The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir or the Great Anglo-Francais White and Black Hound is one of the seven breeds of hounds that developed from the crossbreeding of English Foxhounds with French scenthounds. This breed has descended from the Batard Anglo-Saintongeois in the middle of the 1800s. This is a large and strong dog. A male measure between 25.5 to 28 inches and a females height is from 24.5 to 27 inches. The distinct black and white coat coloring gives the dog an impressive appearance that expresses its English foxhound and French hound origin. The dogs appearance though takes a back seat as the dog is highly valued for its hunting abilities. This breed is utilized for large game hunting. A pack of Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir would diligently track and pursue a roe deer or a wild boar as these dogs were developed to be the ultimate hunting dogs. These dogs live for the hunt. It can be safely said that these dogs are obsessive and compulsive in tracking and chasing the prey. This is truly a one of a kind breed as it would excel more in a situation where its hunting skills are continuously put to the test. This hunting breed is noted for its excellent sense of smell and its capability to hunt in all types of terrain. These dogs are usually kept in packs of 20 or more dogs. A pack may even be composed of 100 dogs. Thus a Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is pack oriented and would not be a good choice for a pet. This hunting dog is a fairly healthy breed. The dog suffers from few health concerns and is expected to live for about 10 to 12 years.
Appearance
A Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is a muscular and well boned scenthound. This excellent hunters powerful appearance is reminiscent of a Gascon Saintongeois. This dog has a rather short but strong head with a flat and broad skull, a slightly marked occipital protuberance and a prominent superciliary arches. The stop is well defined. The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir has a straight muzzle that is a bit shorter than the skull. Rather raised and well developed black nose has well opened nostrils. This breed has distinctly square flews. The upper lip partly covers the lower lip. Brown eyes are relatively deep set and have a gentle and intelligent expression. Ears are rather broad at the base and curls towards the rather pointed tips. Ears are set on at eye level. This dog has a rather short but strong neck.
The Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir was developed from the finest breeds of hunting hounds thus it has a distinctive appearance that shows varying degrees of its English and French hound ancestry. This is a square shaped breed given that the body measured fro the shoulders to the buttocks is equal to the height measured at the withers. This breed has a well sustained back, a rather short but broad loin, a broad and slightly sloping croup and a broad chest that reached the point of the elbows. The ribcage is moderately rounded and the belly is slightly tucked up. Tail that is strong at the root tapers to a slender point. On the move, the long tail is carried straight above the topline. Strong forequarters are straight and vertical. The well muscled hindquarters are strong. As the name implies, this breed has a white and black coat color. The short hair is strong and dense. Skin color takes after the color of the hair. White skin is covered with white hair and black hair grows on black skin. The elegance of the white coat color is enhanced by a black mantle and other black markings spread out on the whole body. A pale tan dot is seen above each eye. The dog may have the roe buck mark, a tan colored marking at the base of the thigh.
Personality
A Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir would make a suitable choice for a weekend hunter that lives in the country. This breed is an ultimate hunter. Although noted for its stable temperament, it is not recommended to be kept solely as a pet. The dog would be gentle with the children especially if properly socialized but it does have a rather serious personality. The dog would not initiate a play session. These dogs are hunted in packs thus they would tolerate other dogs in the household but they must be introduced to non-canine pets. This breed is a vigorous and a tenacious hunter but it is a mediocre watch dog. The dog may bark to warn the owner of the presence of a stranger but it will not show an aggressive attitude. These dogs must never be kept in apartment. Apart from the size, the dog has high energy levels. If not given the opportunity to expend pent up energies, this dog can be very difficult to handle.
Care
A Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is an easy breed to groom. This short coated breed is an average shedder thus it would not need extensive maintenance. Brushing the coat once or twice a week would be enough to maintain its good condition. The owner though should ensure that during off hunting season when the dog is not hunted, it has to have chances to let off steam. This is an energetic working dog. Its usual mode of hunting is to chase its prey. Therefore, the owner must replicate the hunting activities the dog is accustomed to. These dogs are accustomed to staying in kennels. A large well fenced yard will ensure that the dog will get its needed amount of exercise.
History
Unlike in other countries where firearms are commonly used to hunt, hunting in France relies on the use of hounds. It is not surprising therefore for this country to be the home of several breeds of hounds highly valued by sportsmen. Other countries prohibit hunting with a hound as these large hunting dogs are believed to have caused the tremendous decline of wildlife population. In France the chasse a courre is a spectacular method of hunting that gives hunters immense satisfaction. More than bagging an animal, this hunting method gives the hunter more excitement and fulfillment as it does not make use of firearms. Only the skills of the hound will be used to capture the pursued prey. One of these notable hounds with legendary hunting prowess is the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir.
During the early 16th century, it was a common practice in France to cross breeds of French dogs with English dogs. Henry 11 of France was known to cross his white bitches with Scottish dogs. Breeds of hunting dogs were developed from these crossbreeding. The Anglo Francais de Petit Venerie, Francais Tricolore, Francais Blanc et Noir, Francais Blanc et Orange, Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore, Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange and the Grand Anglo-Francais et Noir calls France home. These breeds account for about 75% of hunting breeds in France.
These Grand Anglo-Francais hounds were developed from the crossing of French and English hounds in the 16th century. The Grand Anlo-Francais Blanc et Noir has particularly developed from the Batard Anglo Saintongeois, a hound type that has mainly descended from Poitevin, Gascon Saintongeois and the Foxhound. This French hound is a powerful breed. It has the strong bones and the robust constitution of its Gascon Saintongeois ancestor. This is a large breed but the large in the name does not refer to the size but rather to the large game this breed hunts. Hunted in packs, these hounds are used to pursue roe deer, wild boar. This breed hunts foxes and other smaller game as well. This breed of scenthound was recognized by the French Kennel Club (Societe Centrale Canine). The Breed gained international recognition when it was officially recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Although exported to North America and recognized by the United Kennel Club and accepted for registration by other minor kennel club, the Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir is still considered to be a rare breed. They are rarely seen outside its country of origin.
