The Ariegeois originated in France's Ariège province [1] , around 1912. They are currently not known very well in places besides France, though they have been exported recently to Spain and Italy. [2] Though they have some characteristics in common with other dog breeds, they have many characteristics that are unique as well. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether a dog is an Ariegeois.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

  1. The Ariegeois is typically somewhere between 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) tall, and they usually weigh anywhere from 15 to 55 pounds (6.8 to 24.9 kg). [3]
    • Female dogs are generally lighter than males. [4]
  2. When looked at in a front view, the skull of an Ariegeois should appear domed a little, and not excessively broad, with an occipital protuberance that is marked a little. When looked at from the top, the back of the dog's skull should appear a little oval-shaped. You should also notice a full forehead, and superciliary arches that are marked a little. The dog's skull and muzzle length should be the same, and their nasal bone should be straight. In addition, though the muzzle should not appear to be pointed, the dog's upper lip should narrowly cover their lower jaw. [5]
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  3. The Ariegeois should have low-set ears that are far back and thin, and turn inwards a good amount. When the dog's ears are held along the line of their jaw, they should reach to the end of their nose. [6]
  4. The Ariegeois should have brown-colored eyes that are opened well, along with rims that are tight. [7]
  5. The Ariegeois should have a tail that is attached well and tapering, reaching a point. When the dog is working, they should carry their tail saber-like. [8]
  6. Overall, the Ariegeois should have a build that is finer and a frame which is lighter than the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Grand Gascon-Saintongeois, two breeds that the Ariegeois is related to. They should have an easy, supple gait. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

  1. The Ariegeois should have a white-colored coat with markings that are jet black in color and defined well. The dog's coat may on occasion be mottled, and above their eyes and on their cheeks, you should notice a pale tan color. [10]
  2. The Ariegeois should have a coat that feels fine in texture. [11]
  3. Overall, the Ariegeois should have an ample, close coat, with supple, fine, skin that is relatively loose on their body with a black-colored pigment underneath black-colored hairs and a pink-colored pigment underneath white-colored hairs. The dog's feet pads, palate, parts and lips should be black in color, and you should not notice any wrinkles. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

  1. The Ariegeois is known to be an affectionate, sweet dog who typically does well with children and the entire family. [13]
  2. Because the Ariegeois seldom shows distrust or is shy, and usually does fine with strangers, they are not known to be a good guard dog. [14]
    • However, due to being alert and having a deep bark, the Ariegeois is known to be a good watch dog. [15]
  3. The Ariegeois tends to form a close bond with their owner, and strives to please them and earn respect from them. [16]
  4. While the Ariegeois is eager to please, they are also known to be stubborn, meaning training them to do anything besides hunting can sometimes be a challenge. [17]
  5. The Ariegeois is known to have a high prey drive, and because of this, they typically do not do well with cats or other small animals since they may chase them. However, they usually do very well with other dogs. [18]
  6. The Ariegeois needs a good amount of exercise each day, in a secure area, since they may escape and be quick if they decide to follow prey/a scent. [19]
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      Tips

      • Look in to dog DNA testing if you are wondering what your dog's breed is. DNA testing can help confirm whether your dog is an Ariegeois.
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