Ariégeois, much loved in France but little known in Italy

Ariegeois. Also called Brique du Midi, this tracking dog, exceptional in hunting wild boar, has never enjoyed popularity beyond the confines of its place of origin.

There are those who don't consider it a pure breed and those who don't know it at all, yet the Ariégeois is a great and very good hunter. This excellent followed dog was originally born for hare and small game hunting, but today it is considered one of the best allies for hunting the King of scrub: the wild boar.

The Ariégeois, a blue-blooded dog

It cannot be said that the history ofAriegeois both among the oldest, indeed. Its origins date back to the early twentieth century, when the hunters of Ariège decided to give life to a unique breed of hound. It would seem that at the base of his family tree are two breeds with noble blood: the Gascogne Saintongeois and Petit Bleu de Gascogne. There are those who also claim that there are possible traces of the Briquet.

It is said that it was a count who tried the crossings for the first time, from which this new breed then came out, Elie de Vezins, with the aim of creating a perfect hunting dog, noble and intended for the nobles, in order to bring to your table the best game existing in France.

Standard characteristics of the breed

Also known as Brique du Midi, this stalking dog belongs to the category of hounds and is of medium size. Like other good ones hunting dogs respectably, he is quite slender, athletic and muscular. According to the breed standards, adult specimens reach 55-60 cm in the case of males and 53-58 cm in the case of females, and never exceed 30 kg in weight.

THEAriegeois It is a lightly built and well proportioned dog. Its chest is long, its belly flat, its limbs powerful, and its tail shaped like a saber. Analyzing the part of the head, elongated and without wrinkles, you will notice a black nose with well-open nostrils, two dark eyes, alert and always alert, and long, hanging ears. Only one coloring of the coat, short and dense, is synonymous with purity of breed: the coat of the Ariègos is in fact white with black parts on the head, ears and around the eyes.

Character and hunting skills

Despite its popularity it has never landed outside the French borders, its hunting performances are unbeatable.

If you choose a Ariegeois as your adventure buddy, know that he will always make you feel like part of the pack. This breed is capable of establishing a relationship of understanding and extraordinary collaboration with one's master and with the other dogs with which he hunts. Unlike other races, in fact, it is rare to see it in action in an autonomous and solitary manner, even if it sometimes shows signs of enterprise.

The Ariégeois gives its best during the wild boar hunting: among its best qualities are the meticulousness in the approach of the prey, the extraordinary speed in the sequel and the ability to make the best use of his voice, especially in standing bark. But not only. He is also a dog that he never barks except for reasons specifications. When you hear his voice, therefore, he will be warning you that he has sensed a particularly interesting scent for him. The boar may be nearby.