At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, fairly fine coat
A big, well-muscled French pack hound with a longish head, long drop ears and a short, rather fine coat.12
Personality what they are like
An energetic, brave and fairly independent hunter with an intelligent look. Indoors it is usually calm and patient, including with children, though its independent streak can make training a slower job.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A strong-instinct pack hound for big game that needs plenty of daily running and work; best with active, experienced owners.31
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat is easy to keep, with an occasional brush to remove loose hair.1
Home where they are happiest
Traditionally kept in hunting packs in rural France; needs space and outdoor time rather than a small flat.23
Company who they like around
Bred to hunt in a group directed by a huntsman, so it is used to living and working with other dogs.2
The story where it all began
Created in France from 1957 by blending Poitevin, Billy and Anglo-Français Tricolore blood, possibly with some Grand Bleu de Gascogne. The first standard followed in 1965, and the breed remains rare outside mainland France.3
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Besides the classic tricolour, a grizzled 'wolf colour' coat is also allowed by the standard.1
- 2
Its official job title in the FCI standard is pack hound for big game.1
- 3
Its first written standard dates from 1965, less than ten years after breeding began.3
- 4
Packs are always hunted under the direction of a human huntsman.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 219, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds; current standard published 01.08.2023.1
- Société Centrale Canine (France)
- Recognised by the French national kennel club; first standard written in 1965.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chien Français Tricolore. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 219 Français Tricolore fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colour, utilisation
- Chien Français Tricolore - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, build, colour, pack use
- Français tricolore - Wikipédia (fr) fr.wikipedia.orgused for history, first standard, temperament, use
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.