Billy
Complete Breed Guide
"All I wanna do is hunt, hunt, hunt!"
Quick Facts About Billys
Hound
2–70 lbs
23–28"
No
Overview
Billies possess a large stature, but their overwhelming size is still not as large as their passion for hunting. These French dogs enjoy tracking smells and working. They're pack dogs that require plenty of exercise and companionship but not from dogs of the same gender, who they may see as foes.
Billies are large hunting dogs traditionally kept as hunters in France and rarely kept as house pets. They have a keen nose and talent for hunting boar and deer. When they aren't hunting, Billies enjoy spending time with their families and doing any activity that gets their heart pumping. They love people and most animals, but they are not as fond of dogs that are the same gender. In fact, Billies may get aggressive toward them and won't back down from a fight. If you can keep them active and out of trouble, these dogs will be happy to be part of your hunting family.
Temperament and Behavior
Billies are mainly used as hunting dogs that travel in packs to hunt deer and boar. Because of their background, they’re curious, active, brave, and social. As pack dogs, they love being around people and animals, but they’re known to get into skirmishes with other dogs, especially those of the same gender.
Coat & Grooming
Billies have short, smooth coats that are white or off-white with orange or lemon spots on their heads and bodies. Their fur is short and doesn’t need much grooming. In fact, Billies don’t shed much because they need their coat to protect their bodies from the elements during hunting.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Billies are active dogs that need space to roam and hunt. They are not suitable for apartment life or harsh, cold climates. Billies play nicely with kids but may not be as friendly toward cats and other dogs. They’re known to be aggressive toward dogs of the same sex, so they’re best suited for single-pet families or those that have dogs of the opposite sex.
Exercise & Activity
The Billy is a lively dog that needs a lot of exercise. They have great stamina and will gladly try any activity you throw at them. Whether it's hunting, long walks, or running with their owners, Billies need to get their energy out and love having company while they do it.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Billy FAQs
Common questions about the Billy breed, answered by our editorial team.
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