Overivew on the Billy Family

Named after their creator who lived at Chateau de Billy in Poitou, these pale-colored hounds shares its ancestry with that of the oitevins, a combination of Montemboeut and Cerise with some Larye. Foxhound blood has also been introduced, but this has been minimal. Selection was made primarily for color, usually all white, lemon and white or cafe-au-lait and white; all can have a blanket or mottling on their short, glossy coat. The expressive eyes have dark rims, adding to the breed's aesthetic appeal.

Most packs of Billys hunt roe deer, but some also specialize in hunting wild boar, so the breed needs both courage and sagacity. These are fast hounds which arc full of cry and are known sometimes to quarrel with other pack members. They thrive on exercise and are good at obedience work. Their height is 58-70 cm (23-27.5 in) and weight 25-33 kg (55-73 lb).