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Artois Hound
Hound breed from Artois, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Artois Hound
The Artois Hound is a medium-sized French scent hound with a short, dense tricolor coat and a powerful build. Known for its endurance and strong hunting instincts, it is described as energetic, loyal, alert, courageous, calm, and affectionate. Its energy level is high (4 out of 5), and it has moderate trainability (3 out of 5). Grooming needs are low (2 out of 5), but shedding is moderate (3 out of 5). The breed is generally well-suited to children (4 out of 5) and gets along moderately with other dogs (3 out of 5). Apartment suitability is low (2 out of 5), suggesting a need for space. Adult weight is estimated at 25–30 kg for both sexes, height at 53–61 cm, and lifespan at 12–15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Artois Hound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginArtois, France
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight25–30 kilogram
Female weight25–30 kilogram
Male height53–61 centimetre
Female height53–61 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Artois Hound is an ancient French scent hound originating from the Artois region of France. Its history dates back to the 15th century, and it is believed to be descended from the St. Hubert Hound. The breed was historically used by nobility for hunting, valued for its scenting ability and endurance. After World War II, the breed faced near extinction but was revived in the 1970s by dedicated breeders who followed historical standards. The exact details of its early development and the circumstances of its decline and revival are not fully documented in available sources. The breed's origins are firmly tied to France, specifically Artois, but its recognition status varies by registry, meaning not all kennel clubs may fully recognize it.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25–30 kilogramAdult weight53–61 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolorRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Energeticloyalalertcourageouscalmaffectionate
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Artois Hound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Artois Hound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25–30 kilogramAdult female weight25–30 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Artois Hound?
The Artois Hound is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 25–30 kg for both males and females, and height is 53–61 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12–15 years. These are modelled estimates, not definitive measurements.
What is the temperament of the Artois Hound?
The breed is described as energetic, loyal, alert, courageous, calm, and affectionate. However, individual dogs may vary. It has a high energy level (4/5) and moderate trainability (3/5). It is generally well-suited to children (4/5) and gets along moderately with other dogs (3/5).
How much exercise does an Artois Hound need?
The Artois Hound has a high energy level (4/5), indicating a need for regular, vigorous exercise. As a scent hound bred for endurance, it likely benefits from activities that engage its hunting instincts. Apartment suitability is low (2/5), suggesting it does best with access to a yard or open space.
What are the grooming requirements for an Artois Hound?
Grooming needs are low (2/5) due to its short coat. Shedding is moderate (3/5), so occasional brushing may help manage loose hair. No specific grooming tools or frequency are provided in the available facts.
Is the Artois Hound a good fit for families or apartments?
The breed scores high for child suitability (4/5), suggesting it can be a good family dog, but individual temperaments vary. Apartment suitability is low (2/5), meaning it may not thrive in small spaces without sufficient exercise. It is moderately compatible with other dogs (3/5).
Where does the Artois Hound originate from?
The Artois Hound originates from the Artois region of France. It is an ancient French scent hound, with history dating back to the 15th century. It is descended from the St. Hubert Hound and was used by nobility for hunting.
Is the Artois Hound recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The available facts do not specify which registries recognize the breed, so it may be recognized by some but not others. It is not universally recognized.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.