French Tricolour Hound

Dog breed · France

Overview

The Chien Français Tricolore translated into English as the French Tricolour Hound, is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France. The breed is used for hunting in packs.

Appearance

Appearance: The breed is a typical large French hunting pack hound, with a lean and muscular body, long legs, elongated head with a noticeable occipital protuberance, long drop ears, and slightly square flews. Their size is 62 to 72 centimetres (24 to 28 in) at the withers; females are slightly smaller.

The coat is tricolour, with a wide black mantle, and tan parts are of a bright colour. A grizzled colour called "louvard" ("wolf-like") is also seen in the breed. Faults are listed as physical or behavioural abnormalities, and a dog with such faults should not be bred. Faults include fat feet, aggression, or any trace of crossing with English hounds.

Every pet is one of a kind. This guide covers what's typical for the breed, but your own dog or cat will have their own personality, quirks and needs — think of it as a friendly starting point, not the final word. Whenever you'd like advice tailored to your companion, the team at OC Pets is always happy to help.
Sources (reused under open licences, with thanks): Wikipedia — “French Tricolour Hound” (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikidata (CC0) · image (CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons) · Compiled by OC Pets Veterinary Clinic, updated 15-06-2026.