Unleash the dogs of war...Or the hounds. Whatever!

So, these dogs are not quite the dogs of war more, the dogs of fox hunting. We came across this likely looking bunch whilst visiting a chateau in the Loire Valley, France. They are hounds and are used for hunting foxes from horseback. They don't get on the horses, humans do, the dogs follow the scent left by the fox. You probably knew that though.

Chateau de Cheverny was built between 1624 and 1630. It was acquired by the Crown due to fraud and King Henri II promptly gave it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. She was not impressed with it however preferring Château de Chenonceau and so she sold it. (She sold it to the former owners' son actually). I might have done the same; We went to Chenonceau also and it's [more] spectacular!

So back to the mischievous bunch you see in the picture. It was amazing to see how many people flocked to the dogs' compound after a quick whip around the Chateau! It was like they had people-magnets attached to them. In the image you can see them looking reasonably well behaved but that's because they are getting a lot of attention from the tourists. They were friendly, noisy at times, and a big hit with the visitors. I guess it goes to show the power that animals have over us, especially dogs and cats I suppose.

These dogs are working dogs though and the rich, famous (and whoever can beg, borrow or steel a spot), will dress in their fox-hunting finery and take to horse and chase the little sly foxes around the countryside. I'm told it's something to see! Thundering hooves, the baying and baking of the dogs, slap of the whip...Then back to the Chateau for some refreshments, some chamber music and intelligent discourse over a cigar. Sounds reasonably cultured. Oh, notice how they are branded? Not a small brand either...I wonder if that hurt?

Thanks for reading.