Poitevin

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Poitevin is a large scenthound that originated in France.

The Poitevin was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

A very distinguished hound that presents the appearance of perfection in strength, elegance and lightness, and comes in a range of fascinating colors.

Head

The head is long and not very wide. The bones are prominent.

SKULL

The skull is rather flat, and slopes gently towards the foreface.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is long and slightly convex. The upper lip covers the lower, but tapers towards the nose.

TEETH

The Poitevin has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors or level bite. A hound with a slightly overshot mouth is acceptable but not preferred.

NOSE

The black nose is strong, wide and prominent.

EYES

The eyes are large and round, surrounded by black, with a lovely expression.

EARS

The ears are set on a little low. They are medium in width and length and turn slightly inward.

Neck

Long and slim, with no dewlap.

Disqualification: Dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulders are long, flat and sloping, close to the chest.

FORELEGS

The legs are straight, muscular, lean and broad, with flat bone.

Body

The brisket is deep rather than wide. The ribs are long. The back is well muscled and firm. The loin is muscular and the flank is slightly tucked up.

Hindquarters

The hips are somewhat sloping.

HIND LEGS

The thighs are very muscular. The hock is low to the ground and slightly bent.

Feet

The feet are wolf like, long and resistant.

Tail

The tail is medium length, and elegantly carried in a curve. It is smooth, never with a brush.

Coat

Short and glossy.

Color

Tricolor with a black saddle; tricolor with large black patches; white and orange; wolf colored.

Disqualification: Black and white.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 24.5 to 28 inches. For females, it is 23.5 to 27.5 inches.

Gait

Free.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Black and white.
Dewlap.