Poitevin
About the Poitevin
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 24-28" |
| Weight | 66-77 lbs |
| Coat Type | Smooth |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High (90+ min/day)
90 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Poitevins may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Poitevin
The story behind the Poitevin
The breed comes from the Poitou region of western France, where a large hunting hound was developed from the seventeenth century onward for pursuing wolf, and later deer and boar, over long distances. Local aristocratic kennels shaped a light, long-striding hound valued for pace and endurance rather than power at close quarters. The population was nearly destroyed by a rabies outbreak in the nineteenth century and by the disruption of the French Revolution, and rebuilding involved crossing with English foxhound blood, which influenced the modern dog's appearance and constitution. French breeders restored the type and it was recognised under the name Poitevin, sometimes previously called the Haut-Poitou. Today it is used almost entirely in organised French pack hunting, kept by hunting societies rather than private owners, and is very rarely seen outside France or as a companion animal.
Originally bred for: Wolf hunter, deer and boar pack hound, long-distance trailing hound. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Poitevin
A large, lean, endurance-built hound needs a complete diet dense enough to sustain long working days, with portions raised during hunting season and cut back sharply in the off season. Divide daily food and avoid feeding close to strenuous exercise given the deep chest.
Watch for: No breed-specific food sensitivity is documented for this rare hound. General deep-chested hound precautions around calm, divided meals are sensible. Consult a vet before making dietary changes, particularly for dogs on demanding working schedules.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Poitevin
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.