Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
A large, scenting hound dog, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore has been in existence for around 200 years and was originally developed in France. Used to hunt a variety of game, this dog is well-respected for the dedication it shows to its work. They have a well-muscled, sturdy body that lends itself to an athletic lifestyle.
The exercise requirements of this breed are incredibly high and are unlikely to be adequately met in a non-working environment. Most breed members enjoy the company of other dogs and also get on well with people of all ages. Often displaying a stubborn streak, a firm trainer is advised to avoid this dog ignoring basic commands.
About & History
There are three well-known Grand Anglo-Français breeds, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore being one of them. These breeds are distinguished by their coat colour, and the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore has a distinctive black, white and tan coat. Developed within France in the 1800s, this breed is a descendant of the English Foxhound and the lesser-known Poitevin.
As with the other Grand Anglo-Français breeds, the ‘Grand’ in their name (the French word for big) is a reference to the large packs within which they hunt. Bred specifically for hunting, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is known for its endurance and speed. Traditionally, this breed has been used to hunt deer and boar, among a variety of other game. Prized for its ability to work tirelessly, no matter the weather conditions or terrain under-foot, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore has a superb sense of smell regardless of the circumstances in which it is working.
Even within France, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is thought of as a rare breed. It was not until 2006 that the UKC officially accepted them within their scent hound group. Not really kept as a companion animal, most breed members are owned by active hunters.
Appearance
For those familiar with either the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange or the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir, they may recognise the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore, who differs from the previous two breeds by coat colour alone. All three of these dogs are tall, slim hounds with lean bodies and typical ‘hound-like’ features.
The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore should appear elegant and almost antiquated in their appearance. They should be robustly built with a deep chest and straight back that is supported by straight, muscular limbs. Their broad skull has an obvious stop, while their square-shaped muzzle should contain a full set of teeth that meet in a scissors bite. Their large brown eyes, hanging ears and prominent black nose are all features that are characteristic of a scent hound. Their long, slim tail tends to have a white tip.
As it suggests in the name, this is a tri-colour breed with white, tan and black fur. Their double-coat is both short and smooth. Dogs stand between 60cm and 70cm tall at the withers, generally weighing between 30kg and 35kg. Their gait should be effortless and a pleasure to watch.
Character & Temperament
The hunting temperament of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is very desirable indeed. Dedicated to their job, they are brave hunters with the ability to work continuously for hours on end in a variety of conditions. Having worked in large packs for the duration of their career, they are content in the presence of a large number of other dogs, and canine to canine aggression is rare. Housing this breed with any other pet is ill-advised, as they are likely to see it as prey.
For the last 200 years, this breed has become used to an outdoor lifestyle and is often kept outdoors, even at night time. Owing to this, it is questionable whether or not they would adapt well to an indoor lifestyle as a companion animal. Always keen to wander and ramble, it should be assumed that a Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore kept as a pet would need a large home with a vast garden.
Owners claim that the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore socialises well with people, including children, though care is advised with toddlers who may find the sturdy breed too much to handle. While this dog will likely alert their owner of an intruder by barking, they are unlikely to make good guard dogs due to their docile nature.
Trainability
With an inherent desire to hunt and a great natural ability, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is suited to a hunting job and needs little in the way of training when it comes to carrying out its role in the field.
A firm trainer is needed to take charge of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore, who is unlikely to obey commands from a hesitant trainer and can be pig-headed at times. Small bribes, such as tasty treats and a few minutes of play with a dog toy, can be used to encourage positive behavior.
Health
Living on average from 10-13 years, the active Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore tends to enjoy good health throughout its lifetime. While there are no definitive health studies available to consult, it would be prudent to monitor breed members for the following health conditions:
Hip Dysplasia
An abnormal hip joint can result in laxity (looseness) of the hip and subsequent osteoarthritis. Dogs will initially become less active and may develop a stiff gait and a limp. A multi-modal treatment plan is often advised, consisting of exercise modification, lifestyle changes, joint supplements and life-long medication.
Bloat or GDV
The deep chest of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is thought to make it more prone to developing bloat. A bloated stomach may twist on its axis, trapping the contents within and causing localised compression and potentially even shock. X-rays are often used to diagnose the condition, and if the stomach has rotated, a surgery will be performed to correct its positioning. In some cases, during the surgery, a vet will ‘tack’ the stomach to prevent it from rotating again in the future. This procedure is known as a ‘gastropexy’.
Ear Infections
The floppy ears of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore require weekly cleaning to remove any debris or fluid that has built up inside. Most veterinary clinics will be more than happy to demonstrate ear cleaning to an unsure owner. An untreated ear infection can become chronic and may even develop into an inner ear infection. Ear infections can cause a dog a great deal of discomfort and should be treated immediately.
Muscle Strains & Injuries
As with any dog that works for a living, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore will have a higher chance of developing injuries over their lifetime than will companion animals or show dogs. Most commonly, they will be seen at a veterinary clinic for lacerations, claw injuries, soft tissue injuries and fractures.
Exercise and Activity Levels
In the ideal situation, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore would be used as a working dog. When this is not possible, it is essential that they are provided with intensive exercise every day. Failing to do so will result in an unhappy dog that develops negative behaviours due to frustration and ennui. This character trait needs to be remembered when the hunting season comes to an end, as some other sort of substitute activity needs to be provided to the pack.
Off-lead exercise can be dangerous in certain situations, as the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is a breed that will follow it nose to the exclusion of everything else. Small animals, such as rabbits and foxes, would not be safe in their presence.
Grooming
Fortunately, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore requires little in the way of grooming and does well with a quick brush down a few times a month. Depending on which ground they work on, some dogs may benefit from claw trims every few months.
It is important that the ears of the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore are not neglected, as they are prone to the development of otitis exerna (outer ear infections). Owners can reduce the incidence of these infections by thoroughly drying the ear canals after any wet activities, and by cleaning the ears out weekly to fortnightly.
Famous Grand Anglo-Français Tricolores
A rare dog that is seldom seen outside of France and is not widely known, there are no famous Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore dogs.
Cross-Breeds
While the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore was itself a cross between the English Foxhound and the Poitevin, there are no well-known Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore cross-breeds in existence today.