Billy Hound

Billy Hound Dog Stats:
COUNTRY: France

WEIGHT: 55-66 pounds

HEIGHT: 24-26 inches

COAT: Short and smooth

COLOR: Almost pure white, with orange or lemon spots on head and body

Group:Hound





Developed in the last century by G. Hublot du Rivault, the Billy hound dog received its name from Rivault's Poitou estate. Rivault used three breeds, all of which are now extinct, in the development of his dogs. The Ceris was a small, graceful, bright orange-spotted hound used for hare and wolf. Montaimboeufs were large, strong, handsome, and fast dogs used for wild boar; they were also pale orange/white. The Larrye, noted for its exquisite nose, was the creation of Emile de Mauvisse, Count of Villars, in the early 1800s. This occurred in the region of Poitou. Mauvisse is believed to have used what was left of the Poitevins—and then named the Billy hound dog after the Marquis de Larrye, who founded the Poitevin. Through careful linebreeding, these breeds became the Billy.

The Billy hound dog is lean-headed with a small, flat ear. He is resourceful and clever, a hound of acute scent, with a light and harmonious voice. He is a master deer hunter, and his pleasing bay trumpeted through the valleys differs in tone by the greatness of the game he has sighted. The Billy hound dog is sensitive to cold and, when not working, is reported to be a bit quarrelsome with his fellow pack mates. Unknown outside his homeland, his current status in France is not well documented. Although nearly extinct after the last war, a group has fostered his comeback.