Ariegeois

The Ariegeois breed takes its name from the Ariège region in south-west France where it was first bred a century ago. While mostly unknown outside of French borders, this remarkable canine has more recently captured the attention of Italy and Spain too. With less than 100 years under its belt, the Ariegeois is still relatively new to the world at large but continues to win hearts with every passing year!

The Ariegeois, which was originally bred for the purpose of hunting hares and boar, is a harmonious combination of several medium-sized French hounds including the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Gascon Saintongeois. For centuries in France, tracking animals by scent has been immensely popular amongst its inhabitants who have shared this pastime with their four-legged friends.

The Ariegeois is a lean, tall breed of dog with a stunning coat consisting mostly of white mottled fur and tan patches on the face. They are known for their long, slender ears. Grooming isn’t an arduous task as its short coat only requires weekly brushing to prevent loose hairs and distribute its natural oils throughout the fur evenly.

The Ariegeois, a breed historically known for hunting in packs, is being welcomed into households across the country due to their affectionate nature. With an accepting attitude towards strangers and children alike, these puppies are great companions for any family member. Additionally, with its alert bark and watchful demeanor, it makes for a terrific guard dog without sacrificing its sweet disposition – making this canine the perfect pet!

When it comes to other animals, the Ariegeois breeds are able to coexist with canines but cannot be trusted around any other species. Due to their strong prey drive, cats and small mammals in their vicinity are likely under threat of being chased and harassed by an Ariegeois.

Notoriously difficult to train, the Ariegeois can be a challenge for even experienced trainers. While teaching them how to hunt is relatively straightforward, most other commands are met with stubborn resistance and require their handler to have an abundance of patience. Of course this doesn’t help when their keen sense of smell attracts them away from any training session.

Keeping an Ariegeois in a small home or apartment is ill-advised, as these dogs require ample room to roam and can easily become frustrated when cooped up. Though exercising them for at least one hour per day will help relieve the frustration somewhat, they still need plenty of outdoor time and stimulation with games and activities to remain content.Ariegeois dogs that are bored or lack exercise may bark incessantly, which can be pleasant while hunting but a serious nuisance come bedtime. Thankfully, their melodious voice should provide some solace for those attempting to catch some zzz’s!