Overview
Of the three French hound colours, the tricolour is the one you are most likely to encounter, and even then it is a rare sight in Britain. It was developed in the twentieth century from older French packs and from English Foxhound blood, giving it a leaner, more athletic frame than many of its cousins.
These are quiet, gentle dogs with people and seldom have a bad word for another dog. The challenge for a walker is not behaviour but drive: a hunting hound's nose runs the walk unless you take charge of it early, and this breed can keep going long after you want to turn for home.
Exercise and walking needs
An adult needs the best part of two hours a day and copes badly with less. Long walks on varied terrain are ideal, and a hound that has worked a line of scent along a hedgerow for an hour will be more satisfied than one that has run laps of a park.
Hard surfaces and short sprints offer little. Think miles and smells rather than fetch and games; most of these dogs have no interest in a ball.
On the walk
- Scent: Nose down, tail up, gone. Allow the dog time to sniff at length but keep the lead on through any area with deer or hares.
- Lead handling: Tall dogs with long necks and a steady pull. A harness protects the throat and a two-point lead gives you steering.
- Other dogs: Friendly, patient and tolerant of boisterous behaviour. Rarely the problem in a group walk.
- Noise: A full, musical voice that carries across valleys. Expect it when the dog is excited and plan routes with that in mind.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk the dog with a food pouch and reward each voluntary check-in. Building this habit early is what eventually makes any off-lead time possible.
- Keep to the lead through woodland edges and field margins, where scent is strongest.
- On hot days reduce distance rather than skipping the walk; these dogs still want to be out, just slower.
- Keep a note of any lameness after long walks. Big hounds are stoic and will run on sore feet.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog have a proven recall away from scent, or only in the garden?
- What is its reaction to sheep, deer and horses, and has it ever chased?
- How much exercise is the dog getting at the moment, so you can match rather than suddenly double it?