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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

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.

Vocal / alert barker. They can be quite vocal, so early training and enough exercise and stimulation help keep barking in check.

Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

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.