Billy

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Billy originated in the 19th Century in Western Central France. They were created by combining a number of hound breeds which are now all extinct. They were, and still are, used to hunt roe deer and wild boar in packs.

The Billy was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

A large, well constructed hound, strong yet light.

Characteristics

Difficult off lead, and extremely fast. Intelligent and courageous, and they can be other dog aggressive.

Head

Fairly fine, lean, and of medium length.

SKULL

Forehead slightly domed, and not very broad. The occipital crest is prominent. The stop is well defined.

MUZZLE

Rather square, and moderately long, with upper lips that cover the lower lips, but are not pendulous or thick.

TEETH

The Billy has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. A slight overshot bite is acceptable.

Disqualification: Pronounced overshot bite.

NOSE

Well developed, and black or red brown in color.

EYES

Alert, very open, and dark with black or red brown eyerims.

EARS

Medium in size, and set on relatively high for a French hound. They are rather flat and the ends turn in slightly.

Neck

Strong, rather round, and of medium length. A slight dewlap is accepted.

Forequarters

The shoulder blades are clean and fairly long.

FORELEGS

Strong and vertical, with flat bone.

Body

The chest is very deep, and quite narrow. The ribs are flat. The back is rather wide, strong and lightly arched. The loin is wide and slightly arched, and the croup is sloping. The flank is fairly long and has a slight tuck up.

Hindquarters

The thighs are moderately muscled. The hocks are slightly bent, wide and strong.

Feet

The feet are rather round, with tight toes.

Tail

The tail is long, strong, and is sometimes slightly feathered.

Coat

Short and harsh.

Color

Pure white or off white, with or without orange or lemon patches or mantle.

Disqualification: Black or red hair.

Height

Height for males is 23.5 to 27.5 inches at the withers. For females, it is 22.5 to 24.5.

Gait

Gallops easily.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Black or red hair.
Pronounced overshot bite.