Poitevin hound

GentleIndependentScent-drivenVocalGood with family

The Poitevin is a large, sturdy scent hound from western France, bred to track game over long distances. At home it is calm and affectionate with its own family, patient with children, and usually friendly with other dogs, though its hunting instinct can make it less reliable with small animals. Expect a deep, carrying voice and a strong nose that will keep it busy with smells on walks.

Day to day, this is a dog that needs regular, substantial walks and a secure yard or leash time, since it will follow a scent and may not come back when called. It does best with routine, mental work such as sniffing games or tracking exercises, and a home where it is not left alone for long stretches. Its size means it needs room and a bed that supports its joints.

Good for: Active families with a securely fenced yard

Size	giant
Height	24–28 in
Exercise	about 90 min a day
Shedding	moderate
Origin	France

Before you choose a Poitevin hound

Its strong scent drive means it can easily wander off, so it needs a secure fence or a reliable leash habit from day one.

Living with a Poitevin hound

Exercise

Plan for long daily walks or a good run in a secure area, plus sniffing time. Keep it on leash or in a fenced yard, because a hound on a scent can wander far.

Grooming

Its short, dense coat needs weekly brushing to lift loose hair. It sheds moderately, and bathing is only needed when it gets dirty.

Health

Large hounds can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), so ask your vet about screening and about feeding and exercise habits that lower risk.

Hip dysplasia
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Elbow dysplasia

Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.

The numbers for a Poitevin hound

Feeding, adult

5.75–7.75 cups a day

About 2,339 kcal, roughly 44 lb of dry food a month at 99–154 lb (typical for the size). Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →

What a year costs

$3,200–$5,400

Food about $1,721, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.

Weather

Watch above 72°F, stop at 82°F

Coat or short walks below 32°F. Big dogs overheat before small ones: water on every warm walk, and pavement checked with the back of your hand.

LIVE · New York

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Walk index

Heat, pavement and UV for your dog.

Where a Poitevin hound is comfortable

Easy most of the year: California, Oregon, Washington.

Summer needs care (early walks, shade, AC): Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, DC.

Winter needs care (coat, short walks): Alaska, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Both seasons need care: Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming.

From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Indoor life changes everything; this is about walks and time outside.