🐾 Quick History
The Billy, also known as the Billy Dog, is a breed of hunting dog originating from France, particularly recognized in the southern regions of France. This dog is the result of a cross between the Saint Hubert Dog and local dogs, selected for their ability to hunt in packs. Historically, the Billy has been used for hunting game such as deer and wild boar. The breed has been preserved by a group of French hunters and was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in the 20th century. Although less known outside of France, it remains an excellent working dog.
🐕 Breed Portrait
The Billy is a medium-sized, elegant dog with a robust body and well-defined features. It is often described as a dog with a piercing gaze, intelligent and always alert. It has a short, hard coat, usually white with black or orange spots, which allows it to camouflage in the forest environments where it hunts. It is an energetic, courageous, and sociable dog that gets along well with other dogs and humans.
🔍 In Brief
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Weight: 20-30 kg
- Height: 55-65 cm
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
- Physical Activity Needs: 2 to 3 hours per day
❤️ Personality & Compatibility
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Compatibility:
- With children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- With animals: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- With strangers: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- In an apartment: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
> Good to know: The Billy is a passionate working dog, particularly in pack hunting activities. It has a strong tracking instinct and can be a bit stubborn, especially if left alone without sufficient stimulation.
🛠 Hygiene & care
- Maintenance difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Maintenance frequency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 600-1000 €
- Average annual cost: 450-950 € (food, veterinary care, accessories)
💡 Fun fact: The Billy is nicknamed the "wild boar hunting dog" due to its excellent tracking instinct and ability to work in packs to track large game in deep forests.
