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Discover everything about French Tricolour Hound
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
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At a glance
French Tricolour Hound overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
The Français tricolore is a robust hunting breed with very few genetic predispositions; however, there are currently no official mandatory health tests for the breed. Typical risks for large scenthounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) or life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), must therefore be assessed primarily by reviewing the health history of the parents. Due to the lack of structured health data, the breed maintains a solid average grade despite its overall hardiness.
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Height
60–72 cm
Weight
28–35 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, dense, without undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Varied
- including black
- blue
- brown
- fawn
- red
- more.
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a French Tricolour Hound, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the French Tricolour Hound right for you?
The Français tricolore is a tireless, elegant athlete—a long-legged pack hound bred for hours of group hunting of big game. This uncompromising specialization in scent, voice, and stamina makes him a working dog, not a mere companion.
Perfect for you if:
- You use him for hunting or engage in extremely high-intensity, scent-based activities like professional-level mantrailing
- You live in a rural area, ideally with a large, escape-proof property, and have neighbors who won't be bothered by his loud voice
- You already own other dogs—as a true pack hound, he thrives in a group and often suffers when kept as an only dog
- You provide confident, patient leadership and accept that a scent hound makes decisions completely independently when on a trail
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to have perfect recall when he catches a fresh scent—he was bred to become blind and deaf to your commands at exactly that moment
- You live in a city or a thin-walled apartment where his immense need for movement and piercing bark will inevitably lead to conflict
- You are looking for a dog that will wait patiently at home while you are at work—without his pack or a job to do, he will become deeply frustrated
The real vibes check
A Français tricolore is not a dog for a leisurely evening stroll in the park—he is a long-distance runner whose operating system only truly kicks in deep in the woods. Once his nose hits the ground, you are no longer the center of his universe, but at best just a passenger. If you can accept this wild, independent nature, you will have a fascinating specialist; if you are looking for an attentive everyday companion, you will likely despair.
Breed Profile
The Français tricolore, also known as the French Tricolor Hound, is a versatile and enduring hunting dog breed from France. It belongs to the group of hounds and was specifically bred for tracking and pursuing game. Its appearance is characterized by a slender but muscular build, which gives it great agility and stamina. The tricolor coat – usually in black, white, and brown – is short and easy to care for. Characteristic are its long, hanging ears and expressive dark eyes, which give it a friendly yet alert expression. Within the breed, there are no clearly defined lines, but the dogs vary in size and temperament depending on the breeding goal, whether for hunting or as a family companion. The Français tricolore is an intelligent, hardworking dog that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Height
- 60 - 68 cm (Female), 62 - 72 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 28 - 35 kg (Female), 28 - 35 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 13 years
- Character
- Intelligent, alert, affectionate with the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive
- Coat
- Short, dense, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Varied; including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and more.
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The history of the Français tricolore, also known as the French Tricolor Hound, dates back to the 19th century. Originally, this breed was bred in France to be a versatile hunting dog that possesses both endurance and an excellent sense of smell. Breeders combined various regional hound types to create a robust and agile dog, particularly suitable for tracking and pursuing game. The Français tricolore quickly became popular among French hunters and is today a valued breed for hunting as well as a family dog.
Original Use
The Français tricolore was bred for hunting in packs of large game such as deer and wild boar and is characterized by its endurance and powerful ringing.
Origin
France
Date
1957
Character & Temperament
The Français tricolore, also known as the French Tricolor Hound, is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell. It is characterized by its high enthusiasm for work and strong hunting drive, making it an excellent companion for tracking and trailing work. Despite its intense eagerness to work, it is very affectionate towards its owner and shows a friendly, balanced nature. This dog requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. It is willing to learn and responds well to consistent training, with its sensitive side not to be overlooked. The Français tricolore is not a dog for passive owners, but for people who can provide it with a meaningful task and channel its energy. In dealing with children and other dogs, it usually shows itself to be sociable, although its hunting instincts are always present and must be controlled. As a watchdog, it is alert and reports strangers without being aggressive. Overall, the French Tricolor Hound is an intelligent, hardworking, and loyal companion that can reach its full potential in an active household.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
The Français tricolore is a lively hound with a distinctive tricolored coat, originally bred for hunting in the French forests. Its exceptional nose and endurance make it a true master at tracking game, while its friendly nature also makes it an ideal family companion.
What Awaits You
The French Tricolor Hound is a lively and enduring hunting dog with a pronounced sense of smell. These dogs are friendly and eager to work, but require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are well suited for active families and hunting tasks, while also showing a close bond with their people.
Housing & Care
The French Tricolore is a lively and friendly hunting dog that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He is very attentive and eager to learn, which makes him a reliable companion for various activities. Due to his pronounced sense of smell and endurance, he is especially suitable for active people or families who spend a lot of time outdoors. In dealing with children, the French Tricolore usually shows patience and friendliness, with early socialization being important to ensure harmonious coexistence. He also gets along well with other dogs if properly socialized. Purely keeping him in an apartment is not ideal for this energetic dog; he needs sufficient exercise and activity to remain balanced and content.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Loves other dogs and is happiest in a group.
Pack animal - City Friendly
Suffers in tight urban conditions.
Needs the countryside
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
The Français tricolore is an intelligent and hardworking hound that requires consistent and varied training. Similar to the Labrador, it is important to provide the Français tricolore with meaningful activities that engage its natural instincts, such as tracking work or retrieving games. The quality of the exercises should be prioritized to avoid overstrain or frustration. As with the German Shepherd, early socialization and learning impulse control are essential, as the Français tricolore has a strong hunting and searching drive. A positive, reward-based training approach promotes motivation and strengthens the bond between dog and owner. The Français tricolore is eager to learn and adaptable but requires clear structures and regular mental as well as physical exercise to remain balanced. Overall, the Français tricolore is a versatile and dedicated partner who can excel in various dog sports and work areas with the right support. Those willing to invest time and patience in training will be rewarded with a loyal and high-performing companion.
Nutrition & Care
The French Tricolore is an active and intelligent hunting dog that requires a balanced diet to support its energy. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and nutrients is important to maintain its musculature and promote its health. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as this dog can also be prone to overweight. The coat of the French Tricolore is short and dense, with little undercoat. This makes grooming relatively uncomplicated. Regular brushing, about once a week, is sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny. During the shedding periods in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, making more frequent brushing advisable. The French Tricolore is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but in extreme heat, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for this lively breed to keep it balanced and healthy.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
The Français tricolore is a robust hunting breed with very few genetic predispositions; however, there are currently no official mandatory health tests for the breed. Typical risks for large scenthounds, such as hip dysplasia (HD) or life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), must therefore be assessed primarily by reviewing the health history of the parents. Due to the lack of structured health data, the breed maintains a solid average grade despite its overall hardiness.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check and clean his long, pendulous ears and ensure he is raised in a way that protects his joints so that he stays active and fit for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, eyes, and hearts tested and prioritize healthy, resilient ears to minimize risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the French Tricolour Hound
Sabine M., Halterin aus Rheinland-Pfalz (Rüde, seit 2021)
Wir haben unseren Rüden über die Laufhunderettung adoptiert. Er stammt ursprünglich aus einer französischen Jagdmeute und war anfangs extrem schüchtern. Was uns sofort auffiel, ist seine unglaubliche soziale Verträglichkeit. Er kennt absolut keine Aggression gegenüber anderen Hunden – die typische „Pack-Mentalität“ merkt man ihm in jeder Sekunde an. Allerdings stellte uns das auch vor eine Herausforderung: Als Einzelhund war er anfangs völlig verloren und zeigte depressive Züge. Erst als wir einen souveränen Zweithund dazugeholt haben, blühte er richtig auf.
Der Jagdtrieb ist allerdings eine ganz andere Hausnummer. Ableinen im Wald ist absolut unmöglich, da er sofort jede Fährte aufnimmt und dann im sprichwörtlichen Tunnel ist. Er braucht täglich stundenlange Bewegung und Beschäftigung, sonst wird er unruhig. Wer sich diese Rasse ins Haus holt, muss wissen, dass es sich um Vollblut-Arbeitshunde handelt, die eine klare Aufgabe und viel Geduld brauchen. Für eine kleine Wohnung oder die Stadt ist er absolut ungeeignet.
Dieter S., Jäger aus dem Sauerland (Hündin, seit 2018)
Als aktiver Jäger führe ich meine Hündin im Revier, und genau dafür ist der Chien Français Tricolore auch gemacht. Ihre Ausdauer, Schnelligkeit und die extrem feine Nase bei der Jagd auf Hochwild wie Hirsch und Wildschwein sind phänomenal. Sie arbeitet mit einer unbändigen Passion und zeigt dabei das rassetypische, lautstarke Geläut, wenn sie auf einer Fährte ist.
Im Haus ist sie erstaunlich ruhig und ausgeglichen, solange sie im Revier arbeiten darf. Aber man darf sich nichts vormachen: Diese Rasse ist absolut ungeeignet für ein Leben als reiner Begleithund. Sie hat ein extremes Laufbedürfnis und eine echte Arbeitsmentalität. Wer ihr keine jagdliche oder zumindest sehr sportliche Auslastung in der Natur bieten kann, wird mit diesem selbstbewussten Hund nicht glücklich werden.
Katrin W., Halterin aus Schleswig-Holstein (Hündin, seit 2023)
Wir haben unsere Hündin aus dem französischen Tierschutz übernommen. Viele dieser Meutehunde bringen eine harte Vergangenheit mit und wurden aussortiert, weil sie nicht mehr spurtreu genug jagten. Man merkt ihr an, dass sie anfangs kaum menschliche Zuwendung kannte. Sie war extrem demütig und dankbar für jede Streicheleinheit, brauchte aber Monate und unendlich viel Geduld, um ihre Ängste abzulegen.
Neben dem enormen Bewegungsdrang ist ihre Stimme eine echte Besonderheit – sie hat diesen typischen, fast singenden Spurlaut, der sehr laut und durchdringend sein kann. Das muss man wegen der Nachbarn definitiv bedenken! Wir lasten sie heute intensiv mit Fährtenarbeit und Mantrailing aus. Trotzdem bleibt sie ein Hund, der durch seine Herkunft die Gesellschaft von Artgenossen braucht und eine sehr konsequente, aber liebevolle Führung benötigt.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the French Tricolour Hound
Is a French Tricolour Hound the right dog for me?
The French Tricolour Hound is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a French Tricolour Hound live?
The average life expectancy of a French Tricolour Hound is 10-13 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a French Tricolour Hound need?
French Tricolour Hound grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a French Tricolour Hound good for families with children?
The French Tricolour Hound can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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