Billy
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 70 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A large scent hound from Poitou, well built, both strong and light, with a white or café-au-lait coat sometimes marked with pale orange or lemon, the Billy is a hound for mounted hunting, famed for its fine nose, its speed and its beautiful voice. A pack dog above all, trained to hunt roe deer and wild boar, it is keen and brave, and rarely lives as a mere companion dog.
History and origins
It was created in the late 19th century by Gaston Hublot du Rivault, at the Château de Billy in Poitou, from the last white hounds of old French stock: Montemboeuf, Céris and Larrye. Almost wiped out by World War II, the breed was saved by his son, Anthony Hublot du Rivault, from a few surviving dogs. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 25), the Billy remains very rare and lives mostly in a few hunting packs: 12 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Ear infections
- Hunting injuries
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: white, café-au-lait white, white with pale orange or lemon patches or saddle.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Very poorly, 1 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very hard, 1 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Billy FAQ
How big does the Billy get?
The Billy stands 58 to 70 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 32 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Billy shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Billy live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Billy need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Billy good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Billy live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus.
