Horse
Pronunciation:
kôn'-twa
Breed Description:
The Comtois breed of horse is a draft horse from France. It is a very old breed, believed to have descended from horses that the Burgundians from northern Germany brought to France in the fourth century. Its sturdy legs, surefootedness, and good balance make it ideal for rough terrain. Comtois tend to have a lively gait. Comtois horses have large square heads, alert eyes, straight and muscular necks and backs, and powerful stocky bodies, as well as short, muscular legs and hindquarters. Their legs generally have a little feathering. The Comtois breed of horse is generally chestnut or sometimes bay, almost always with flaxen manes and tails.
Temperament:
The Comtois breed of horse is known for its easygoing, sociable nature, and is hard-working and easy to train.
Height:
The Comtois breed of horse usually stands 14.1 to 15.1 hands high.
Weight:
The Comtois breed of horse typically weighs 1,100 to 1,320 lbs. Mature stallions can weigh as much as 1,750 lbs.
Health Problems:
The Comtois breed of horse generally has good strong joints and hard hooves, but sometimes shows a tendency toward sickle hocks.
Life Expectancy:
The Comtois breed of horse is quite hardy and typically reach an old age.
Origin:
The Comtois breed of horse is an old breed, believed to have descended from horses brought to France by the Burgundians during the fourth century and to have been bred at the Franche-Comté and in the Jura Mountains since the sixth century. They were used as war horses throughout the Middle Ages. The Comtois breed of horse also has a lively gait, and it became famous as a military horse used by the armies of both Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte. In the 19th century, the Comtois breed of horse was crossed into other draft horses, such as the Norman, Boulonnais, and Percheron. More recently, Ardennes bloodlines were added to the Comtois to produce a stronger horse with better legs. In France today, the number of Comtois is second only to the Belgian (or Breton) draft horse. 