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Poitevin
Hound breed from Poitou region, France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Poitevin
The Poitevin is a large French scent hound, standing 62â72 cm tall and weighing 30â35 kg, with a short tricolor coat. Its temperament is described as intelligent, courageous, independent, gentle, and devoted. The breed has an estimated lifespan of 10â13 years. Energy level is high (4/5), trainability moderate (3/5), and grooming needs low (2/5). It is moderately suitable for children (3/5) and generally compatible with other dogs (4/5), but not ideal for apartment living (2/5). Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Poitevin at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupHound
OriginPoitou region, France
Lifespan10â13 years
Male weight30â35 kilogram
Female weight30â35 kilogram
Male height62â72 centimetre
Female height62â72 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Poitevin originates from the Poitou region of France. According to one source, the breed was created in 1692 by Marquis François de Larrye from remnants of Haut-Poitou hound packs, developed for hunting wolves and large game. It is said to have been nearly extinct after WWII but restored using English Foxhound crosses. The breed is recognized by the FCI in the Scenthound Group. However, these historical details come from a single source and should be treated with caution; no independent verification is provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
30â35 kilogramAdult weight62â72 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsTricolorRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Intelligentcourageousindependentgentledevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1â5 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 dogâchild 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 Poitevin-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.
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
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Poitevin 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 weight30â35 kilogramAdult female weight30â35 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 a Poitevin?
The Poitevin is a large breed: estimated adult height 62â72 cm, weight 30â35 kg for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 10â13 years. These figures are modelled estimates, not verified.
What is the Poitevin's temperament like?
Reported temperaments include intelligent, courageous, independent, gentle, and devoted. Individual dogs may vary; these are general traits.
How much exercise does a Poitevin need?
Energy level is rated 4 out of 5, indicating high exercise needs. As a scent hound bred for endurance, it likely requires ample daily activity.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 2 out of 5 (low). The short tricolor coat likely needs minimal brushing. Shedding is moderate (3/5).
Is the Poitevin suitable for families with children or other dogs?
Child suitability is rated 3/5 (moderate). Dog compatibility is 4/5 (good), suggesting it generally gets along with other dogs, but individual temperaments vary.
Can a Poitevin live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2/5 (low). This breed is large and energetic, so it is better suited to homes with space and a yard.
Where does the Poitevin originate from?
The breed originates from the Poitou region of France. According to one source, it was created in 1692 by Marquis François de Larrye, but this detail is not independently verified.
Data transparency
â Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API âThe Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit âCopyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.