Poitevin

Also called Chien de Haut-Poitou

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From Poitou, western France.1

At a glance the quick version

Weight20.5 to 30.5 kg1

Height, male62 to 72 cm2

Height, female60 to 70 cm2

Sizelarge

The FCI standard gives no weight; range from Wikipedia for the breed overall.

elegant and light on its feet

great stamina

works well as part of a pack

2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short and glossy

A tall, light, elegant hound with a short, shiny coat. It moves with an easy, bounding gallop and looks somewhat like a blend of foxhound and sighthound.2 1

Colourstricolour with black saddletricolour with large black patcheswhite and orangewolf-coloured2

Personality what they are like

A calm pack hound, not shy, but more aloof with people than many hounds. It is at its best living and working with other hounds.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. Bred to hunt in packs for hours at a time, it needs long daily exercise and plenty of room to run.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.2

Company who they like around

Strongly pack-oriented and does best in the company of other dogs.1

The story where it all began

The breed was created in Poitou in the late 1600s when the Marquis François de Larrye crossed local hounds with English staghounds gifted to the Dauphin in 1692. Revolution, disease and two world wars all reduced its numbers, and foxhound blood was added more than once to rebuild it. Today it hunts deer and boar in French pack hunting.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was originally bred to hunt wolves.1
2
Packs have been recorded running at up to 56 km/h and hunting for as long as seven hours.1
3
It is sometimes nicknamed the 'greyhound among French hounds' for its speed and lightness.1
4
Its standard describes it as passing easily through undergrowth with a light, bounding gallop.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the province of Poitou in France, where it originated. It is also known as the Chien de Haut-Poitou.1

Name ideas for your new friend

BriochePoitouChasseurVendéeEchoLavandeTruffleBleuMistralSoleilPlumeRuisseau

A day in the life told by a Poitevin

I wake in the kennel beside my brothers, their warm bodies pressed close. The pack stirs as our human opens the gate. We pour into the forest, a river of tails and noses. I find the scent of a hare and sing a low, long note. The others join, and we surge through the oaks, baying in harmony. We chase until the sun hangs high, then rest in a cool stream. At dusk, we trot home in a loose formation. The human rubs my ears and says, "Good hound." I sigh, content. Tomorrow, we run again.

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

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 24, Group 6 Scent hounds, Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds, with working trial.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Poitevin. 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 Poitevin, and at what times?

Feed your Poitevin at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to set times each day, as their stomachs empty in a few hours. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1 3

What should a Poitevin eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their 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 complete list.1 4

How often should I bathe a Poitevin?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and rinse well.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Poitevin need brushing?

Brush your Poitevin weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, glossy coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny.2 5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Poitevin's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear 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 Poitevin need?

This breed needs very high daily exercise, including long walks and plenty of room to run. They were bred to hunt for hours, so plan for at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. A tired Poitevin is a happy one.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Poitevin's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week (daily is ideal) with dog toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Ask your vet for a dental care routine.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Poitevin live?

The lifespan of a Poitevin varies, but they are generally a healthy breed. For specific life expectancy, ask your vet or a reputable breeder. Regular vet check-ups help them live a long, happy life.

Is a Poitevin good with children and other pets?

Poitevins are calm pack hounds that do best with other dogs, but they can be aloof with people. They may be fine with children if raised with them, but always supervise. Their strong pack instinct means they thrive in a multi-dog home.1

Can a Poitevin be left alone?

Poitevins are strongly pack-oriented and prefer company, so they may struggle with being left alone for long periods. They do best with another dog or with someone home most of the day. If left alone, provide plenty of exercise and enrichment beforehand.1

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.