Pet Wiki

Ariégeois

Also called Ariege Hound, Ariégeois Hound

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From France, the Ariège département in the Pyrenees foothills.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight25 to 27 kg2
Height, male52 to 58 cm13
Height, female50 to 56 cm13
Sizemedium

FCI sets no weight; Wikipedia gives about 25-27 kg.

cheerful and sociable
easy to train
good stamina for its size
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine coat

A short, fine and dense coat on a light, elegant hound frame, with long ears and hare-shaped feet.12

Colourswhite with sharply outlined black patches, sometimes mottled, with pale tan on the cheeks and above the eyes13

Personality what they are like

Happy, friendly and easy-going, and it works well in a pack. On a trail it is keen, quick to react and full of initiative, with a strong hound voice.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to hunt hare over rough, rocky ground, it has good speed and unusual endurance and needs lots of outdoor activity.32

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs very little grooming.1

Home where they are happiest

Wikipedia notes it does not settle easily into city life and is rarely kept purely as a companion.2

Company who they like around

A pack hound at heart that is sociable with other dogs.13

The story where it all began

It was developed in the Ariège by crossing local briquet hounds with larger Gascon pack hounds such as the Grand Bleu de Gascogne or Gascon Saintongeois. The result kept the pack-hound look in a smaller, nimbler dog, recognised in France in 1912.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its feet are shaped like a hare's, with black pads.2

  2. 2

    It is the smallest of the French blue-mottled hound family.3

  3. 3

    It gives voice while tracking, so hunters can follow the chase by ear.2

  4. 4

    Although hare is its speciality, it has also been used on deer and wild boar.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the Ariège, a département in the Midi-Pyrénées region of southern France, where the breed originated.4

Name ideas for your new friend

PierreFleurCocoRocSoleilBiscuitMistralChasseurCèpeGaletLavandePyrène

A day in the life told by an Ariégeois

This morning, I trotted through the dewy grass, sniffing every stone and bush. My humans laughed when I bayed at a butterfly. We climbed a hill, and I found a stick that smelled like adventure. At lunch, I dozed in a sunbeam, dreaming of rabbits. Later, we met another hound and had a grand sniffing chat. Now I'm curled by the fire, my tail thumping. It was a perfect day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 20, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; standard dated 24.01.1996. Wikipedia gives definitive FCI acceptance in 1954.1
France (national recognition)
Recognised in 1912.2
UKC
Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1993.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Ariégeois. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Blueberry and Oat Bites

These three-ingredient treats are quick to make and packed with antioxidants from blueberries and fibre from oats. They are low in fat and perfect as a training reward.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • Splash of water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the mashed banana, oats, and chopped blueberries together.
  3. Add splashes of water gradually until the mixture comes together into a large ball.
  4. Roll out the mixture on a lightly floured surface to about 1-2cm thick.
  5. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly browned.
  8. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Offer one or two bites per day for a medium-sized dog. Reduce your dog's usual food portion to account for these treats.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ariégeois, and at what times?

Feed your adult Ariégeois at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. Always follow the food label and your vet’s advice for portion sizes.5

What should an Ariégeois eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Stick to dog-safe treats and consult your vet for any diet changes.6

How often should I bathe an Ariégeois?

Furry Diary’s starting plan suggests bathing every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Since its short coat needs very little grooming, you can bathe less often if it stays clean. Over-bathing can dry the skin, so use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Ariégeois need brushing?

Brush your Ariégeois weekly to remove loose hair and keep its short coat healthy. Furry Diary’s plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which matches general advice for short smooth coats. A soft bristle brush or grooming mitt works well.7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Ariégeois's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside) to avoid pain. If you’re unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you the first time.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Ariégeois need?

This breed needs lots of daily outdoor activity, it was bred to hunt over rough ground and has great endurance. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and play, and it’s happiest with plenty of space to run. It does not settle easily into city life, so an active home is best.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Ariégeois's teeth and ears?

Brush your Ariégeois’s teeth daily if possible, or at least 2, 3 times a week, using dog toothpaste only. Check its floppy ears weekly and dry them gently to prevent moisture buildup, never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care keeps both healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Ariégeois live?

Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a typical range. Furry Diary notes that senior years usually start around age 8, which can guide your care. With proper nutrition and exercise, many enjoy a long, happy life.

Is an Ariégeois good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is happy, friendly, and easy-going, and it works well in a pack with other dogs. It is sociable and generally good-natured, but always supervise interactions with young children. Ask your breeder about the individual dog’s temperament around smaller pets.13

Can an Ariégeois be left alone?

As a pack hound at heart, this dog prefers company and may struggle with long hours alone. It is rarely kept purely as a companion and does not settle easily into city life. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, and consider a dog walker or pet sitter.132

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 20 Ariégeois fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Ariégeois - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, recognition years, uses, fun facts
  3. UKC Ariegeois ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, characteristics, activity
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.