Also known as the Chien d’Artois, French Artois Hound, and the Picard, the Artois Hound is a loyal and affectionate breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.
History
The origin of the Artois Hound can be traced back to 16th century France, as seen in various paintings and art works. Enthusiasts believe the Artois Hound to have descended from breeds such as the Beagle, Bloodhound, and the Normands Hound, now extinct, though this has never been proven scientifically or otherwise.
Throughout its history, the Artois Hound has been most commonly used for hunting, scenting, tracking, and retrieving small game such as rabbit, proving its superior abilities to work while providing companionship.
During the 20th century, the Artois Hound was threatened by complete extinction due simply to a sharp decrease in the need for hunting breeds. Credited for saving the breed is Mr. Audrechy of Buigny les Gamaches in the Somme, who worked feverishly to collect breed-able specimens and repopulate the Artois Hound to the stable numbers it remains at currently.
Today, while the Artois Hound has attained a regional popularity as a hunting and companion dog, the breed remains rather rare outside of its native France.
Personality Traits
Best known for its friendly and outgoing nature, the Artois Hound is a genuinely happy breed. These dogs thrive on strong and dependable relationships with humans, and require firm leadership. The Artois Hound is quite intelligent, yet stubborn and independent, creating difficulty in training. As a pet, this breed is loyal, loving, and affectionate. These curious and active dogs enjoy spending time outdoors and playing games such as fetch and tug-of-war.
Train-ability
Due to its stubborn and independent attitude, the Artois Hound can prove somewhat challenging to train. This breed is known to be especially difficult to housebreak, and will quickly grow bored and impatient with repetitive exercises and tasks.
Establishing immediate dominance, trust, and respect is key to successfully training the Artois Hound. These dogs require an experienced, patient, confident, and strong handler with a stern yet gentle approach.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed
There are many benefits to owning an Artois Hound, such as its no hassle, low maintenance coat. This energetic breed is often very amusing and entertaining to watch while at play. When properly socialized from a young age, the Artois Hound gets along well with small children and other pets. These dogs are quite adaptable to new situations and environments, and adjust well to indoor living. The Artois Hound is loyal, loving, and affectionate, making an excellent family pet and companion alike.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an Artois Hound. While this breed adjusts well to indoor living, they do require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase this breed lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An Artois Hound not receiving the proper amount of exercise and space will often act out by destroying property, chewing, barking, whining, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.
The Artois Hound has a strong instinct to hunt and will occasionally indulge in a good chase. When on the run, this breed is very quick, and may pose a threat to other animals, neighborhood pets, and small woodland creatures. The Artois Hound must be leashed or properly secured at all times when outdoors.
While this breed generally responds to ongoing training, costly professional intervention is sometimes necessary in order to complete obedience training and socialization.
As previously mentioned, the Artois Hound remains very rare outside of its native France and can prove difficult to obtain. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed often encounter such challenges as inability to locate a breeder, high prices, and being placed on long waiting lists.
Common Health Concerns
The Artois Hound is typically known as a healthy and hearty breed, but they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, primary lens luxation – dislocation of the lens, cryptorchidism – failure of one or both testicles to fully descend, sensitivity to anesthesia, and bloat.
Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an Artois Hound? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.
Sources:
http://www.heydogs.com/a/artois-hound.html
http://www.dogbreedadvice.com/content/view/1658
