Taigan vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

The Chien Francais Blanc et Orange is one of the three versions of the Chien Francais. There is the Francais Blanc et Noir and the Francais Tricolor. These scent hounds were distinguished by their colors. The Francais Blanc et Orange like the other two, was a descendent of a variety of English and French hunting hounds, including the Hound of Saintonge.

The Hound od Saintonge is extinct but has several breeds coming from his line including the Billy – a pointer. Similar to the Francais Blanc et Orange, the Billy hunted in packs. Coming from these roots the Francais Blanc et Orange was developed around the 1900’s. Many considers the Chien Francais trio to be the Newest and Rarest French Hounds. The Francais Blanc et Orange is a white and orange hound, considered to be the rarest of the three. They were developed by crossing English Foxhounds with French Scent Hounds.

The Francais Blanc et Orange is a born hunter and a good one at that. In his pack he is happy and superbly equipped for the hunt. His vision and scenting skills are unsurpassed. They can cover a large expanse of territory in a very short period of time. They were known for hunting large boar and deer as well as small prey like foxes or rabbits. They were recognized as a separate breed by the UKC in 2006 but are not recognized by the AKC.

Known also as the Kyrgyzdyn Taighany, the Taigan is a sighthound dog from Kyrgyzstan. Today the dog is recognized by a number of kennel clubs,and more recently by the FCI.

It was after 1991, when Kyrgyzstan became independent, that the role of the dog changed and t became a working dog again.

It was about in 1995 that a new breed standard was adopted, and since 2005 a national kennel club has existed in Kyrgyzstan.

The Francais Blanc et Orange is a large , muscular and lean hunting dog, a typical pack hound out of France. They have a flat to somewhat domed head, long legs, and dropped, long ears and a square muzzle. The nose is either orange-brown or black and has large nostrils. Their eyes are deep set, dark and widely spaced. They have a deep chest which leads to their propensity toward the situation of bloat. This breed is smaller than the Chien Francais Blanc et Noir that hunts in packs. The skin is the fur’s color. They are athletic and display tremendous perseverance.

The Taigan is a large dog, looking much like a Grehound. He stands at between 55 and 82cm in height and weighs about 25 - 34kg.

He has that typical slender body and slender head of the greyhound. The coat of the dog is medium length and somewhat curly and can be many colours, sometimes even bi-colored – cream, black and white, brown, grey or yellow.

During the Winter the coat can become long and thick. The ears are floppy and covered with wavy fur. The tail is long and a distinguishing mark of the dog is the way the end of the tail coils up into a ring.

These dogs can’t be kept in small city properties – they are used to wide open spaces.

Temperament:

An intelligent breed, the Taigan will readily learn some basic commands to make him well mannered and obedient. He is strong willed and independent, so it will be beneficial to have him trained.

He also makes a good watchdog. He is an even-tempered dog and he enjoys human companionship although he is somewhat reserved with strangers. Even so, he will still need a strong, firm owner as he is strong-willed and independent and likes to go his own way.

He is able to get along well with children in the home and other pets. Being a fairly large dog, and one that likes to run, he is better suited to large properties in the countryside as opposed to living in the city.

Children friendliness

They are not exactly child oriented dogs as they are so oriented toward the hunt and the pack. With serious exercise and mental stimulation, they can become a good family dog, but it is not in their instincts.

Special talents

hunting in packs/scent and vision

Adaptability

He is not suited for apartment life and does need a large, fenced yard to run and play. Being a scent hound, he will constantly be sniffing for a trail to follow so put him to work.

Learning ability

The breed is highly intelligent and easily trainable.

Taigans are energetic dogs and they want a lot of activity. They’re good watchdogs too and are gentle with children.

They’re intelligent and independent and also strong willed. They’re fearless, calm, balanced, loving and loyal and capable of being an excellent pet and companion.

Ear Infections

As with any dog with log floppy ears, infection is always a concern. Make sure you clean them after every hunting trip, romp or play session.

Hip Dysplasia

Like many large dogs the Blanc et Orange has a propensity to acquire hip dysplasia. It is known that joint dysplasia has a genetic component and should be screened for. Can cause lameness and arthritis.

Bloat

This is a real danger for the Blanc et Orange. They are deed chested and these are the dogs that are most likely to get bloat. The stomach is twisted and distended. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.

Any dog, no matter how healthy they may appear to be, can encounter any one of the many common dog illnesses there are. It is highly unlikely that your Taigan will experience these health issues but it’s good to be aware of some of them -

Bone Cancer:

Also known as osteosarcoma, bone cancer is more commonly seen in large dogs of any breed. It’s a cancer which spreads rapidly through the body and it is terribly sad that the prognosis for your dog is poor.

You might notice swelling, joint pain and lameness and your dog will appear to always be tired. Sometimes you might see a growth. Your vet might do x-rays and if you catch it early, you can give your pet a longer lease on life.

Feeding the puppy

Until about 18 months of age feed between 1 and 1.5 cups of high quality puppy, dry food, made for sporting dogs. Divide this into 3 meals per day.

Feeding the adult

3 cups day – After 18 month feed 3 cups per day of a high quality, adult dry food made for sporting dogs. Divide this into 2 meals per day.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding scent and vision

Games and Exercises

Even though they are warm and welcoming to people, these are very serous dogs. They usually live outside in packs as they are an incredible pack animal. All they want in life is to hunt. However, if they cant hunt they need at least a couple hours per day od vigorous exercise. They are obviously better off in a rural environment than a city one. Put him in field trails, scent trials, barn hunt and playing fetch.

The Taigan is a large slender dog and you want to keep him that way.

Diet:

If you feed him one of the commercially manufactured dog foods, make sure its for a large, active dog breed and that it has a good list of ingredients. There are bad packaged dog foods and you want to avoid these. They are devoid of vitamins and minerals.

Read the packaging to see how much food to give. Also try and give your dog some home-made food too. Make sure it isn’t spicy, exotic foods. Stick to simple, wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. Chop the food up and mix it into the dry kibble twice a week or so as a treat.

Also try and include some raw meat in occasionally.

Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a dry, peaceful place to sleep.

Get him to the vet if he is showing signs of sickness.

Give him a good dose of exercise – walks, hikes, runs, ball games etc.

See that his vaccines are up to date.

Have him or her neutered or spayed to avoid unwanted puppies.

If you bring a dog into your family, provide it with love and attention.