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
how to spot onePoitevin coat and colours
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.21
Comes intricolour with black saddletricolour with large black patcheswhite and orangewolf-coloured2
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksPoitevin exercise needs
Very high. Bred to hunt in packs for hours at a time, it needs long daily exercise and plenty of room to run.1
who they like aroundPoitevin with people and other pets
Strongly pack-oriented and does best in the company of other dogs.1
the hands-on bitsPoitevin grooming and care
The short coat needs little more than an occasional brush.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.13
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.14
How often should I bathe a Poitevin?
Pet Wiki'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
How often does a Poitevin need brushing?
Brush your Poitevin weekly with a soft brush to keep their short, glossy coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days. This helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat shiny.25
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
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
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
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Poitevin costs
Running costs for a Poitevin, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Poitevin legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Poitevin in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
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.
where it all beganPoitevin history
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
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
Billy
English Foxhound
Gascon Saintongeois