Ariegeois

Yet another French hound, the Ariegeois traces its origin to Ariège, a region in France. It was developed in 1912, which makes its origin fairly recent. The dog looks like a diminutive Grand Bleu de Gascone, and is in fact a descendant of the breed. It is used to hunt small game- mostly hare and sometimes wild boar. It has also been known to hunt deer. The dog has a cool and composed temperament and is very suitable for playing with kids.

The smaller size and lightweight body of the Ariegeois gives it the ability to traverse difficult terrains with much ease. The Ariegeois is yet another rare breed from France, for those seeking exotic dogs. A scent hound by nature, the Ariegeois can be difficult to train at a later stage if training is not imparted early on. Chasing and killing prey is instinctive to it and hence it should be socialized with other pets very early if it is intended for domestic use as a pet.

Not many of these dogs are seen outside France, the country of their origin; they are limited to Ariège. In fact, within France also, the dog is not widely known. The dog has a long head, and a nose colored black with distinct nostrils, like any other scent hound. Like the other scent hounds, it also has long ears that could reach as far as its muzzle and the tip of its nose if stretched out. It has a tail that is thick at the base and tapers towards the end. It has muscular thighs and hind legs which give the dog the capacity to pack a great deal of force into its jump while springing.

It has a short and smooth coat that is white for most part, with patches of black. Plain white dogs without markings are fairly rare but not completely uncommon. Males are typically heavier and larger that female dogs. The average height for the breed ranges from 22 to 24 inches while they can weigh anything from 55 to 60 pounds.

The coat of this dog does not need constant trimming and is easy to maintain. To keep the coat in a healthy condition, brushing with a frequency of about one or two times a week is enough. Bathing it regularly is not really required- occasional bathing depending on requirement should do. This comes down to about 3 to 4 times a year. These dogs, like other scent hounds are prone to bacterial and fungal infestation on the underside of the ears. Hence regular checking must be undertaken.

An owner who is experienced with dogs can take best care of this breed. It is not very difficult for a first timer but is not recommended. Apartment life does not suit the dog. It requires regular exercise and can become dull and aggressive if it does not get its daily dose of physical activity. A house with a large yard for exercise is highly advisable if it is not intended to be used in hunting pursuits.