Français Blanc et Orange
frahn-SAY BLAHNK ay oh-RAHNZH
France· Western and Central France
The Français Blanc et Orange is a large, elegant French scenthound bred primarily to hunt big game in organized packs. Rooted in ancient French hound ancestry—most notably lines influenced by the historic Saintonge stock—the breed was developed to deliver exceptional scenting ability, athletic endurance, and a distinct voice in the field. It represents one of the classic colour-defined French hound breeds alongside its tricolour and black-and-white counterparts.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
Very High
Home size suited to
Spacious rural property with acreage
Grooming frequency
Low
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Moderate
Lifespan
10–13 years
Town or country
Country
Garden size needed
Very Large
Where it comes from
Origins of the Français Blanc et Orange
Developed in France from traditional scenthound strains as a specialist pack hound for tracking large game.
- Region
- Western and Central France
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate maritime
- Original job
- Pack hunting of large game, notably deer and wild boar
The long read
About the breed
Characterised by a lean, well-proportioned frame, long pendulous ears, and a refined head, this hound was shaped by functional hunting demands across diverse rural terrain. In working environments, it exhibits typical pack-hound behaviours: high sociability with other dogs, intense prey drive, and an independent working style that prioritises scent over close handler guidance. When not working, individuals are typically calm and steady, though their strong hunting instincts remain pronounced.
Today, the Français Blanc et Orange remains exceptionally rare, both within France and abroad. It is maintained almost exclusively in working hunting kennels rather than as a companion animal. Because numbers are low and kept primarily among specialist huntsmen, documented veterinary and demographic data on the breed are limited, and individual specimens are seldom seen in domestic household settings.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Energy
5/5
Calm and low-key around the home.
Barking
4/5
Quick to sound off.
Grooming
1/5
Wash-and-go coat.
Sociability
4/5
Friendly and outgoing.
Independence
4/5
Independent thinker; tolerates being left to it.
Trainability
2/5
Slow and stubborn — keep sessions short.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Head
Rather long and not too broad, with a slightly domed skull and a well-defined but gentle stop.
Colours & patterns
Recognised coats
Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.
White & Orange
Standard colour
Clear white background with well-defined patches of pure orange hue.
White & Lemon
Standard colour
White ground with pale, lemon-toned orange markings.
White & Orange with Ticking
Standard colour
White and orange coat featuring light orange freckling or ticking across the white areas.
Timeline
History & development
c. 1850
Ancestral Roots
Regional French hounds, notably descendants of the historic Saintongeois lines and other regional scenthounds, were selectively bred for stamina, voice, and distinctive coat colorations.
1957
Official Classification
The various regional types of French pack hounds were formally categorised into distinct breeds based on colour and heritage, establishing the official standard for the Français Blanc et Orange.
1970s
Genetic Influence
The breed served as foundational stock alongside English Foxhounds in developing the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange, intended for greater speed and vigour in large packs.
Present
Modern Rarity
The breed continues to exist in modest numbers, sustained almost entirely by traditional hunting equipages across rural France.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Spacious chest that is deep rather than excessively broad; ribs well sprung; back strong and straight; loins muscular and slightly arched.
- coat
- Short, fine, close-lying, and smooth across the body.
- ears
- Set on low, fine, supple, curled inward, and reaching forward ideally to the base of the nose.
- eyes
- Large, brown, with a gentle, intelligent, and trusting expression.
- gait
- Supple, light, and ground-covering trot indicating great endurance in the field.
- head
- Rather long and not too broad, with a slightly domed skull and a well-defined but gentle stop.
- size
- Height at the withers is typically 62–70 cm for males and 60–68 cm for females.
- tail
- Rather long, carried elegantly with a slight sabre curve, never curled over the back.
- colour
- White and orange, or white and lemon; the orange is never red or mahogany, and slight orange ticking is accepted.
- muzzle
- Straight, of roughly equal length to the skull, with slight chiselling below the eyes and moderately developed upper lips.
- temperament
- Even-tempered, cooperative in the pack, driven in the hunt, and gentle around people.
- general appearance
- A large, distinguished, and well-balanced scenthound with a muscular yet lean silhouette, expressing strength and nobility.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Screen for it
A deep-chested conformation creates a predisposition to stomach torsion, requiring careful post-exercise feeding management.
Otitis Externa
Screen for it
Long, folded drop ears limit airflow to the ear canal, predisposing the dog to moisture retention and bacterial or yeast infections.
Hip Dysplasia
Watch closely
Though documented prevalence is low due to limited screening data, large working hounds can suffer developmental joint laxity.
Field and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Watch closely
A hard-working pack lifestyle over rough terrain exposes hounds to lacerations, sprains, and bursitis.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Français Blanc et Orange
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Français Blanc et Orange illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
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Framed poster
Français Blanc et Orange Framed Poster
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Hoodie
Français Blanc et Orange Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Français Blanc et Orange illustration on the chest.
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Mug
Français Blanc et Orange Mug
Ceramic mug with the Français Blanc et Orange illustration wrapped around it.
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Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
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