Scenthound Large size 30-35 kg

Poitevin

A stamina-built French pack hound suited to rural life and long days afield - too much dog for a small home or a first-time owner.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
30-35 kg, 60-72 cm tall
Very high
Activity
Built for hours of endurance hunting
Low
Alone-time tolerance
A pack hound that dislikes isolation
Moderate
Handling
Independent nose-driven worker
Low
Coat care
Short coat, minimal upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Amiable but large and energetic
Good
Other pets
Sociable with dogs; strong prey drive to small animals
Moderate
Health burden
Hip dysplasia, bloat risk

The Poitevin typically weighs 30-35 kg, stands 60-72 cm, and lives 12-14 years.

Consider this breed if…

you live rurally and can give hours of daily running and roaming,
you hunt or do long-distance canine sports and want a tireless partner,
you can keep it in company - it is a pack hound that hates being alone,
you want a friendly, sociable dog and can manage its size and drive.

Do not consider this breed if…

you live in an apartment or a home without secure open space,
the dog would be left alone for long stretches on a regular basis,
this is your first dog and you cannot commit to real daily exercise,
you rely on reliable recall - its nose overrides commands on a trail.

A typical day with a Poitevin

  1. 6:00 · Morning
    Long run, hike, or tracking work
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Rest after serious exercise
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Sniffing walk and company
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Second long outing or trail time
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Free run in a securely fenced area
  6. 21:00 · Night
    A well-worked hound settles near its people

Temperament and training

Endurance Very high
Drive to hunt Very high
Sociability High
Independence High
Need for company High
Trainability Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Keeping a pack hound isolated for long hours · Trusting off-leash recall once it picks up a scent · Giving far too little exercise for an endurance breed

Family and environment

Kids Good
Amiable with kids; its size can overwhelm toddlers.
Dogs Good
A true pack hound that thrives with other dogs.
Cats Cautious
Strong prey drive makes cats and small pets risky.
Apartment Poor fit
Far too large and active for flat living.
House with a yard Conditional
Needs a big, secure yard plus daily off-site exercise.
City Poor fit
No room to run and no outlet for its drive.
Countryside Ideal
Open space and work suit this endurance hound best.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating
Chronic ear infections Long ears need routine cleaning
Hypothyroidism Manageable with daily medication once diagnosed

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another large rare French pack hound
Billy
A rare French pack hound built for the hunt - high stamina and a strong nose make it a poor fit for anyone but active rural or working homes.
View profile →
Big French scenthound bred for stamina
Grand Blue Gascony Hound
A tall, deep-voiced French scenthound with real stamina and a strong nose - best for owners who can give it serious daily work.
View profile →
Endurance pack hound of similar type
French Tricolor Hound
A large French pack scenthound built for stamina and voice, suited to a rural hunting home rather than an apartment.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Poitevin cost in the US?
The Poitevin is a very rare French pack hound seldom found outside France, so US ownership usually means importing and a serious waitlist; when available, puppies run roughly $800-$1,500 plus import costs. Across a 12-14 year life, food and routine care for a large active dog typically add $18,000-$28,000 or more, before any major medical costs.
Is a Poitevin a good pet for a family?
Only for the right family. It is friendly and sociable, but it was bred to hunt in packs over long distances, so it needs a rural home, hours of daily exercise, and company. Families able to provide that get an amiable dog; those who cannot will have a frustrated, hard-to-manage hound.
Can a Poitevin live alone as a single dog?
It struggles with it. This is a pack breed that is used to constant canine company and dislikes isolation. It does best with another dog or a household that is home much of the day. Left alone for long stretches, it is prone to stress, barking, and destructive behavior.
Does a Poitevin need a lot of exercise?
Yes, far more than most dogs. It was built for endurance hunting and can run for hours, so a short walk will not touch its needs. Plan on extensive daily running, tracking, or sport in a securely fenced or rural setting - this is not a breed for a sedentary home.