The Poitevin, also known as the Chien de Haut-Poitou, is a breed of French scenthound from the province of Poitou, this predominantly pack hound was created in the 17th century to hunt wolves.

[1][3][4] The Poitevin is renowned for its speed, stamina, scenting abilities and melodious voice whilst hunting.

The offspring of this crossbreeding resulted in strong, athletic tricoloured hounds that the Marquis used to hunt wolf, the first examples of the breed.

[1][2][3][5] After the Revolution, two brothers, Emile and Arthur de la Besage of Montmorillon who lived in Poitou, sought to revive the breed.

[1][2][3][5] In 1842, disaster struck the de la Besage hounds, with an outbreak of rabies in the kennels nearly destroying the pack.