On the one hand, the clarity of the color of a coat which, in the two varieties, fawn or black and tan, stand out on the ground in a clear and sharp way, like spots of color in a green meadow or against the background of dry autumn leaves. On the other, a white coat with black notches, with well defined contours, with pale markings on the eyes and on the muzzle. Medium size for both breeds, but with slightly larger measurements for theAriegeois than the Italian hound. Elegant, distinct, docile and affectionate character for both, but perhaps superior vivacity on the ground for the second hound, which is contrasted by a greater calmness in the case of the French, also in dealing with the passata.
Definable as a cross between the Bleu de Gascogne, or the Gascon Saintongeois, with briquets des pays d'Ariège,Ariegeois it shows a great aptitude for moulting, superior to the original Italian hound, even if it proves to get along well even in hunting individuals. Also used in wild boar and roe deer hunting, today in Italy it is used with success above all in hare hunting, where it stands out for the finesse of the nose and the olfactory power. The follow-up is regular, continuous, fast. The sweetness of the character seems to accompany the chanting of the voices in the approach phase, which in the Italian bloodhound appears perhaps more frenetic, also due to the difference in the voices: the first is a typical screamer, the second is broken. Of all the French breeds, theAriegeois it is perhaps the one that comes closest to the Italian breeds for speed of follow-up, which is precise and pressing.
It is a breed that has maintained the characteristics of the "chien d'ordre”, But remaining contained in size and endowed with a lightness far from the other French breeds. The Ariègeois therefore appears to be a very valid alternative, also for hare hunting, for those who want to try a breed from beyond the Alps without giving up the typical speed of our national hound. The ease of training and intelligence even in the home environment make it a perfect auxiliary for those who want to approach the world of follow-up.