Ariegeois
Description
The Ariegeois is a sleek, short-coated scent hound that hails from the French Pyrenees, bred to track hares and small game with impressive stamina. This breed combines the Grand Bleu de Gascogne’s size with the Briquet’s agility, resulting in a dog that’s both finely built and remarkably fast. They weigh between 15 and 55 pounds, making them one of the more compact hounds. Friendly and sociable, Ariegeois dogs tend to get along well with kids and other dogs when socialized early. Their strong prey drive means they’ll eagerly chase smaller animals, so leash control is important. They’re vocal and alert, often using their bark to communicate during hunts or play.
Grooming
The Ariegeois has a short, smooth coat that’s easy to maintain but still needs regular care to keep it looking sharp. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Bathing every 4 to 8 weeks is sufficient; over-bathing can strip essential oils and dry their skin. Their white coat with black patches doesn’t require special stain treatment but do watch for dirt around the paws and ears. Nail trimming every 2 to 4 weeks prevents discomfort and potential injury, while monthly ear checks help avoid buildup or irritation, especially since they’re active outdoors. Pro grooming tidies up any stray hairs around the feet and tail. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Pro tidy as needed Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to spot-clean paws and face between baths to keep the white fur bright without over-washing.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Ariegeois dogs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep their energy balanced and minds sharp. These scent hounds thrive on exploring new smells, so varied routes with plenty of sniffing opportunities are ideal. A morning walk of 40 minutes can include some off-leash time in a secure area, while an evening 45-minute stroll helps burn off any leftover energy. Example routine: - Morning: 40-minute walk with scent exploration and light jogging - Evening: 45-minute walk focusing on calm leash walking and socialization Consistent exercise helps manage their vocal tendencies and keeps their hunting instincts in check, making walks both mentally and physically rewarding.
Boarding
When boarding an Ariegeois, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to ensure enough room for comfort and stretching. These dogs are active and playful, so the boarding environment should include two active play sessions daily combined with scent or brain games to engage their sharp noses and minds. Avoid small-animal toys that could trigger their prey drive, and make sure fencing is secure to prevent escapes. Staff should note their vocal nature and provide gentle reassurance during rest times. Socialization with other dogs is usually positive but monitor initial interactions closely to avoid chasing behaviors. Enrichment that taps into their hunting background, like scent trails or puzzle feeders, keeps them happy and reduces stress while away from home.