Live Life Team
The Tricolore is one of the three variants of the Grand Anglo-Français breed, which was developed in the early 19th century for large game hunting.
The dog originated from the large French scenthounds such as the Saintongeois. These were of ancient origin. They were owned by the French aristocracy who bred them to hunt wild boar and deer in packs.
During the French Revolution many of these dogs became extinct, or their numbers were so few that the breed was weakened. In the post-Revolutionary period, a decision was taken to cross-breed the few remaining large French hounds with imported breeds, typically those brought in by visiting German and English hunters who came for the hunting season.
In this way many modern pack dogs were developed of which the Grand Anglo-Français was one. It was developed from the ancient Saintongeois breed, crossed with English foxhounds. The impurity of the Saintongeois breed after the Revolution and variations in the Foxhound gene pool led to the three distinct sub-breeds of today. In terms of build and temperament, however, they are all very similar.
To some the most handsome of the three “Grands”, is the Tricolore. It resembles a large, muscular foxhound. It has long drop ears and is long in the tail, legs and neck. It weighs around 35kg (77lbs) and stands around 26” (66 cm) tall. It is bred predominantly for pack hunting and does not make a good pet.
The Blanc et Noir is sometimes called the Tricolore owing to its tan ticking. However, the true Tricolore has tan patches.
