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| Billy |
| Country of origin |
France |
|
|
| Classification & standards |
| FCI |
Group 6 Section 1 #025 |
standard |
| UKC |
Scenthounds |
[? standard] |
|
| Notes |
| The UKC does not have its own official standard, it currently uses the FCI standard |
A Billy is a large hunting dog originating from Central western France in the 19th century. Billys are a combination of Montemboeuf, Ceris and Larye breeds which are now extinct. Foxblood has been introduced to the Billy to keep bloodlines fresh. Billys were first bred by Monsieur Gaston Hublot du Rivault, who lived at the Chateau de Billy, in Poitou. They were mainly used as pack hunting dogs to track Roe deer and Wild Boar, which they still continue to do in their native France. The standard for the breed was established in 1886. The Billy is not an apartment dog and needs a lot of exercise, like most large hounds they are difficult off the lead and extremely fast. They have been known to be same sex aggressive and don't always get along with other dogs, they are very intelligent and courageous and have been known to compete in obedience.
[edit] Appearance
Billys can come in pure and off-white, possibly with orange or with lemon spots on the head and body; their coat is short and smooth. They can weigh between 52-70lbs and they stand around 60-70cm at the shoulder for males and 58-62cm for females. The FCI standard suggests the dog should gallop easily in its movement.
[edit] References
Juliette Cunliffe (2001):- The Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds ISBN 0-7525-6561-3 Published by Parragon
