ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISBilly dog
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog billy dog!
Here, you will find all the useful information about billy dog. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The Billy is a very old breed of hunting dog, with a history closely linked to the French nobility. It was part of the royal packs of Louis XII and is a direct descendant of the "Chiens Blancs du Roy", which also gave rise to the Montemboeuf and Céris breeds.
The breed was created by Gaston Hublot de Rivault, a nobleman living in the commune of Billy in France, who wanted to develop a breed of dog appreciated by royalty, notably François I and Henri IV. For almost two centuries, the Billy was a source of pride for its creator, but from 1725 onwards, the breed lost its presence and reputation as a hunting dog. Its standard was established and recognised in 1973.
Today, the Billy is a very rare breed outside its native region and the number of individuals is rather small, which presents challenges for the preservation of the breed and its genetic heritage. The Billy is considered a fragile dog and its future is rather uncertain.
Billys are solidly built and are among the great French hunting dogs, renowned for their exceptional stamina. They are capable of running for dozens of miles without feeling the need to stop.
They are distinguished by their elegance and harmony. The breed was mainly selected for hunting and tracking. Their nose is legendary and their fighting spirit is well developed. Billys are medium-length, well built, with strong legs and solid balance. The chest is deep, reaching to the elbows, and the belly is slightly tucked up.
The Billy's head is long and slender, with a moderately pronounced stop and a slightly domed skull. The coat is short and entirely white.
Billys are typical hunting dogs. They are attached to their masters, but also retain their independence. He is loyal to his family and his fellow dogs, and respects the pack's sociability codes.
However, as a family dog, it is advisable to avoid throwing games that could reinforce its instinct to chase and predate, which could lead it to chase dogs smaller than itself, for example. Billys are close to humans and make excellent hunting partners. They can also be very pleasant everyday companions.
The average weight of the Billy is 33 to 35 kg (72 to 77 lb), and his height can reach 60 to 70 cm (23" to 27") for males, and 58 to 62 cm (22" to 24") for females.
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Origins
The Billy is a dog breed originating from France, created in the 19th century by Gaston Hublot du Rivault. This hunting dog is named after the château de Billy, in the region of Poitou. The ancestors of the Billy include several French breeds of hounds, notably the white hunting dogs of the King, used for hunting large game. The Billy was designed to combine speed and endurance, essential qualities for hunting in packs.
History
The Billy breed was developed to meet the hunting needs in the vast territories of rural France. These dogs were particularly appreciated for hunting deer and wild boar. Although less well-known outside of its country of origin, the breed survived two world wars, periods during which many European canine breeds almost disappeared. The Billy was preserved thanks to the passionate efforts of a few dedicated breeders.
Standard
According to the standard of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the Billy is a large dog, with a slender and muscular body, suitable for fast running. The coat is usually white, with orange or lemon spots. The head is elongated with a pointed muzzle and drooping ears. The expression is lively and determined, reflecting the agility and intelligence of the breed.
Physical characteristics
The Billy is an imposing dog, measuring between 60 and 70 cm at the withers for a weight ranging from 25 to 40 kg. Its body is slim but robust, optimized for endurance and speed. The coat is short and smooth, which facilitates maintenance and is suitable for hunting in varied and often harsh terrains.
Character
The Billy is known for its balanced temperament and intelligence. It is a loyal and affectionate dog with its family, but can be reserved towards strangers. Due to its hunting heritage, it has a strong chasing instinct and a lot of energy, which requires proper socialization and training to channel these traits.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Billy is generally between 10 and 12 years. Like all large breed dogs, it is prone to certain health problems, but proper management of its diet and exercise can contribute to a long and healthy life.
Exercise and activity needs
As a hunting dog, the Billy has significant exercise needs. He requires long daily walks and benefits from activities that stimulate both his body and mind. The breed is particularly well-suited for active individuals or families living in homes with large outdoor spaces.
Recommended diet
The Billy's diet should be adapted to its high level of activity. Food rich in proteins and fats is ideal to support its energy. It is important to monitor the amount of food consumed to prevent obesity, especially if daily exercise is not sufficient.
Training and obedience
Billy training should begin early, due to its independence and strong personality. Firm yet fair training is necessary, with particular attention to controlling its hunting instinct. Positive reinforcement works well with this intelligent but sometimes stubborn breed.
Behavior with children
The Billy can be an excellent companion for children, especially if raised with them from a young age. However, due to its size and energy, it is best to supervise interactions with young children to avoid accidents.
Compatibility with Other Animals
If properly socialized, the Billy can live with other pets. However, its hunting instinct may lead it to chase smaller animals. Constant vigilance is recommended during the initial introductions.
Grooming needs
The grooming needs of the Billy are minimal due to its short coat. Regular brushings are enough to keep its fur clean. Ear and eye checks and cleanings should be done regularly to prevent infections.
Health
The Billy is generally a robust dog, but it can be subject to genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, especially in large dogs. Regular visits to the veterinarian for routine check-ups are recommended to maintain optimal health.
Average price
The price of a Billy puppy can vary considerably depending on the breeder, lineage, and region. On average, the cost ranges from 600 to 1200 euros, or approximately 650 to 1300 US dollars.
Expenses
Owning a Billy, this dog breed originating from France, involves certain annual expenses. Generally, for a dog of this size and type, costs include food, veterinary care, insurance, and accessories such as leashes and toys. Annual expenses for a Billy are estimated to be around 1000 to 1200 euros, which is roughly equivalent to 1100 to 1300 US dollars. These numbers can vary depending on the dog's health condition, food choices, and unexpected expenses like medical emergencies.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for a Billy can be a task full of meaning and fun. For example, Orion, evoking the famous hunter from Greek mythology, is perfect for a hunting dog like the Billy. Bella, meaning "beautiful" in Italian, can reflect the noble stature and elegance of the breed. Hunter, an English name for "hunter", recalls the primal instinct and agility of these dogs in nature. Echo, inspired by the mythological character, can symbolize the Billy's ability to work in harmony with its master during hunts. These names, while being aesthetic, each carry a story or trait that resonates with the characteristics of the Billy.
Legislation and regulation
The Billy breed, like all dog breeds, is subject to general legislation on pets in many countries. There is no specific ban on this breed in particular. However, it is important for owners to comply with local regulations, which may include registering the dog with the relevant authorities, respecting leash laws and public spaces, and participating in mandatory vaccination programs.
Official recognition
The Billy is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which ensures its conformity to certain breed and health standards. Global registers, such as the AKC (American Kennel Club) or the Kennel Club (UK), have not all recognized this breed, which can affect participation in international events. In France, the official breed club for the Billy is the Société Centrale Canine, which helps maintain breed standards and organize events.
Pedigrees
The pedigrees, available for the Billy, attest to the purity of the lineage and are essential for breeders wishing to preserve the specific traits of the breed. These documents are often necessary to participate in dog shows and are a guarantee of quality and compliance with the breed standards for potential buyers.
Destination and usage
The Billy is primarily used as a hunting dog, especially for hunting large game such as deer and wild boar. Its great endurance and exceptional sense of smell make it ideal for following long trails. However, its calm and balanced temperament also makes it an excellent family companion, especially in homes with large outdoor spaces.
Prohibitions
To date, there are no specific restrictions on the importation or possession of the Billy breed in most countries. However, as with any breed, laws may change, and it is recommended that travelers and individuals wishing to import a Billy should check with the relevant local authorities to ensure that there are no new regulations or restrictions in place.
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