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This comparative newcomer to the world of hounds originated in 1912. Ariege province, for which the breed is named, is in the very south of France on the Spanish border, midway between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Breeders used Bleu de Gascogne, Gascon Sain-tongeois, and Chien d'Artois in the formation of this hound. Hunting in packs, they are hare dogs par excellence, demonstrating skill over all terrain.
They have gained little notice outside their own region, perhaps because the locals referred to them as half-blood or bastard hounds (batards) due to their recent blending of breeds. The Gaston Phoebus Club in southwestern France has promoted the breed, since its recent birth, through pack trials at the Ceron Villa. The Ariegeois hound is a handsome and vigorous dog, serene and affectionate in the home. Ariegeois looks very similar to the Grand Bleu de Gascogne without the ticking and in a smaller package.
The ariegeois hound is an unusual dog and can be found in rare breed dog photos. This dog is lighter of frame and fine built. This breed of dog has nevertheless retained a great amount of the character and quality enjoyed by the parent breed. Although they are smallest and most finely-built of the "Blue mottled breeds of the Midi" (Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Grand Gascon-Saintongeois and this breed) they are still very powerful.
Developed in the French province of Ariege, from a series of matings between the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Grand Gascon-Saintongeois and local Briquet hounds, the Ariégeois excels in hunting hare in the dry, rocky regions of its homeland. (Note: "Briquet" is often mistakenly translated as "Beagle", but actually does not denote any certain breed. Rather, the term is used to describe medium-sized hounds which are finer-boned, shorter-coupled and more compact than the larger "Grand" breeds.) The Ariégeois was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.
Lighter of frame and finer built than their Grand Bleu de Gascogne and Grand Gascon-Saintongeois forebears, the Ariégeois hounds nevertheless have retained a great amount of the character and quality enjoyed by their parent breeds.
Although the smallest and most finely-built of the "Blue mottled breeds of the Midi" (Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Grand Gascon-Saintongeois and Ariégeois), the Ariégeois is still a hound whose endurance and staying power is highly regarded by French houndsmen, and the breed must therefore immediately impress as a hound of substance. Considering the breed's hunting history, individual hounds should have moderate bone, and ample muscle.
Males are heavier than females. Defects such as bull necks, out at the elbows, loaded shoulders, or a beef steer profile should not be confused with masculinity. Likewise, defects such as a shallow muzzle, poorly-formed chest, extremely narrow pelvic region, and general frailty should not be confused with femininity.
Good speed; a degree of endurance not generally found in hounds of this size. A surprisingly deep, powerful voice, and remarkable scenting ability. Of even temperament, essentially friendly. Some individuals may be very outgoing, while others are somewhat reserved in nature, but never shy or vicious. As a hunting/working scenthound breed, and being called upon to work in close proximity with other hounds and their handlers, aggression towards other hounds and people is to be considered a fault.
The head is long, light and dry (totally free of any wrinkles). The skull is narrow, never wide. The occipital bone well pronounced. The foreface is long and slightly aquiline. The stop is only barely defined. The lips come down only well enough to cover the lower jaw. Faults: Head too broad or too short. Skull too flat.
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