Poitevin
Also called Chien de Haut-Poitou
From Poitou, western France.1
At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard gives no weight; range from Wikipedia for the breed overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short and glossy
A tall, light, elegant hound with a short, shiny coat. It moves with an easy, bounding gallop and looks somewhat like a blend of foxhound and sighthound.21
Personality what they are like
A calm pack hound, not shy, but more aloof with people than many hounds. It is at its best living and working with other hounds.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. Bred to hunt in packs for hours at a time, it needs long daily exercise and plenty of room to run.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.2
Company who they like around
Strongly pack-oriented and does best in the company of other dogs.1
The story where it all began
The breed was created in Poitou in the late 1600s when the Marquis François de Larrye crossed local hounds with English staghounds gifted to the Dauphin in 1692. Revolution, disease and two world wars all reduced its numbers, and foxhound blood was added more than once to rebuild it. Today it hunts deer and boar in French pack hunting.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was originally bred to hunt wolves.1
- 2
Packs have been recorded running at up to 56 km/h and hunting for as long as seven hours.1
- 3
It is sometimes nicknamed the 'greyhound among French hounds' for its speed and lightness.1
- 4
Its standard describes it as passing easily through undergrowth with a light, bounding gallop.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 24, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds, with working trial.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Poitevin. 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Poitevin, and at what times?
Feed your Poitevin at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to set times each day, as their stomachs empty in a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.13
What should a Poitevin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.14
How often should I bathe a Poitevin?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and rinse well.5 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Poitevin need brushing?
Brush your Poitevin weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, glossy coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny.25 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Poitevin's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Poitevin need?
This breed needs very high daily exercise, including long walks and plenty of room to run. They were bred to hunt for hours, so plan for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. A tired Poitevin is a happy one.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Poitevin's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) with dog toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for a dental care routine.5 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Poitevin live?
The lifespan of a Poitevin varies, but they are generally a healthy breed. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a reputable breeder. Regular vet check-ups help them live a long, happy life.
Is a Poitevin good with children and other pets?
Poitevins are calm pack hounds that do best with other dogs, but they can be aloof with people. They may be fine with children if raised with them, but always supervise. Their strong pack instinct means they thrive in a multi-dog home.1
Can a Poitevin be left alone?
Poitevins are strongly pack-oriented and prefer company, so they may struggle with being left alone for long periods. They do best with another dog or with someone home most of the day. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and enrichment beforehand.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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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.
- Poitevin (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, origin, weight, temperament, history, facts
- FCI Standard N°24 Poitevin fci.beused for group, heights, coat, colours, movement
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.