Hounds Dog Group - Billy

The Billy was devised in south-west France by Monsieur Hublot du Rivault, for the express purpose of hunting wild boar and deer. He commenced selective breeding in 1888, using the wolf-hunter, the Poitevin, the Ceris, a hunber of both wolf and hare, and the Montembocuf, a large, noble hand that would follow only those animals selected as quarry. He called the new breed Billy after a town of that name.

Coat: Short and hard to the touch.

Color: White or "cafe au lait"; white with orange or lemon blanket, or mottling.

Features: Large, dark, expressive eyes; rather flat ears, set high for a French hound; very deep narrow chest; long, straight tail, sometimes lightly feathered.

Size: Height at shoulders: dogs 24-26 in, bitches 23-25 in. Weight: 55-66 lb.

Care: Usually kept in a pack.

Character: Tall and intelligent, with exceptional hunting and scenting abilities, and a melodious voice. It is known to be somewhat argumentative with its fellows. Its usually kept in a pack.