France, it’s said, has produced more breeds of hound than any other country, and perhaps the most famous of these was “Souillard” (also seen as Souillart) who at first belonged to Louis XI of France (1423 – 1483).  Like most doting owners, Souillard was considered by his master to be the most perfect hound, but that master wasn’t Louis XI.  Read on to learn Souillard’s journey.

When age brought an end to Souillard’s hunting days, he enjoyed a luxurious retirement with the Jacques de Bréxé, the Grand Seneschal of Normandy (the chief steward or butler of Louis’ great household). Souillard not only slept in the Seneschal’s private bedchambers, but he even had a poem written about him, ” Les Dits du hon chien Souillard,” in which the renowned hound is remembered for his exploits as a youth,  and how deserving he was of the comfort and loving care he received during retirement. 

It’s perhaps remarkable that the dog was so highly regarded. Our homework suggests that in the 13th century, white hounds such as Souillard were not held as in high a regard as black hounds of the time so favored by noblemen. Be that as it may, one day a poor nobleman presented a white hound (our very own Souillard) to King Louis XI. The king didn’t take much notice of the dog as he, himself, favored grey hounds.

Easton de Lyon, Seneschal of Toulouse, asked His Majesty if he might give the hound to the wisest lady of the kingdom, Madame de Beaujeu, who was particularly fond of the hunt. The King’s answer is well known. “I do not agree with you in that you should name her the most wise: say rather the least foolish; for as to a wise woman, there is not such a creature in the world.”

It’s said that this sarcastic reply sealed Souillard’s fate. He was passed into the hands of the Seneschal of Toulouse, and from there, to the Grand Seneschal of Normandy, who, as it happens, was Master of Hounds to Madame de Beaujeu.  There, at long last, Souillard was truly appreciated. He was bred to at least one bitch, a Pointer from Italy, and over the coming years, his line continued when subsequent kings – Francis I and Henry Ii – continued to modified the breed with new crosses. It’s entirely possible that present-day breeds, the Billy and the Porcelaine, both white breeds, may have Souillard’s blood coursing through their veins.

Image: A pair of Porcelaines during the international dog show in Katowice, Poland, owner and breeder is Jana Šmídová