Billy
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 do not always get along with other dogs, they are very intelligent and courageous and have been known to compete in obedience.
Description
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 Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard suggests the dog should gallop easily in its movement.
Description
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 Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard suggests the dog should gallop easily in its movement.
History
Billy is a combination of three extinct breeds, namely, Montemboeuf - a hunter of Wild Boar, Ceris - a hunter of Hare and Wolf and the keen-nosed Larye. The dog’s history can be taken back to the 19th century, in central western France. Monsieur Gaston Hublot du Rivault bred the first Billy at Chateau de Billy in Poitou. They were initially used as pack hunting dogs, to track away Roe Deer and Wild Boar. In fact, till date, they are used for the same purpose in native France. The breed standard was finally established in 1886. Billy is one of the breeds that survived the World War II, with just ten dogs in number |
Temperament
_Billy dogs are intelligent, courageous and extremely fast. They are easy to train and prove to be suitable pets for families and children. They are a good companion for children, as they are brave and very sociable. They need a lot of exercise and thus, cannot be confined to closed spaces. These dogs gallop easily and are happiest when outdoors. The breed cannot survive in an apartment or city. It is quarrelsome or argumentative with packs. The dogs have a melodious call and a pack in full voice can be a stirring sound.
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_Billy dogs are intelligent, courageous and extremely fast. They are easy to train and prove to be suitable pets for families and children. They are a good companion for children, as they are brave and very sociable. They need a lot of exercise and thus, cannot be confined to closed spaces. These dogs gallop easily and are happiest when outdoors. The breed cannot survive in an apartment or city. It is quarrelsome or argumentative with packs. The dogs have a melodious call and a pack in full voice can be a stirring sound.
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Genetic Diseases
Billys need a lot of protection from cold weather, since their own coat offers them very little shield from the chill. They should not be exposed to severe cold or they can contract bronchitis. Grooming The short coat of Billy requires only a little grooming. Thorny brushes should not be used to groom them. |