Chien Français Blanc et Noir

Also called French White and Black Hound, Français Blanc et Noir

Rare breedFCI group 6Short profile

From France.1

At a glance the quick version

Height, male65 to 72 cm1

Height, female62 to 68 cm1

Sizelarge

keen nose and persistence

friendly and easy to handle

works well in a pack

1 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense

A short, close, hard-wearing coat on a lean, muscular hound with long legs, a gently domed head and long hanging ears.1 2

Colourswhite and black with black mantle or large patchesblack or bluish tickingpale tan spots over the eyes and tan on cheeks1 2

Personality what they are like

A serious, hard-working pack hound with a great nose and a strong voice. Around people it is friendly and easy to manage.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to follow big game all day, so it needs a lot of exercise and scenting work.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.1

Home where they are happiest

Traditionally kept in packs in hunting kennels and adapts well to kennel life.1

Company who they like around

A pack animal that enjoys the company of other dogs.1 2

The story where it all began

It grew out of the old Saintonge hound in the late 19th century, with later crosses to Gascon-Saintongeois and Poitevin hounds shaping the modern type. French hunters use it mainly in packs for red and roe deer, and it was formally recognised in 1957.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is prized especially for hunting red deer and roe deer in packs.2
2
Its roots go back to the Saintonge hound, a type that almost vanished after the French Revolution.2
3
The FCI standard praises its 'throat', the hunting term for a hound's voice on the trail.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Chien Français Blanc et Noir' translates from French to English as 'French White and Black dog', directly describing its country of origin and its distinctive black and white coat color.2

Name ideas for your new friend

BlancNoirBriocheCocotteÉbèneFloconGastonHerculeLuneMouflonPistacheRoi

A day in the life told by a Chien Français Blanc et Noir

I wake up and stretch, my nose already twitching with the smells of the morning. My human clips on my lead and we head to the big field. I put my nose to the ground and follow a scent trail, my deep bark ringing out as I track. We stop for a splash in a cool stream before heading home. I curl up on my bed, tired and happy, listening to my human talk softly. It was a good day of sniffing and running.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 220, Group 6 Scenthounds, Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds; standard dated 04.11.2008.1
Société Centrale Canine: Officially recognised as a breed in 1957.2

How many About 2,000 registered dogs2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Chien Français Blanc et Noir. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

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

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
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

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

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

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 Chien Français Blanc et Noir, and at what times?

Adult dogs should be fed at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, and free feeding is not recommended. Check the food label for portion guidance and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog.3

What should a Chien Français Blanc et Noir eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for its age and activity level. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.4

How often should I bathe a Chien Français Blanc et Noir?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Chien Français Blanc et Noir need brushing?

Its short coat needs only weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep it healthy. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which matches general advice for short smooth coats. A quick weekly brush is enough.1 5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Chien Français Blanc et Noir's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Chien Français Blanc et Noir need?

This breed was bred to hunt all day, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and scenting work. Furry Diary recommends daily walks and play. A tired hound is a happy hound, so plan for long, active outings.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Chien Français Blanc et Noir's teeth and ears?

Brush its teeth several times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or dirt. Its floppy ears trap moisture, so dry them gently after baths or swimming. Never push anything into the ear canal.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Chien Français Blanc et Noir live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate. With proper care, many hounds live into their early teens, but individual health matters most.

Is a Chien Français Blanc et Noir good with children and other pets?

This friendly, easygoing hound is generally good with people and enjoys the company of other dogs. As a pack animal, it often gets along well with other pets, but always supervise interactions with young children and small animals.1 2

Can a Chien Français Blanc et Noir be left alone?

This breed adapts well to kennel life and enjoys dog company, but it may become lonely if left alone for long periods. With enough exercise and mental stimulation, it can tolerate some alone time. Ask your vet or breeder for advice on your specific dog.1 2

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.