Scenthound / FCI Group 6 · Purebred · France's striking black-and-white pack hunter — powerful, melodious-voiced, and built for relentless pursuit of deer and boar
The French White and Black Hound is one of three elegant French scenthound breeds developed in the 20th century through careful crosses between indigenous French hounds and English Foxhounds. This black-and-white variety was created to produce a powerful pack hunter capable of pursuing large game — primarily deer and wild boar — across the varied terrain of France. FCI recognized in 1957, it remains primarily a working hunting dog, rarely seen outside France.
Real French White and Black Hound photos — showcasing their unique appearance and character.
Energetic, sociable, and pack-driven. The French White and Black Hound is bred to work cooperatively in large packs and is generally good-natured and friendly with other dogs. Around people it can be affectionate but independent — this is a working breed at heart, happiest when given a job to do.
Very high energy: requires 90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily. This is a hunting hound built for endurance — long runs, hiking, or fieldwork are ideal. Not suited to apartment living; needs a large, securely fenced property. Will follow its nose if given the opportunity to escape.
Short, dense, easy-care coat. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and keep the coat gleaming. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly due to the hound's floppy ear structure. Bathe only when needed.
Intelligent but independently minded — as with most scenthounds, once a scent trail is engaged, recall can be challenging. Reward-based training and early socialization are key. Best suited to experienced dog owners familiar with hound behavior. Excels in nose work and scent tracking activities.
A generally healthy breed with few documented breed-specific conditions. Watch for hip dysplasia common to large hounds, ear infections due to pendulous ears, and bloat (GDV) in deep-chested individuals. Regular ear cleaning and weight management are important preventive measures.
The French White and Black Hound does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 2½–3¾ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Use a large-breed formula and avoid heavy exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 2½–3¾ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a French White and Black Hound from a responsible breeder typically costs around $1,000–$2,500, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $110–$200 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $18,000–$28,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.