At a glance the quick version
The FCI and UKC standards give no weight; Wikipedia states 72-104 lb, with 47 kg as the maximum.
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, harsh coat
A tall, athletic hound that combines strength with a light, lean build, with a deep but narrow chest, a fine head of medium length and a long tail. The short coat feels hard, even a little coarse, under the hand.32
Personality what they are like
A bold, clever pack hound with a strong hunting drive. It is bred to work with other hounds and follows a scent with real determination.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Very high. The Billy is built to cover ground at a gallop, and its speed means off-lead exercise should happen only in secure areas.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, harsh coat is easy to care for; an occasional brush is usually enough.32
Home where they are happiest
Traditionally kept in hunting packs in rural France; it suits an experienced, active home with plenty of space and secure fencing.21
Company who they like around
A pack hound by origin, used to working and living alongside other hounds.2
The story where it all began
Gaston Hublot du Rivault created the Billy in the 19th century at his Château de Billy, blending old French hound strains now extinct. The breed came close to disappearing after the Second World War, when only two of the hounds remained, and his son rebuilt it with Poitevin, Porcelaine and Harrier blood.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 25, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.1 Large-sized hounds; official standard dated 28.12.1973, country of origin France.3
- UKC
- Scenthound Group; recognised 1 January 1996.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Billy. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
You might also like
Poitevin
Porcelaine
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et OrangeLike what we are building? Buy us a coffee.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Billy dog, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, weight, fun facts
- UKC Billy breed standard ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, height, coat, colours
- FCI Standard No. 25, Billy fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, use
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.