Breed History:

The Poitevin is a French scenthound originating in the historic region of Poitou in western France. The breed was developed during the 17th and 18th centuries by noble hunting families, most notably the Marquis François de Larrye, who sought to create a fast, elegant, and enduring hound for hunting wolves and large game.

The Poitevin's ancestry includes various French hounds and later crosses with English Foxhounds and other hunting breeds following devastating disease outbreaks that reduced the original population. The breed became renowned for its speed, stamina, excellent scenting ability, and distinctive melodious voice while hunting.

Today, the Poitevin remains primarily a pack-hunting dog used for pursuing deer, wild boar, and other game, particularly in France.

Gender	Height	Weight
Male	62–72 cm	30–35 kg
Female	60–68 cm	25–32 kg

Size: Large

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Breed Appearance:

The Poitevin is an elegant, athletic, and refined hunting hound.

The breed commonly features:

• Long, narrow head

• Strong but refined muzzle

• Dark expressive eyes

• Long pendulous ears

• Deep chest and lean muscular body

• Long tail carried gracefully

Its coat is short, smooth, and dense.

Common coat colours include:

• Tricolour (black, white, and tan)

• White and orange

• Wolf-grey shades with white markings

The breed possesses a noble and graceful appearance built for endurance and speed.

Breed Type – Scenthound:

The Poitevin is a determined, intelligent, and hardworking hunting breed.

It is known for being:

• Friendly and sociable

• Courageous and persistent

• Intelligent and alert

• Energetic and athletic

• Cooperative with other dogs

Because it was bred to hunt in packs, the Poitevin generally gets along well with other dogs and enjoys social interaction.

Its scent-tracking instincts are exceptionally strong.

Training:

The Poitevin is intelligent but can be independent when following a scent trail.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation

• Positive reinforcement methods

• Recall training

• Obedience exercises

• Scent-work activities

The breed excels in:

• Tracking

• Hunting trials

• Scent detection

• Endurance sports

Patience and consistency are important due to the breed's strong hunting drive.

Health & Care:

The Poitevin is generally healthy but may occasionally be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Ear infections

• Bloat (gastric torsion)

• Hunting-related injuries

Routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, and regular exercise help maintain overall health.

Regular ear inspections are important because of the breed's long ears.

Living Conditions:

The Poitevin is best suited to active households.

Ideal environments include:

• Rural properties

• Hunting homes

• Houses with secure fenced yards

• Active outdoor families

Apartment living is generally unsuitable due to the breed's exercise requirements and strong scent drive.

The breed thrives when given opportunities to work and explore.

Exercise:

The Poitevin has very high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks or runs

• Tracking and scent games

• Hunting activities

• Hiking and outdoor adventures

• Interactive training sessions

Mental stimulation is essential because of the breed's powerful scenting instincts.

Grooming:

The coat is easy to maintain.

• Weekly brushing

• Occasional bathing as needed

• Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming

• Regular dental care

The breed sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year.

Advantages:

• Exceptional scenting and tracking abilities

• Friendly and sociable temperament

• Excellent endurance and athleticism

• Works well with other dogs

• Low-maintenance grooming needs

• Generally healthy breed

Disadvantages:

• Extremely high exercise and mental stimulation needs

• Strong prey drive and scent-tracking instincts

• Recall can be difficult outdoors

• Requires secure fencing due to wandering tendencies

• May be vocal while tracking

• Not suited for apartment living

• Best suited to experienced, active owners or hunting households