The King's White Hound, known in French as the Chien Blanc du Roi, was a breed of scent hound from France that is now extinct. This breed was a favorite among French royalty, particularly from the reign of Louis XI to Louis XIV. Despite its popularity and royal favor, the breed eventually disappeared, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the history of French hunting traditions.
Origins and Royal Favor
The origins of the King's White Hound trace back to a pure white St.
Hubert Hound named Souillard. In 1470, this hound was gifted to King Louis XI by a poor squire from Poitou. Souillard's progeny, known for their white coats, gradually replaced the existing hounds in the king's pack. Over time, the entire pack became white, earning the breed its name. The breed's popularity continued to grow, with several notable infusions of outside blood enhancing its characteristics. For instance, in 1500, Louis XII introduced an Italian Pointer called Greffier, and in 1520, François I added a powerful Grand Fauve de Bretagne named Miraud. These additions improved the breed's capabilities and appeal.
Peak and Decline
The King's White Hounds reached their peak during the reign of Louis XIII, when they were renowned throughout Europe for their speed and hunting prowess. They were capable of running down a stag in half an hour and could kill four stags in a day's hunt. By this time, the breed had developed many sighthound features, hunting as much by sight as by scent. However, as Louis XIV's reign progressed, the king's declining health led to changes in the breed's use. Unable to follow the fast-paced hounds on horseback, Louis XIV had them crossed with slower Norman Hounds to accommodate his preference for following the hunt from a carriage.
Extinction and Legacy
The decline of the King's White Hound continued into the reign of Louis XV. In an attempt to revive the pack, his son, the Count of Toulouse, introduced English Staghounds into the breeding program. Despite these efforts, the pack was eventually dispersed in 1725, and the king adopted a new pack consisting of English Foxhound crosses. Although the King's White Hound became extinct, its influence persisted in the development of several French hound breeds, including the Grand Griffon Vendéen, the Porcelaine, and the Billy. The latter is sometimes referred to as the Chien Blanc du Roi, a nod to its royal heritage.
The story of the King's White Hound is a testament to the breed's significance in French history and its lasting impact on the development of other hound breeds. Despite its extinction, the legacy of the King's White Hound continues to be remembered in the annals of canine history.
