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Poitevin Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Poitevin so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank193
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Poitevin dog profile picture
OriginFrance flagFrance
Other Names
What other names does the Poitevin have?
Chien du Haut-PoitouHaut-Poitou
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Poitevin Size and Weight

Size
Is a Poitevin small, medium or large dog?

How big do Poitevin get?

What is the average size of a Poitevin?

Large
Weight
How much does the Poitevin weigh? How much should a Poitevin weight? What is the normal weight of a Poitevin? How much does a full-grown Poitevin weight?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Poitevin?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Poitevin? Poitevin height:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Poitevin?
Male: 26 inches (66 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Poitevin Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Poitevin puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Poitevin in the United States? How much money is a Poitevin?

Where to buy a Poitevin with a good pedigree?

Unknown
Unfortunately, we couldn't find the price of the Poitevin. If you have a Poitevin for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Poitevin gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Poitevin? How many Poitevin are there in the world?
Frequent: The Poitevin is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Poitevin Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Poitevin? Is the Poitevin breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Poitevin dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Poitevin is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Poitevin dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Poitevin?
Poitevin dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Poitevin good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Poitevin dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Poitevin dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Poitevin dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Poitevin dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Poitevin Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Poitevin have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulAloofLoyalBraveObstinateWillfulUnaffectionate
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Poitevin sensitivity:
Poitevin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Poitevin a good family dog?
Below Average: Poitevin dogs don't bond too closely to their owners. This breed is often aloof and distant.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Chien du Haut-Poitou need? Poitevin social needs:
Poitevin dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Poitevin to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Poitevin roam?
Poitevin dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Poitevin have high prey drive?
Poitevin dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Poitevin dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Poitevin Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Poitevin is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Poitevin dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Chien du Haut-Poitou bark?
Average to High: The Poitevin is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Poitevin good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Poitevin in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Poitevin breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Poitevin indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Poitevin Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Average: Poitevin dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Poitevin be left alone? How long can you leave a Poitevin alone?
Poitevin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Poitevin Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Poitevin has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Poitevin? How much bite force does a Poitevin have? How strong is a Poitevin bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Poitevin bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Poitevin measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Poitevin is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Poitevin bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Poitevin bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Poitevin puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Poitevin, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Poitevin bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Poitevin can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Poitevin bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Chien du Haut-Poitou? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Poitevin? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Poitevin has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Poitevin do?
Poitevin dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Poitevin dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Poitevin Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Poitevin dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Poitevins are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Poitevin breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Poitevin see the vet?
Rare
The Poitevin should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Poitevin dogs live? How old can a Poitevin be? What is the age limit of the Poitevin? How many years can the oldest Poitevin live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Poitevin?

How long is the lifespan of a Poitevin?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Poitevin: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Poitevin Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Poitevin have? What is the activity level of the Poitevin?
Poitevin dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Poitevin need? How much exercise do Poitevin dogs require per day?

Do Poitevin dogs need a lot of exercises?

Poitevin dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Poitevin breed need?
Poitevin dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Poitevin Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Poitevin need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Poitevin breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Poitevin? How much food should I feed my Poitevin?
2.5 to 3.5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Poitevin risk for obesity:
Low to Average: The Poitevin has a low to the average risk for obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Poitevin weight regularly.

Poitevin Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Poitevin have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
RoughStraight
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Poitevin coats?
Black White Orange Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Poitevin and how often? How often should I take my Poitevin to the groomer?
Effortless: The Poitevin requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Poitevin is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Poitevin dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Chien du Haut-Poitou? Do Poitevin dogs shed a lot?
Poitevin dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Poitevin need a bath? How often should you give a Poitevin a bath? Can I bathe my Poitevin every day?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Poitevin breed hypoallergenic?
No
Poitevin dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Poitevin has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Poitevin drool?
The Poitevin drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool more than others, just like the Poitevin.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Poitevin Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Poitevin dogs get along with other pets? Are Poitevin dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Poitevin dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Poitevin temperament with other people:
Poitevin dogs are not stranger friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are Poitevin dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Poitevin temperament with children:
Poitevin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Cat Friendly
How well do Poitevin dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Poitevin breed live with a cat?
Poitevin dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Poitevin good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Poitevin dogs get along with other dogs?
Poitevin dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Poitevin is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Poitevin breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Poitevin breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Poitevin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Poitevin dogs good office canines? Do Poitevin dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Poitevin is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Poitevin dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Chien du Haut-Poitou temperament with senior people? Are Poitevin dogs good for elderly owners?
Poitevins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Poitevin As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Poitevin be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Poitevin is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Poitevin be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Poitevin be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Poitevin is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Poitevin be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Poitevin is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Poitevin be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Poitevin is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Poitevin be a boat dog?

Not really

Poitevin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Poitevin be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Poitevin is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Poitevin dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Poitevin Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Poitevin pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Poitevin breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Poitevin: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Poitevin have in a litter? How many puppies can the Poitevin breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Poitevin have? How many puppies can a Poitevin give birth to?
3-6 puppies

Poitevin Recognition

AKC Group
Is Poitevin recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Poitevin recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Scent hounds section.

Poitevin Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Poitevin dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Poitevins are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Poitevin requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Poitevin dogs are low shedders.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low to Average: The Poitevin has a low to the average risk for obesity.
  • Watchdog Ability: Poitevin dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Poitevin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Poitevin dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Poitevin breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Poitevin drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Poitevin dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Poitevin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Child Friendly: Poitevin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Poitevin dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Poitevin dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Poitevin is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Poitevins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Poitevin History

The Poitevin is a pack hound used for hunting one of the 29 breeds in the French hound family. Members of this group have several things in common for example their rather long ears are low set, coats are short or rough. Some of them are somewhat reserved and there is a certain similarity in the way they bark, a kind of crying in different pitches known as ‘hurleur’. The breed was originally developed by the Marquis de Larrye of Poitou region of Western France in 1692 by combining the Montemboeuf and the now extinct Chien Ceris, two similar French scent hounds, along with the Irish scent hounds and even the Greyhounds. His goal was to create an excellent breed with an exceptional nose and exhaustive determination in the hunt for wolves, bears, deer, and foxes. Its speed gave it the nickname of “Greyhound among French hounds” and it could work alone and with packs. This breed was established until the death of Larrye in the guillotine during the Reign of Terror, and these dogs got dispersed. However, from Larrye’s family, two brothers somehow managed to rebuild the breed and maintain its line. Although they never truly gained widespread popularity, the Poitevin’s numbers were significantly affected on three separate occasions throughout its history including the French Revolution, a rabies epidemic in the mid-19th century, and finally at the time of the Second World War. Each occasion brought this breed to near extinction and these times were not a good time for dogs owned by nobles and royals.

However, in 1844, the blood of the English Foxhound was added to the gene pool of the Poitevin in order to revive the breed. While these Foxhounds were bred into their line, a few years later many loyal breeders wanted to return to the Poitevin’s origins. After the breed’s numbers had been increased to a healthier number, breeders became more selective with their crosses and brought the line back to where the dog’s most distinctive features were once again recognized. The breed used to be called ‘Chien du Haut-Poitou, but the name Poitevin has been generally accepted since 1957 and on the 1st of January in 1996 it was recognized by the FCI as the Poitevin. Today the breed is still considered exceptionally rare and it is not well known outside of France. Today it is mostly kept by hunters and is not even recognized by the AKC. Its numbers are small but a lot better than 70 years ago. Back at the time, it was also used in the development of other French hunting dogs, the Chien Francais Blanc at Noir, the Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore, and the Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie.

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