Sage Koochee vs Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison

Known also as the Kuchi Dog, the Sage Koochee is a dog that was bred more for his characteristics than his looks. He was bred to be a protector and guardian and named after the Afghan Kochi people.

Referred to as the Kuchi or Sage Kuchi, this working dog has always helped nomads with guarding their caravans and livestock. The dog has genetic resemblance with the Central Asian Ovcharka but isn’t recognized as an official breed by any of the major kennel clubs.

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.

The Sage Koochee is a large molosser dog, although they do vary quite a bit in height. This is because they generally come in 3 varieties.

They can stand at between 58 to 89cm in height and they weigh between 38 to 80kg. This is because this dog is divided into 3 types. The coat of this dog can be short, medium or long, and colors can vary quite a bit as well.

These are moderate, seasonal shedders. Their tails are usually docked to about 1/3 of their length and their ears have been traditionally docked too. They are very territorial and won’t show any tolerance to strangers coming onto the property. He also tends to be aggressive towards other dogs.

Temperament:

These dogs are tough and fierce and also immensely intelligent. Such a dog would have to be trained and socialized or you would land yourself with a strong-willed, disobedient dog.

Once they’ve had training, they are friendly, obedient and affectionate towards their owners, but aren't a good choice for children. They are extremely territorial and make good watchdogs,being prepared to fiercely protect their human family.

The very nature of this dog makes it not suitable for life in the city. It would be terribly frustrated in small spaces and can become aggressive.

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 Kuchi has always been vigilant with guarding livestock, and these tough dogs did the job of guardian and protector extremely well.

They’re hardy too, used to coping with extreme weather conditions, from hot deserts to freezing mountain areas. These dogs are powerful and independent and they are also dangerous.

With good training and socialization they can become loving and loyal, but they require a strong, firm owner, and don’t come as recommended if there are children in the home.

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.

The Kuchi breed is healthy and doesn’t have any particular health issues. Things to look out for are bloat, skin allergies, cancer and parasites.

Parasites:

Parasites are a common in many dogs. Fleas and ticks are external parasites, but intestinal parasites can be a real nuisance too and endanger your dog’s health.

These parasites live within the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. They can be a host of terrible worms such as roundworm, hookworms and tapeworm among others. The parasites are usually transmitted when the dog ingests contaminated food, soil or even feces.

These parasites can cause endless problems for the dog, from weight loss to diarrhea to vomiting. You will need to get your pet to the vet.

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.

A nutritious commercially manufactured dog food for large working dogs will be required for this strong, energetic dog. You want to provide it with some variety, so some homemade food added into the dry kibble twice a week will ensure he is healthy and content.

Home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all boiled slowly together will delight your pet. You just chop it up and add it to the dry kibble twice a week and your pet will never look back.

For his skin and coat, you can try to add in a little bit of raw meat occasionally.Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals like this – nothing weird and spicy so as to avoid stomach upsets.

Groom your Kuchi dog by brushing him twice a week and check simultaneously for any lumps you may find on him.

Trim his nails.

Check his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as he can’t tell you if one is rotten and causing him tremendous pain and discomfort.

Make sure his vaccines are up to date to avoid life threatening canine diseases.

Provide him with a nice, warm dry place to sleep.

Make sure he has access to shade and sun when he’s outdoors.

Have him or her spayed or neutered to avoid puppies

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.