Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
A large tricolour French-English pack scenthound bred for big game. Sociable and gentle with people and dogs, but a tireless worker built for the hunting field.
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore scorecard
Overview
The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is a large French pack scenthound, the tricolour (black, white and tan) variety of the "Grand" Anglo-French hounds developed to hunt big game such as deer and boar. Standing roughly 60–72 cm and weighing around 30–35 kg, it is the most numerous and best known of the three Grand Anglo-Français colours, a powerful, hard-working dog bred from French scenthounds crossed with English foxhounds.
Like its sister varieties, it is kept primarily as a working pack hound in France and is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). It is not a Kennel Club breed in the UK and is rarely if ever seen here as a companion. Sociable, gentle and pack-loving, it is at heart a specialist hunting hound rather than a domestic pet.
Good to know — a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore 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 tricolour Grand Anglo-Français was produced by crossing native French scenthounds with English foxhounds, combining French scenting ability with English speed and strong pack instincts. The wider family of Anglo-French hounds arose from the long-standing French practice of importing English foxhounds and blending them with regional scenthound strains, and of the three colour varieties the tricolour is the most common, with the most established following within French hunting.
The breed has always been maintained by hunts for pack work on large game, not for showing or companionship, and this functional, pack-based heritage continues to shape it today. Its story is one of practical breeding within the French chasse tradition rather than development as a household dog, which is why it remains almost unknown as a companion animal outside that world.
Temperament & family fit
Bred for life in a large hunting pack, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is highly sociable with other dogs and typically gentle and friendly with people. It is not a guarding or aggressive breed; generations of communal kennel life have produced a cooperative, even-tempered pack animal.
That amiable nature sits alongside a powerful hunting drive and a deep, far-carrying voice. These hounds are governed by scent and the urge to pursue, and they are most content among other hounds with a job to do, which makes a quiet, solitary domestic existence ill-suited to the breed.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As an independent pack hound bred to work away from the huntsman, the breed is not naturally obedient in the manner of a companion dog. Traditional training revolves around pack discipline and response to the hunt horn, and recall once a hound is on live scent is extremely challenging.
For anyone outside a hunting context, the breed demands patient, consistent, reward-based handling, comprehensive socialisation and secure containment, because off-lead reliability cannot be assumed when an enticing trail presents itself.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore 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
Grooming requirements are low. The short, dense coat needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep it in good order. The chief routine task is regular checking and cleaning of the long drop ears to prevent infection, together with standard nail and dental care.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's large size and high activity level, divided into two daily meals and adjusted to keep the dog lean and well-muscled. As a deep-chested hound, avoid vigorous exercise immediately around mealtimes.
A large breed
An adult Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore typically weighs 30–35 kg, so a healthy Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 10–12 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through a couple of hours of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore weigh?
Adult 30–35 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 3.4–4 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 5.6–6.5 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 11.1–13 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 22.3–26 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 30–35 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore health & costs
Before bringing a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore 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
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / 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
Breed-specific health and longevity data for the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is sparse, as the breed exists mainly as a working pack hound rather than a popular pet, and figures should be read with that caveat in mind. A lifespan of around 10–12 years is commonly cited for large scenthounds of this kind, but it is an estimate rather than a well-evidenced breed statistic.
In the absence of breed-specific screening, owners should follow general good practice for large, deep-chested, drop-eared hounds: keep the ears clean and dry, maintain a healthy weight to protect the joints, and learn to recognise the signs of bloat. The conditions below reflect those typical of large scenthounds in general rather than disorders proven to be unusually frequent in this particular breed.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Ear infections (otitis) — long, pendulous ears trap moisture and need regular checking and cleaning.
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint disorder common in large breeds; keep the dog lean to reduce strain.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested dogs; recognise the signs and act fast.
- Musculoskeletal injuries — an occupational risk for a hard-running working hound.
- Obesity — a danger if a working hound's activity is reduced without cutting back its food.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore; 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 Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore 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 Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
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 — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Very sociable, pack-loving hound
- Hardy and low-grooming
Things to consider
- High exercise needs, a working hound not a house pet
- Powerful nose and loud voice
Compare the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
See how the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
American Foxhound
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Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
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Ariégeois
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Beagle-Harrier
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Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore?
It is a large French pack scenthound, the tricolour (black, white and tan) variety of the "Grand" Anglo-French hounds, developed by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds to hunt big game such as deer and boar. Recognised by the FCI, it is the most numerous and best known of the three Grand Anglo-Français colours and remains primarily a working pack hound.
How big does a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore get?
This is a powerful, large hound. Adults typically stand around 60 to 72 cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 30 to 35 kg. It is built lean and well-muscled for ranging over long distances in pursuit of game, so feeding and exercise should be geared towards keeping it in athletic working condition rather than allowing excess weight.
Does the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore make a good family pet?
Generally no. Although sociable, gentle and friendly, it is at heart a specialist hunting hound bred for pack life. Its powerful hunting drive, demanding exercise needs and deep, far-carrying voice make ordinary domestic life impractical. It is essentially unknown as a companion in the UK and is best suited to a working or hunting home alongside other hounds.
What is the temperament of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore?
Bred for life in a large hunting pack, it is highly sociable with other dogs and typically gentle and friendly with people. It is not a guarding or aggressive breed; generations of communal kennel life have produced a cooperative, even-tempered animal. That amiable nature sits alongside a strong hunting drive and a deep, baying voice.
Is the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore easy to train?
Not in the manner of a companion dog. As an independent pack hound bred to work away from the huntsman, it is not naturally obedient, and recall once on a live scent is extremely challenging. Outside a hunting context it needs patient, consistent, reward-based handling, thorough socialisation and secure containment, as off-lead reliability cannot be assumed.
How much exercise does a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore need?
A great deal. This is a very high-energy breed built to range over long distances, requiring hours of vigorous daily activity plus scent-based mental work and ideally the company of other hounds. Brief lead walks are no substitute. Without enough activity it becomes frustrated and difficult, which is why it genuinely suits working use rather than typical domestic life.
How much grooming does the breed need?
Very little. The short, dense coat needs only occasional brushing to remove loose hair. The main routine task is regularly checking and cleaning the long drop ears to prevent infection, along with standard nail and dental care. As a hound that works in cover, checking the ears, eyes and feet for debris is also sensible.
What health issues affect the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore?
Breed-specific health data is sparse because it exists mainly as a working pack hound, and the cited lifespan of around 10 to 12 years is an estimate rather than a proven statistic. Owners should follow good practice for large, deep-chested, drop-eared hounds: keep the ears clean and dry, maintain a healthy weight to protect the joints, and learn the signs of bloat.
Are Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores 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 a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore 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 Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores 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 Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores good with other dogs?
Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Société Centrale Canine (SCC) — French national kennel club and breed information: https://www.centrale-canine.fr/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Breed nomenclature and standards: https://www.fci.be/en/Nomenclature/
- The Kennel Club (UK) — General dog care and choosing a breed: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- PDSA — Dog health and wellbeing advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/
Recommended for your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
Matched to a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Corduroy Dog Harness with Bow
A soft corduroy step-in dog harness with breathable mesh lining and gold-tone alloy buckles. The adjustable fit and pretty bow detail make walks comfortable and stylish for small and medium dogs.
From£7.99
Orthopaedic Memory Foam Dog Sofa Bed
An orthopaedic memory-foam dog bed with supportive bolster sides for head and neck resting. The egg-crate foam core cushions joints and distributes weight, ideal for older or larger dogs needing extra support.
From£39.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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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.