Large Anglo-French Hound, white and orange.

Large Anglo-French Hound, white and orange.

FCI #324FCI Recognition: 2023Standard PLStandard EN

FCI Group

6FCI 324

Size

Large

Origin Country

FR

Height

60-70 cm

Weight

28-30 kg

Lifespan

10-12 years

Temperament

EnergeticLoyalAthletic

Overview

The large Anglo-French hound, known as Grand anglo-français blanc et orange, is an extraordinary hunting dog breed that intrigues with its rich history and distinctive appearance. Originating from France, this breed has gained recognition among hunters and tracking dog enthusiasts for generations due to its remarkable agility, endurance, and excellent sense of smell.

Characterized by an impressive height of 60 to 70 cm and a weight of about 28-30 kg, it is a medium-sized dog with a strong, athletic build. Its short, shiny coat in white with orange or yellow patches catches the eye and gives it a unique, elegant appearance. Dark brown, large eyes and long, drooping ears are distinctive features that emphasize its gentle yet alert expression.

What sets this breed apart from other French hounds is the distinct English traits visible especially in the head structure – a wider skull and stronger muzzle reveal its crossbreeding with English Foxhounds. This unique blend of French and English hunting dog genes has created a breed with exceptional tracking abilities and excellent endurance during long hunts.

In terms of character, the Grand anglo-français blanc et orange is a dog full of energy and a passion for work. It requires a daily, intense dose of exercise and outdoor activity – long walks, runs, and playtime are part of its daily routine and necessity. Its sociability means it feels best in a pack – it loves the company of other dogs with whom it shares the joy of activity and play.

Despite its strong hunting instinct and independent nature, it can be extremely affectionate and loyal to its human family. This is a dog that forms a deep bond with its owner and household members, although it requires a suitable guide – a person who understands its needs and independent character. It needs a firm yet gentle approach and consistent training to develop its best traits.

This is not a breed for everyone – especially not for those living in small apartments or blocks without access to walking areas. The Grand anglo-français blanc et orange needs space, a garden, and opportunities for daily, intense exercise. It is ideally suited for a home in the countryside or on the outskirts of a city, where it can freely fulfill its natural needs.

In the right conditions – with an active owner, space to move, and proper training – this magnificent hound becomes a source of immense joy and satisfaction. If you are looking for a dog that combines hunting passion with a friendly, loyal disposition, and you are not afraid of the challenges associated with an active breed – this breed may prove to be the perfect choice.

Grand anglo-français blanc et orange is a dog with an exceptional, noble appearance that attracts attention with its elegance combined with strength and athleticism. Its silhouette is strong and balanced, indicative of excellent physical condition and the ability to perform hard, long-lasting work in the field.

Body dimensions: The height at the withers ranges from 60 to 70 cm, and the weight oscillates between 28 and 30 kg. This is a medium-sized dog, but with a solid, muscular build.

Head and skull: The skull is wide and flat, without a pronounced occipital protuberance, with a well-defined stop. The nose is black or orange-brown, and the muzzle is rather short, giving it a characteristic, strong appearance. The jaws extend beyond the lower jaw, giving the muzzle a square shape – a feature typical of the English ancestors of this breed.

Eyes and ears: The eyes are large, dark brown, expressing intelligence and alertness. The ears are long, fairly thick, slightly curled inward and drooping, set wide at the level of the eyes or slightly above.

Neck and body: The neck is straight, with a slight dewlap. The back is wide and muscular, the loins are short and strong, and the croup is rounded. The chest is deep and lowered, with long, slightly rounded ribs.

Limbs: The front limbs are strong, wide, and vertical, with shoulder muscles adhering to the chest. The hind limbs have muscular and meaty thighs, with slightly bent hocks close to the ground. The paws are quite round.

Tail: The tail is fairly long, sometimes with a few longer and coarser hairs at the tip (resembling ears of grain), slightly standing out.

Coat and coloration: The coat is short, smooth, and shiny. The coloration consists of a white base color with orange or yellow spots, creating a characteristic, very attractive pattern.

All these features make the Grand anglo-français blanc et orange not only a beautiful dog with a noble presence but also a well-built athlete capable of working for hours in the most difficult terrain.

Characteristic Traits

Good with Children
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Tolerates Cold Weather
Tolerates Hot Weather
Easy to Groom
High Energy Breed
Tends to Bark
Requires Large Living Space
Low Drooling
Not Prone to Obesity
Not Prone to Biting
Hunting Dog
Strong Health

Pros

  • Agile and efficient hunter
  • Affectionate and loyal to family
  • Gets along perfectly with other dogs
  • Original and elegant appearance
  • Strong and resilient constitution
  • Low grooming requirements.

Cons

  • Requires a lot of exercise every day
  • Independent and stubborn nature
  • Not suitable for living in small apartments
  • Strong hunting instinct
  • Prone to escaping in pursuit of a trail.

Behavioral Ratings

Breed History

The history of Grand anglo-français blanc et orange dates back to the 19th century, when intensive efforts were made in France to develop excellent hunting dog breeds that would combine the best traits of French and English hounds. It was a golden age for hunting dog breeding in Europe, when the aristocracy and wealthy landowners were passionate about hunting and sought the ideal dogs for work in various terrain conditions.

This breed was created as a result of careful crossbreeding of English hounds, primarily Foxhounds, with local French hound breeds such as Grand chien courant français (now extinct), Poitevin, and other local varieties. The goal was to create a dog that would combine the endurance, speed, and strength of English Foxhounds with the excellent sense of smell, determination, and intelligence of French hounds.

In this context, the white and orange Anglo-French hound is one of the three officially recognized variants of the Grand Anglo-Français breed, alongside:

  • Grand anglo-français tricolore (tricolor)
  • Grand anglo-français blanc et noir (black and white)

All three variants share a common ancestry and character traits, differing only in coloration. From the very beginning, these breeds were valued for their exceptional hunting skills and excellent abilities to track game – both small (hares, foxes) and larger (deer, wild boars).

In the 20th century, due to changing needs of hunters, a decrease in wild animal populations, and the development of other forms of recreation, the popularity of this breed – like other hounds – began to gradually decline. Hunting large animals became less common, and the breeding of hunting dogs ceased to be as popular as in previous centuries.

Despite these changes, the Grand anglo-français blanc et orange still ranks among the top hunting dog breeds in France, where it is valued by traditional hunters and enthusiasts of historical breeds. Breeders strive to maintain the purity of the breed and the excellent hunting traits that made this breed famous in the past.

Modern dogs of this breed are used not only for traditional hunting but also as family companions for active individuals who appreciate their energy, loyalty, and extraordinary history. Although it is not a breed widely known outside of France, those who have the opportunity to meet the Grand anglo-français blanc et orange appreciate its unique traits and distinctive character.

The breed has been officially recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and is classified in group 6 (hounds and related breeds), section 1.1 (large hounds), with a working test.