American Staghound vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison

The American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

The Artois Hound developed in France, essentially from the Picardy and Artois regions of northern France. The idea was to use them for the hunting of hares, fox and wild boars during the time of King Henry IV and Louis XIII. Unfortunately, with cross-breeding, the bloodline all but deteriorated and it took a couple of decades for the Artois breed to be restored.

After the 2nd world war, there was once again concern about the breed becoming extinct. A certain Mr.Audréchy from northern France stepped in and the breed was built up again. Today this hunting dog is essentially found in France, and a few hundred of them are registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and both the FCI and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognize the Artois Hound.

When you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

Looking much like the Basset Hound and also referred to as French Artois Hound, Picard or Briquet, the muscled Artois Hound is a descendant of the Bloodhound and a rare breed.

The dog is well built with a large head, large eyes and large, hanging ears. He has a short coat, with the main colours being white, tan and black.

The energetic Artois Hound is a medium-to-large sized dog breed, and by FCI standard, they should be 20 inches to 22 3/4 inches tall from ground to withers.They weigh between 25 – 30kg or 55 and 65 pounds, are well muscled and strong with a short, dense coat.

A Friendly Character – Gets on with Children

These dogs are known for their endurance, making them ideal as a hunting- or walking companion. The Artois Hound is full of energy and he will require plenty of boisterous activities as well as training and socialization.

Although this is an intelligent breed, he can be stubborn. He’s a friendly character and will get on well with children, loving their energy and games. He’s amicable, and will also get on with other pets in the home too.

Not Aggressive – won’t Pass as a Good Watchdog

Artois Hounds are loyal to their human families. They’re not particularly good watchdogs though as they aren’t aggressive dogs, being social and friendly.

This dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

Your Artois is an ideal family pet when you provide him with the love and attention that any member of a family deserves. Buy your Artois from a reputable breeder so that all the excellent characteristics of this lively breed are found in your 4-legged friend.

A Devoted, Loyal Friend with an ID Collar

The Artois is just waiting to be your devoted companion and will promise unconditional friendship in exchange for quality food, veterinary care, exercise and attention. To make sure you never lose your pet, outfit him with a collar and ID tag so that should he become lost, the chances are far better that he’ll be found.

He’s Intelligent and Trainable – with Patience

A dog isn’t a human and you want to always make sure that you’re reasonable with what to expect from him. Most little problems with your wonderful friend can be solved with kindness, compassion and patience.

The American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

There are no known health problems that come as specific to the Artois Hound. The health problems that do develop are common ailments that can be found in most other dog breeds too.

Your Artois Hound will still need to visit the vet as a puppy for a thorough check-up as well as vaccinations and for any health issues he may have.

Oral Health

check for bad breath problems. Dental plaque can cause a nasty odour that will require dental treatment from a professional. The dog’s teeth can be maintained by brushing the teeth regularly with special canine toothpaste- and brush. However your dog’s bad breath could be indicative of other health problems such as diabetes.

Parasites, fleas, ticks and worms – there are many new treatments to manage these pests and your veterinarian will guide you towards a treatment for your pet.

Heartworm

if your pet is exposed to mosquitoes often, the insect carries the worm from dog to dog. Speak to your vet about treatment, more so when you live in a warm, wet area where mosquitoes thrive.

Vaccinations

Your Artois Hound puppy will have to be vaccinated with a combo vaccine to protect him from hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, parvovirus and parainfluenza. They should have received their first immunizations by 8 weeks of age. Speak to your vet about rabies shots as well.

Feeding

It is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

The beauty with the Artois Hound is that he is low-maintenance and he will only require the basic tender loving care to keep him happy and healthy.

Grooming

The Artois isn’t a high maintenance dog and the low-shedding, short-haired coat will required a good brush a couple of times a week to remove loose hairs. The dog only requires a bath when absolutely necessary as bathing dries out natural oils in the skin. Never use a human shampoo – only a proper dog shampoo.

Feeding

Artois Hound puppies up to 12 weeks will need to be fed every 6 hours. Puppies of 6 months and older can have 2 bowls of food, and from one year of age, one bowl of food may be adequate. It’s an individual choice as 2 smaller meals a day can also suffice. Speak to your vet about premium-quality dry- and wet foods as well as about making your own dog food. You want to ensure the foods eliminate mineral and vitamin deficiencies. Ensure there is ALWAYS a bowl of fresh, cool water within your dog’s reach.

Exercise

This is a hunting dog so he will need plenty of exercise. Without regular exercise, a dog like the Artois becomes frustrated and destructive. Your Artois is your 4-legged family member, and according to age and individual traits will benefit from throwing ball games, pulling on ropes and running while you cycle. The cherry on the top is that you benefit from the exercise too!