Poitevin
One of France's oldest and most elegant large scenthounds — a proud hunter of wolf and deer.
55–77 lbsWeight
24–28 inHeight
12–14 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
One of France's oldest and most elegant large scenthounds — a proud hunter of wolf and deer.
The Poitevin is one of France's oldest and most distinguished scent hounds, tracing its origins to the 17th century in the Poitou region of western France. It was created by the Marquis François de Larrye, who crossed local French hounds with English and possibly Eastern European bloodlines to produce a dog of exceptional speed, stamina, and scenting ability. Originally bred to hunt wolves — a major threat to French livestock at the time — the Poitevin became the pinnacle of French pack-hunting culture, prized by aristocrats and serious chasseurs alike.
The Poitevin is a large, athletic hound with a striking tricolour coat, long legs, a deep chest, and a noble, proud bearing. Its population nearly collapsed during the French Revolution, but careful reconstruction using similar French hounds saved the breed. Today, the Poitevin remains primarily a working pack hound in France, rarely kept as a companion, and is considered rare outside its home country. It is recognized by the FCI under Group 6 and remains a proud symbol of French venery tradition.
Real Poitevins — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
The Poitevin is a proud, spirited, and energetic hound that was bred for the hunt first and companionship second. It is typically gentle and even-tempered with people it knows but can be aloof with strangers. Its strong pack instinct means it generally does well with other dogs, particularly other hounds. However, its high prey drive and deeply independent nature make it challenging for first-time dog owners.
The Poitevin is a high-energy working hound that requires substantial daily exercise. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, it can become frustrated, vocal, and destructive. This breed is best suited to rural environments where it can cover ground freely and safely.
The Poitevin has a short, dense, smooth tricolour coat that is easy to maintain. Regular brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat gleaming. Ear care is particularly important, as the long drop ears typical of French hounds are prone to moisture accumulation and infection.
The Poitevin is an intelligent but headstrong breed that can be challenging to train in a typical pet context. It responds well to positive reinforcement and is highly motivated by scent-based activities. Socialization from puppyhood is essential to raise a well-adjusted dog. Because the Poitevin was bred for pack work, it may struggle to focus on a single handler without proper engagement.
The Poitevin is generally a robust and healthy breed, having been selected for working stamina over generations. Like most large, deep-chested hounds, it has some predisposition to bloat and joint issues. Routine veterinary care and maintaining a healthy weight are the best preventative measures.
The Poitevin is best suited to experienced dog owners, hunters, or those with a deep appreciation for working hounds. It is not a typical family pet and is rarely kept as one in France. Those who provide this breed with space, regular work, and the company of other dogs will find it a loyal, impressive, and deeply satisfying companion. It requires commitment to exercise and a thorough understanding of hound behavior.
The Poitevin is a large, high-energy working breed that requires a nutritious, calorie-dense diet to support its active lifestyle. Feed a premium large-breed dog food with a named meat protein as the primary ingredient. Divide meals into two portions per day to reduce the risk of bloat, a condition to which deep-chested breeds are susceptible. Adjust portions based on activity level and body condition score.
Always bring your dog's regular food when boarding. Sudden diet changes cause digestive upset.