Official – FCIHound

Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir

GRAHN AHN-gloh frahn-SEH BLAHN ay NWAHR

France· France

The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir (Great Anglo-French White and Black Hound) is a large, powerful scenthound developed in France for hunting big game in packs. Formed by crossing traditional French hounds with imported English Foxhounds, it combines the refined scenting ability and resonant voice of French stock with the stamina, bone, and galloping speed of English hunting hounds. Primarily utilised for pursuit of roe deer, red deer, and wild boar, it is distinguished from its close relatives within the Grand Anglo-Français group by its striking bicolour black-and-white coat.

At a glance

Quick facts

Size

Large

Exercise needs

Very high

Home size suited to

Large rural property or kennel

Grooming frequency

Low

Coat length

Short

Sheds

Moderate

Lifespan

10–12 years

Town or country

Country

Garden size needed

Large, securely fenced

Where it comes from

Origins of the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir

Illustrated map showing the origin of the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir

Developed across rural France by crossing native French scenthounds with English Foxhounds for tracking big game.

Region: France
Climate it was bred for: Temperate maritime and continental
Original job: Big game pack hunting (deer and wild boar)

The long read

About the breed

Physically, the breed presents a strong, harmonious, and athletic outline. It possesses a well-proportioned head with a slight stop, dark and expressive eyes, and medium-to-long drop ears that are lightly folded. The back is firm and supported by deep ribs and muscular loins, ending in a sturdy tail carried high when moving. Its short, dense coat offers good resistance to briars and inclement weather, reflecting its heritage as an active field hound capable of working across challenging forested terrain.

In character, the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir is quintessentially a pack hound: gregarious with other dogs, determined when following scent, and generally gentle though independent. It is rarely kept purely as a domestic companion, as its profound hunting drive, need for extensive physical activity, and ringing hound voice make it best suited to traditional hunt kennels or specialised working rural environments. When properly socialised, it tends to be calm and tractable around humans, though it retains a distinct working focus.

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
3/5
Capable, with consistent fair handling.

Illustrated breed standard

The points of the breed

Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.

Point 1

Head

Fairly long and moderately broad, in harmony with the body, with a slightly accentuated occiput and gentle stop.

Colours & patterns

Recognised coats

Which coats the standard accepts — and which are simply popular.

White & Black with Mantle
Standard colour
A solid black mantle over the back on a clean white ground.
White & Black Patched
Standard colour
Distinct, large black patches distributed across a predominantly white body.
White & Black with Ticking
Standard colour
White ground with black patches accompanied by subtle black flecks or ticking.

Timeline

History & development

See the full journey from wolf to breed

19th Century
Initial crossings
French huntsmen systematically cross native hounds, particularly the Poitevin and Saintongeois strains, with imported English Foxhounds to improve stamina and speed.
1957
Official breed classification
The various Anglo-French hunting hounds are formally categorised by the Société Centrale Canine into specific distinct breeds based on size and colour.
1983
FCI recognition
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially recognises the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir under standard number 323.
Present
Working status
The breed remains an active and respected pack hound in France, though it is exceptionally rare as an individual pet outside working sporting circles.

Reference

Breed standard summary

body: Deep and broad chest, well-sprung ribs, level and muscular back, strong loins, and slight tuck-up.
coat: Short, dense, and smooth, offering good protection against harsh undergrowth.
ears: Set at eye level or slightly below, moderately long, lightly folded, and turning inwards towards the tip.
eyes: Large, dark brown, with an intelligent and trusting expression; rims are black.
gait: Supple, light, and sustained gallop, showing great endurance and ground-covering ease.
head: Fairly long and moderately broad, in harmony with the body, with a slightly accentuated occiput and gentle stop.
size: Height at the withers is typically 65 to 72 cm for males and 62 to 68 cm for females.
tail: Strong at the root, tapering, fairly long, carried proudly with a slight sabre curve when working.
colour: White and black, consisting of a white ground with black mantle or large black patches; black ticking or slight roaning is tolerated.
muzzle: Substantially straight nasal bridge, of good length, with upper lips sufficiently developed to square off the muzzle.
temperament: Courageous, tenacious, and cooperative within a pack, displaying a placid and steady disposition towards humans.
general appearance: A large, athletic scenthound of balanced proportions, conveying power, substance, and elegance without heaviness.

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)
Watch closely
Deep-chested anatomy creates a predisposition to gastric torsion; feeding management is advisable.
Hip Dysplasia
Screen for it
Large physical build makes screening of breeding stock prudent to reduce degenerative joint issues.
Otitis Externa
Watch closely
Pendent ears reduce ventilation in the ear canal, predisposing to wax accumulation and bacterial or yeast infections.

The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir is generally a robust and athletic working breed with few documented breed-specific hereditary disorders, although comprehensive veterinary studies remain limited due to its small, working-kennel population. Like many large, deep-chested scenthounds, it carries a potential risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) and hip dysplasia. Routine checks of the pendulous drop ears are essential to prevent otitis externa, and working individuals should be monitored for field injuries, tick-borne illnesses, and muscle strain.

General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.

From real owners

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