Appearance

Although the smallest and most finely-built of the “Blue mottled breeds of the Midi” (Grand Bleu de Gascogne, Grand Gascon-Saintongeois and Ariegeois), the Ariegeois 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.

History

Ariegeois was developed in the last century, making this French scenthound to be a fairly new addition to the family of hounds. The name of the breed was taken from Ariege, a province south of France where the dog originated in 1912. This breed seems to be the smaller version of the Grand Bleu de Gascone. This is because the Bleu Gascon along with the Gascon Sain-tongeois and the Chein d’Artois were used by breeders in the formation of the hound that is known for its excellence in hare hunting.