The Billy, also known as the Chien de France-Comte, is a large and elegant dog that has a strong passion for hunting and tracking. It is a beautiful mix of several French purebred dogs that are now extinct. They have a calm and friendly nature, getting along well with other animals and children. They are generally sociable with strangers, but this makes them unsuitable as watch or guard dogs. When out in the wild, they display a lively personality, which translates into their energy, stamina, and determination while hunting. However, if left alone, they may easily get carried away by scents and have a tendency to wander. This shows their strong instinct to follow their nose. They often form strong bonds with their owners, especially if both have been involved in their training, and remain devoted to them for life. Because they are highly intelligent, it is important to have an experienced owner who can effectively teach them with minimal setbacks. These dogs are considered rare and are primarily used for hunting rather than as regular companions, although they are still used for hunting in their region of origin.
Overall, the Billy is a magnificent breed with a strong hunting instinct and a friendly temperament, making them a unique and special dog.
Below, we look at Billy dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Billy, characteristics, and must-see facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Billys!
| Dog Breed | Billy |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 52-70 lbs (average) |
| Height | 23-24″ (average) |
| Location | France |
| Ancestry | French Scent Hounds |
| Date of Origin | 19th Century |
| Group | Hunting, Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years |
| Price | Unknown |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
Unlike many European scent hounds with unclear histories, the Billy’s timeline is more well-documented. It was created in central France by Gaston Hublot du Rivault, who named the breed after his home, Chateau du Billy. Rivault aimed to combine the best qualities of several extinct French scent hound breeds to create the ultimate hunter. He wanted a breed that was fast, had excellent scenting abilities, endurance, and could efficiently hunt and track roe deer and wild boar, while also having a distinct look. To achieve this, he chose the Montembouf for its large physique and boar-hunting skills, the Ceris for its fox and hare hunting abilities, and the Larye for its exceptional nose. These extinct breeds had bloodlines that were largely kept pure for centuries, making them highly regarded. The Billy quickly gained popularity for its skills and temperament, leading to the establishment of a breed standard in 1886. However, the breed faced a decline during the World Wars, with only ten remaining by the end of World War II. Fortunately, Rivault’s son continued breeding efforts, potentially incorporating Poitevins and Harriers to revive the breed without diluting its bloodline. Today, the Billy’s numbers have increased, though they remain rare outside of France. They are recognized by the FCI since 1973 and the UKC since 1996.
🐕 Billy Appearance
Billys are huge canines that often weigh approximately 60 pounds and reach just over two feet tall at the withers. With powerful yet light bones and muscle to match, they have a svelte, trim overall frame. Their short, rough coats are primarily white or off-white with lemon and orange markings. They have a fine, slim head with a slightly rounded cranium and a similarly long, squarish snout. They have dark, rounder features on their eyes and noses that often range from dark brown to black. Medium in size and quite high set for the breed type are their folded ears. They have medium-length, well-muscled necks that fall into toplines that are either straight or slightly sloping. Their slender, deep thorax is filled with flat ribs and divides their vertical front legs. In line with their small overall shape, their hind legs’ only considerable muscular development is in the thighs, and their tails are long and tapered.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | White, Cream, Fawn |
⚡ Fun Fact: Billy dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Billy
Billys are very well-behaved dogs that seem to function just as well indoors as they do outside, similar to other French scent hound breeds. They are vivacious, spirited, and tenacious out in the field, and they don’t mind walking a trail for several hours or miles at a time. They have a developed voice and are highly clever. To communicate their discoveries to their owners, they will alter the loudness and frequency of their voice. But because they can be a little difficult to teach, especially in the beginning, their intelligence can occasionally pose problems. Because of this, to get the most out of them, they often need a patient, experienced owner with strong command of consistency and authority. When thoroughly taught, they are eventually obedient and highly receptive to orders. They typically develop to the point where they are quite conscious of their obligations both within and outside the home, and they frequently create very close friendships with their owners, especially if the owner also serves as their trainer. They tend to make lousy guard or watch dogs since they are relaxed and sociable at home, getting along with both kids and guests. As a result of their pack mentality, which allows them to be sociable while still commanding the rigors of ascending the ladder towards being an alpha, they often get along well with other canines but can be confrontational with those of the same sex. Because they still have a strong prey drive that may be easily triggered unless they are reared together from a very young age, the only problems they often have in or around the home are being around other non-canine animals. This breed often thrives in a larger house, preferably with a yard, and with an active family that can provide them with the right amount of daily exercise because of their size and high level of activity.
🤝 Are Billys Friendly or Aggressive?
Billy dogs are known for being compatible with other pets, including dogs and cats. They are also friendly towards strangers and enjoy being in the company of children. If you have a family with kids or want to introduce more dogs into your household, the Billy breed can be a wonderful choice. Additionally, Billy dogs are highly recommended for elderly individuals, as they are one of the best breeds for their companionship and care.
This breed is known for being:
- Intelligent
- Cunning
🐩 Billy Care & Maintenance
Billys require very little upkeep because they only light to moderately shed and don’t leave behind a lot of hair because to their short coat. With the exception of using a hard bristle brush once or twice each week, virtually little upkeep is required. Only their folded ears need to be constantly examined because of how easily extra moisture and/or wax can gather in their folded shape, which can lead to ear infections. For the most part, kids simply need to have their teeth cleaned once a week to help maintain excellent oral health, which includes clean teeth and healthy gums, and sometimes have their nails examined and trimmed to prevent cracking or breaking.
Billy dogs are known for being low shedders, meaning they do not lose a significant amount of hair. This is a natural occurrence that happens as part of their hair growth cycle. The extent of hair loss experienced by these dogs primarily relies on their overall health and the specific breed they belong to. When it comes to bathing, it is recommended to give Billy dogs a bath every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.00 – $1.50 daily, or approximately $30.00 – $45.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Billy 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.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 18 miles per week, which equates to about 70 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Billy dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
❤️🩹 Billy Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Billy Dog Breed can be:
- Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Bronchitis
🤧 Important: Is Billy hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Billy.
⚡ Billy Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Billy a great choice for families with young children?
The Billy is a great choice for families with young children because they are well-tempered and handle other dogs and children quite well. They are friendly and relatively friendly with strangers, making them a good companion for children.
Is the Billy breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Billy breed is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are large and energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise and space to roam. Therefore, they are better suited to a larger home with a yard.
How much exercise does a Billy require compared to other breeds?
The Billy requires a high amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have a lively personality and a serious penchant for hunting and tracking. Daily exercise, such as long walks or runs, is necessary to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Is the Billy breed known for being good with other pets?
The Billy breed generally does well with other dogs but can sometimes be contentious with those of the same sex. They have a pack mentality and may try to establish dominance. However, they can be social with proper training and socialization.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Billy?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Billy include the Basset Hound, Beagle, and Bloodhound. These breeds also have a strong sense of smell and are known for their endurance and dedication in hunting.
What are the common health issues that Billys are prone to?
Common health issues that Billys are prone to include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. It is important for owners to regularly check their ears, provide proper exercise and nutrition, and monitor their weight to prevent these health issues.
Are Billys known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Billys are known to be intelligent but can be a bit stubborn during the training process, especially in the early stages. They require a patient and experienced owner with consistency and authority to successfully train them.
Are Billys more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Billys, like many breeds, can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized. They form strong bonds with their owners and may become anxious or stressed when left alone for long periods of time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Billy that are suitable for people with allergies?
Dog breeds similar to the Billy that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, Poodle, and Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Billy are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller sizes of dogs similar to the Billy may be more suitable. Breeds such as the Beagle, Basset Hound, or smaller scent hounds like the Dachshund can adapt well to limited living space.
Is the Billy breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Billy breed is generally good with children, but their suitability for children with special needs would depend on the specific needs and temperament of the child. It is important to consider the individual dog’s temperament and the specific needs of the child when making this determination.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Billy?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Billy breed are moderate. They have a short, dense coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair. They are moderate shedders and may require occasional bathing to keep their coat clean and healthy.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Billy dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
