French White and Orange Hound
Also known as Chien français blanc et orange
- Height at the withers
- 62 to 72 cm
- Weight
- 30 to 35 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 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, distinguished scent hound with a rustic look and a lemon-white or white and orange coat, the French White and Orange Hound is a pack hound bred for hunting with hounds (vénerie) and for big game. Calm and easy to live with in the kennel, like all pack-raised hounds, it is now the rarest of the French scent hounds and is nothing like a companion dog.
History and origins
One of the last French scent hounds to be recognized, it was fixed by a few huntsmen from white and orange French-type hounds, probably related to the Billy and refreshed with English blood; its exact origins remain poorly documented. Its standard came into force in 1982, the year of its final recognition by the FCI (standard no. 316). It survives only in a few hunting packs, and almost no dogs are registered individually with the LOF: 4 in 2024, none in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 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: lemon-white, white and orange, the orange must not lean toward red.
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
- Excellent, 5 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
French White and Orange Hound FAQ
How big does the French White and Orange Hound get?
The French White and Orange Hound stands 62 to 72 cm at the withers and weighs 30 to 35 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the French White and Orange Hound shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the French White and Orange Hound 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 French White and Orange Hound 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 French White and Orange Hound 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 French White and Orange Hound live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation-volvulus.
