Discover Everything About Chien d'Artois
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Chien d'Artois overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Chien d'Artois is considered a robust French hunting breed for which there are currently no mandatory genetic health tests. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of issues typical for larger scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and chronic ear infections (otitis) due to their long, floppy ears. Since there is very little systematic data available, taking a close look at the health of the parent dogs is essential.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Height
53–58 cm
Weight
28–30 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Red
- white
- black
- brown mixed
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Chien d'Artois, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Chien d'Artois right for you?
The Chien d'Artois is a tenacious, keen-nosed scent hound and pack dog—bred for persistent group hunting, where it tracks wild boar and hares independently and with a loud, melodic bay.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a passionate partner for tracking work, mantrailing, or active blood tracking in the field.
- Ideally, you already have a confident first dog, as this true pack dog really thrives in canine company.
- You have a secure, escape-proof property in the countryside where a deep, resonant hunting bay won't disturb anyone.
- You lead with patience and humor, accepting that an incredibly sharp nose is sometimes more important than blind obedience.
Less ideal if:
- You expect relaxed off-leash walks in the woods—its genetics tell it that every fresh trail must be followed loudly and to the very end.
- You need to leave your dog alone for long periods, which is massive stress for a pack dog programmed for constant company.
- You live in a thin-walled city apartment and are looking for an inconspicuous, quiet companion.
The real vibes check
A Chien d'Artois is often a gentle cuddler at home—until it catches a scent outside and the switch flips. You aren't buying a classic companion dog, but a highly specialized French hunting professional whose world consists primarily of smells and tracking calls. If you provide professional outlets for its nose, it is a wonderful buddy; if you don't, it will become invisible to you in the woods.
Breed Profile
The Chien d'Artois is a robust and versatile French hunting dog breed that belongs to FCI Group 6, Section 1, the scent hounds. Originally, it was bred for tracking and pursuing game, especially large game such as wild boars. The Chien d'Artois is characterized by its strong, muscular build, its dense, mostly white coat with distinctive black or brown spots, and its hanging ears. Its alert yet friendly nature makes it a reliable hunting partner, impressing with endurance and courage. Despite its strong hunting instincts, the Chien d'Artois is also an affectionate and balanced family dog that requires consistent but loving training.
| Height | 53 - 58 cm (Female), 53 - 58 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 28 - 30 kg (Female), 28 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, alert, high prey drive |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red, white, black, and brown mixed; hard, dense, wiry, medium length |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the Chien d'Artois dates back to the 19th century, to the Artois region in northern France. Originally, this dog breed was bred as a versatile hunting dog, used both for hunting small game and for tracking wounded animals. The Chien d'Artois is characterized by its endurance, keen sense of smell, and robust constitution. Over time, the breed was further developed to meet the demands of hunters and received its official recognition from the French Kennel Club in 1885. Today, the Chien d'Artois is valued both as a hunting dog and as a family dog.
Bred to hunt rabbits and deer in the Artois region, the Chien d'Artois is known for its excellent nose.
France
1900
Character & Temperament
The Chien d'Artois is a strong and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced work drive. It is characterized by its high motivation and strong will, making it a reliable partner in tracking and in the field. Despite its robust nature, it is very people-oriented and shows a close bond with its family. This dog requires a lot of physical and mental exercise to channel its temperament in positive directions. Without sufficient activity, it can become restless or stubborn. The Chien d'Artois learns quickly but responds best to consistent and patient training. Its keen sense of smell and hunting passion make it an excellent tracking dog. With strangers, it is usually reserved but does not show unnecessary aggression. As a watchdog, it is alert and reliably reports unusual situations. Due to its strong prey drive, it is important to work early on control and recall to ensure safe coexistence. Overall, the Chien d'Artois is a loyal, hardworking, and family-oriented dog that can be an excellent companion with the right guidance.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Chien d'Artois: The Chien d'Artois is a French hunting dog with an impressive nose so fine that it can track down even the most hidden wild animals. Originally bred for hunting wild boar, it combines endurance and courage – a true adventurer on four paws!
What Awaits You
The Chien d'Artois is a robust and enduring hunting dog known for its loyalty and strong protective instinct. It requires consistent training and sufficient activity to fully realize its potential. These dogs are alert and are well suited as family dogs if socialized early. With its dense, weather-resistant coat, the Chien d'Artois is perfectly suited for outdoor use.
Housing & Care
Chien d'Artois are lively and intelligent dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are well suited for active families who spend a lot of time outdoors and can integrate the dog into everyday life. Due to their temperament, they are alert and watchful, which makes them good guard dogs. When dealing with children, Chien d'Artois are usually friendly and patient but should always be supervised, especially with small children, as they can sometimes be boisterous. They get along well with other dogs and pets if socialized early. Purely apartment living is not ideal, as they need a lot of exercise to remain balanced and content.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Chien d'Artois is an intelligent and eager-to-work hunting dog that enjoys being challenged. Its pronounced sense of smell and endurance make it an excellent partner for search and retrieve tasks. It is important that you provide your Chien d'Artois with clear structures and consistent, yet loving training from the very beginning. As with the Labrador and German Shepherd, training should be positive and reward-based to maintain motivation and build a close bond. The Chien d'Artois requires regular mental and physical exercise to stay balanced. Retrieve games, tracking work, and other hunting activities are ideal to promote its natural abilities. At the same time, it is important to allow the dog rest periods and to accustom it to different situations to strengthen frustration tolerance and impulse control. Early socialization is essential so that the Chien d'Artois moves confidently and assuredly in everyday life. Overall, the Chien d'Artois requires dedicated training that takes its hunting abilities into account while also making it a balanced family dog. With patience and consistency, you will gain a loyal, eager-to-learn, and versatile companion.
Nutrition & Care
The Chien d'Artois requires a balanced diet that supports its active and strong physique. High-quality dog food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to strengthen its muscles and promote its health. Be careful to avoid overweight, as this can strain the joints. The coat of the Chien d'Artois is dense and weather-resistant, with a thick undercoat that protects it well from the cold. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, helps keep the coat clean and healthy and removes loose hair. Especially during the shedding seasons in spring and autumn, they shed more heavily, so more intensive coat care is necessary then. The Chien d'Artois is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, yet in high temperatures, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and activity are important to satisfy its natural urge to move and keep it balanced.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Robust
Health grade
The Chien d'Artois is considered a robust French hunting breed for which there are currently no mandatory genetic health tests. Nevertheless, buyers should be mindful of issues typical for larger scent hounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) and chronic ear infections (otitis) due to their long, floppy ears. Since there is very little systematic data available, taking a close look at the health of the parent dogs is essential.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check and clean its long, floppy ears and ensure it is raised in a way that protects its joints to prevent chronic ailments.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts tested and pay attention to a healthy ear shape with good ventilation.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Chien d'Artois
Is a Chien d'Artois the right dog for me?
The Chien d'Artois is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Chien d'Artois live?
The average life expectancy of a Chien d'Artois is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Chien d'Artois need?
Chien d'Artois grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Chien d'Artois good for families with children?
The Chien d'Artois can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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