Facts & Origin
General information about the Ariégeois
The Ariégeois is a French dog breed, which is counted among the running dogs. It is assigned to FCI group 6 and section 1.2, under standard number 20. The hound is still used for hunting and hunting small game. The dogs grow to a height of approx. 50-58 cm, with an average weight of 30 kg. The friendly and persevering hunters have a white coat with black or tan markings. They possess a balanced and gentle disposition, yet they are not suitable as a family dog. These dogs live between 8 and 10 years.
Origin and history
Another name for the Ariégeois is also hare dog. This comes from its use as a hunting dog for par force hunting in France. In addition, this breed was popularly used for shotgun hunting, as is still the case today. Basically, the Ariégeois was created by crossbreeding various running dogs and briquets to optimize the performance of the dogs and to breed them in a selective manner. In the veins of the Ariégeois flow among other things the genes of the Grand Blue de Gascogne and the Grand Gascon Saintongeois. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Ariégeois was threatened with extinction, but fortunately a few fans of the Ariégeois found each other and kept the breed alive. They founded the "Club Gaston Phoebus", which ensured the preservation of the breed. Another name for the Ariégeois is also "Chien d'Ariége". Today, the dog breed is still very rare and is bred almost exclusively in France.
| Alternate Name | Rabbit Dog |
| Origin | France |
| Life expectancy | 8 - 10 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | Scent hounds |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
The nature
The Frenchman carries a watchful and curious disposition. Although he is also cuddly and affectionate, you will still recognize the hunter in him. The Ariégeois is eager to learn and loves to work. He is a hunter with heart and soul. He is very agile, alert and intelligent. It is important that you challenge the Ariégeois enough. In addition, the Ariégeois has a very fine nose and is characterized by his high persistence.
Husbandry and use
Basically it is not recommended to keep the Ariégeois as a family dog. Even though he has no problem with children and is a bit playful, he does not fit the role of the affectionate family dog. The Ariégeois needs a lot of space and plenty of exercise. He can be kept as a companion dog, but you should definitely work with him. People also like to train the Ariégeois in different categories. Here are a few examples:
- Training as a hunting dog
- Training as a rescue and protection dog
- Training as a police dog
- Training as a protection dog of the German Armed Forces
- Training as a tracking dog
Usage
Health and breeding information
Breeding and buying
If you want to buy an Ariégeois, it is important that you contact a registered breeder. Unfortunately, this breed is hardly bred in Germany and Austria, which is why it is best to inquire in France. There, up to 400 new specimens are registered every year. But before buying, you should really think about whether you can offer your dog the exercise he needs.
Description of the Ariegeois optics
The Ariégeois is perfectly equipped for hunting. His build is light and slender, yet strong and elegant. With its medium size, it is a perfect assistant when hunting small game, whether alone or in a chase in a pack. He has high legs, an athletic build, and an alert disposition. His coat is short, dense and soft. The dogs are basically white, but have clearly defined black patches or black spots. Tan markings on the cheeks and around the eye area are common, but very pale. Characteristic of the Ariégeois are his short flews, which never extend beyond the lower jaw.
| Fur length | short |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | slim, sporty |
| Size ♀ | 50 - 56 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 25 - 27 kg |
| Size ♂ | 52 - 58 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 25 - 27 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
