Poitevin Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: FCI
About the Poitevin
The Poitevin is an elegant, athletic French pack scenthound from the Poitou region, historically bred to hunt wolves and later deer and boar over long distances. Tall, lean and finely built with a short tricolor or orange-and-white coat, it combines great speed and endurance with a superb nose and a melodious voice. Bred to run for hours in a pack, the Poitevin is tireless, courageous and single-minded on a scent. It is even-tempered and sociable with other dogs and people, but its intense drive, stamina and hunting focus make it primarily a working hound that needs vast exercise, secure containment and experienced handling.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
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Where this breed shines
- Exceptional stamina, speed and nose
- Sociable and good with other dogs
- Low-maintenance short coat
- Even-tempered pack hound
Things to consider
- Extremely high exercise needs, unsuited to sedentary homes
- Powerful scent drive and loud baying voice
- Independent and difficult to recall off-lead
- Best suited to hunting or very active rural homes
History
The Poitevin was developed in the Poitou region of western France in the 17th and 18th centuries, originally the Chien du Haut-Poitou, bred by the Marquis Francois de Larye for wolf hunting. The breed was nearly wiped out by a rabies epidemic and wolf eradication, then rebuilt with infusions of English Foxhound blood. It is recognized by the FCI and is rare outside France.
Temperament
Poitevins are energetic, courageous and driven, built for long, relentless pursuit in the pack. They are even-tempered and sociable with other dogs and generally friendly with people, but their powerful scent drive and stamina dominate their behavior. They need extensive exercise and are happiest with a job to do.
Questions to ask a Poitevin breeder
- What is the working and hunting background of the lines?
- Are the parents hip-evaluated?
- How are puppies socialized outside the kennel?
- How do the dogs adapt to home versus pack life?
Health considerations to discuss
Hip dysplasia. Screening of breeding stock is advisable in this athletic hound.
Bloat. The deep chest raises gastric torsion risk; discuss feeding management.
Ear infections and working injuries. Drop ears need cleaning, and hard field work brings a risk of strains and trauma.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: Federation Cynologique Internationale · United Kennel Club — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Poitevin litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Poitevin puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Poitevin listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How can I tell if a Poitevin breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.