with other dogs?
Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Artois Hounds suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Artois Hound really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Chien d'Artois (Artois Hound) breed standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/ARTOIS-HOUND-28.html
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Breeds A to Z (used to confirm UK recognition status): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds-a-to-z/
- PDSA — Choosing and caring for a dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) in dogs: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/bloat-in-dogs
- RSPCA — Dog care and welfare needs: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.