Billy
A large French pack scenthound bred for hunting large game such as deer and boar. Energetic, hardy and driven, with great stamina and a strong nose; can be assertive with other dogs and needs serious work.
Overview
A large French pack scenthound bred for hunting large game such as deer and boar. Energetic, hardy and driven, with great stamina and a strong nose; can be assertive with other dogs and needs serious work.
Good to know — a Billy is 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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Billy is fine with sensible, older children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a vocal / alert barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Billy typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 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
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is moderate. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Billy should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Athletic, hardy pack hunter
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- Very high exercise needs, built for the field
- Can be dominant with other dogs and vocal
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
View breed guide →
Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
View breed guide →
German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
View breed guide →
Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Billys good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Billys tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Billy need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Billy needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 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 Billys shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Billys easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Billys are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Billys 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 Billys good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Billys suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Billy really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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.