Braque Français
France's ancient pointer - elegant, methodical, and devoted
Origins & Development
The Braque Français (French Pointing Dog) is one of the oldest pointing breeds in existence, with documented history stretching back to the 15th century in southwestern France. The breed is considered the ancestral stock from which many other European pointing breeds were developed, including the German Shorthaired Pointer and Italian Bracco Italiano.
The breed exists in two varieties: the Braque Français, type Gascogne (Gascony type, also called the Large French Pointer) and the Braque Français, type Pyrénées (Pyrenean type, also called the Small French Pointer). Both types share common ancestry but developed in different regions with slightly different characteristics suited to their local terrain and hunting traditions.
Despite their historical importance, both types became rare by the early 20th century as English pointing breeds gained popularity. Dedicated French breeders worked to preserve these native dogs, and both varieties have experienced renewed interest in recent decades among hunters who appreciate their traditional working style and cooperative temperament.
The Two Types
Type Gascogne (Large)
The larger type, standing 22.5-27 inches and weighing 55-80 lbs. Originated in the Gascony region. Has a more powerful build suited for working larger, more open terrain. Somewhat slower and more methodical than the Pyrenean type.
Type Pyrénées (Small)
The smaller type, standing 18.5-23 inches and weighing 35-55 lbs. Developed in the Pyrenees mountain region. More agile and faster, suited for hunting in steep, rugged terrain. More common outside France today.
Breed Fast Facts
- Origin
- Southwestern France
- Developed
- 15th century or earlier
- Original Purpose
- Pointing and retrieving game
- FCI Group
- Group 7: Pointing Dogs
- AKC Status
- Foundation Stock Service (2016)
Living Ancestor
The Braque Français is considered the foundation breed for many modern pointers. Studying this breed provides insight into the original pointing dog type before regional specialization occurred.
Size & Structure
Type Gascogne (Large)
Type Pyrénées (Small)
Both types show the classic braque (pointer) conformation - a noble head, muscular body, and efficient structure built for endurance. The body is slightly longer than tall, with good depth of chest and strong, clean legs.
Coat & Colors
Coat Type
Short, dense coat that lies close to the body. The texture is fine but thick enough to provide protection from brush. Easy to maintain with minimal grooming requirements.
Accepted Colors
- White and brown (chestnut)
- White and brown with ticking/roaning
- Solid brown with white markings
Distinctive Features
The brown color is a distinctive chestnut shade. Tan markings above the eyes and on the muzzle are common. The overall appearance is clean and refined.
Head & Expression
The head is noble and well-proportioned, with a broad skull and well-developed muzzle. The stop is moderate, giving a gentle profile. Lips are pendulous but not excessively so - less than English Pointers but more than German pointers.
Eyes are brown or dark amber, set well apart, expressing gentleness and intelligence. The ears are set at eye level, moderately long, and slightly rounded at the tips. The overall expression is soft, trusting, and intelligent.
Movement & Gait
The Braque Français moves with a smooth, ground-covering gait that appears effortless. The stride is free and easy, with good reach and drive. The gait reflects the breed's endurance - designed to work all day without tiring.
In the field, they work at a moderate, sustainable pace with a methodical search pattern. They stay in reasonable range of the hunter, checking back naturally. Their hunting style reflects centuries of selective breeding for practical hunting partnership.
Character & Personality
The Braque Français is renowned for its gentle, affectionate temperament - a defining characteristic that sets it apart from many pointing breeds. They form deep bonds with their families and are genuinely devoted companions who thrive on human interaction. This gentle nature makes them exceptional family dogs as well as hunting partners.
Trainability is another hallmark of the breed. They are eager to please, responsive to guidance, and sensitive to their handler's wishes. This cooperative nature makes them forgiving of novice trainers while remaining satisfying for experienced handlers to develop.
Unlike some hunting breeds that can be high-strung or independent, the Braque Français tends to be calm and balanced. They settle well in the home, content to relax when not working. However, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy.
The breed is typically friendly with everyone they meet - family, strangers, children, and other dogs. This sociability makes them poor guard dogs but excellent companions for active families. They are rarely aggressive and prefer to greet new situations with friendly curiosity.
Strengths
- + Exceptionally gentle temperament
- + Highly cooperative and trainable
- + Excellent with families
- + Calm house manners
- + Sociable with everyone
Considerations
- ! Needs regular exercise
- ! Sensitive to harsh treatment
- ! Can be prone to separation anxiety
- ! Strong prey drive
- ! Rare breed - limited availability
Living Situation
- • House with yard preferred
- • Active owners important
- • Good for suburban living
- • Thrives with family involvement
- • Not for isolation or kenneling
Compatibility
With Children
Outstanding with children of all ages. Gentle, patient, and tolerant. Their soft temperament makes them trustworthy family companions.
With Other Dogs
Excellent with other dogs. Sociable and non-aggressive. Often works well in multi-dog households and hunting partnerships.
With Cats/Small Pets
Hunting instinct means caution advised. However, their gentle nature often allows them to learn to accept household pets when properly introduced.
Training Philosophy
The Braque Français is one of the most trainable pointing breeds, with a natural desire to cooperate and please their handler. Their soft temperament responds beautifully to positive, encouraging methods but will shut down completely under harsh treatment. Patience and gentle consistency are the keys to success.
Their intelligence and cooperative nature make them excellent dogs for first-time pointing dog owners. They forgive mistakes in training and generally try to understand what you want. However, this same sensitivity means rough handling can cause lasting damage to their confidence and willingness to work.
Basic Obedience
Foundation Commands
Braque Français puppies are typically quick learners who master basic commands readily. Their eagerness to please makes obedience training a pleasure.
Recall Training
Generally reliable on recall when properly trained. Their natural tendency to check in with their handler makes recall easier than with more independent breeds.
Leash Manners
Their cooperative nature extends to leash work. Most learn loose-leash walking with consistent, positive training.
Socialization
Critical Period (8-16 weeks)
Though naturally sociable, early exposure to varied people, places, and situations builds confidence. Their friendly nature makes socialization straightforward.
Continued Exposure
Continue positive social experiences through adolescence. The breed generally retains their friendly disposition throughout life with proper socialization.
Gun Introduction
Use gradual, positive introduction to gunfire. Their sensitive nature requires careful conditioning, but they are not typically gun shy when properly exposed.
Field Training
Natural Abilities
- Strong, stylish pointing instinct
- Excellent nose and bird-finding ability
- Natural retrieving desire
- Willing water work
Training Focus Areas
- Building confidence gradually
- Steadiness without suppressing style
- Controlled, methodical search pattern
- Reliable retrieve to hand
Training Tips
- • Always use positive, gentle methods - harshness will damage trust
- • Build on success - end sessions on a positive note
- • Be patient - their cooperative nature will shine with time
- • Introduce birds early - their instinct is strong
Health Overview
The Braque Français is generally a healthy, hardy breed with a lifespan of 12-15 years. As a landrace breed that developed over centuries with emphasis on working ability, it has avoided many of the health problems associated with modern breed development. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain conditions.
The breed's rarity outside France means limited health data is available in English. Responsible breeders conduct recommended health screenings and work to maintain the breed's overall soundness.
Primary Health Concerns
Hip Dysplasia
Can occur in the breed, particularly the larger Gascony type. Breeding stock should have hip evaluations. Maintain healthy weight in puppies.
Patellar Luxation
More common in the smaller Pyrenean type. Knee evaluation recommended for breeding stock. Most cases are manageable.
Ear Infections
Pendant ears can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections. Check ears weekly.
Recommended Health Tests
Green = Recommended for all. Amber = Type-specific or optional.
Preventive Care
Exercise
1-2 hours of active exercise daily. They enjoy hunting, hiking, and swimming. Moderate their activity until growth plates close (~18 months).
Weight Management
Maintain lean body condition throughout life. Excess weight stresses joints. You should be able to feel ribs with light covering.
Regular Checkups
Annual veterinary exams. Senior dogs (8+) benefit from twice-yearly checkups. Regular ear checks important.
Lifespan & Aging
Braque Français typically live 12-15 years, often remaining active hunters into their senior years. Their robust constitution and moderate build contribute to longevity. Watch for signs of arthritis as they age and adjust exercise accordingly. Mental stimulation through training and activities keeps them engaged throughout life.
Hunting Style & Capabilities
The Braque Français represents the traditional European pointing dog style - methodical, close-working, and handler-focused. Unlike the wide-ranging English field trial style, the Braque Français works at a moderate pace within comfortable gun range, maintaining contact with the hunter throughout the day.
Their hunting style reflects centuries of development as practical hunting companions for foot hunters. They point stylishly but without the extreme intensity of some specialized breeds. Retrieves are reliable and delivered with the soft mouth their gentle temperament suggests. Overall, they offer a complete hunting package without extremes.
Upland Hunting
The Braque Français excels as an upland bird dog with excellent nose, solid points, and reliable retrieves. Their methodical search pattern and natural check-in behavior make them ideal for foot hunters in varied terrain.
Primary Upland Game
Waterfowl Work
While not specialized water dogs, Braque Français are willing swimmers and capable waterfowl retrievers. Their short coat means limited cold-water tolerance, but they handle moderate water work well.
Water Capabilities
- Willing water entry
- Competent swimming
- Limited cold tolerance
Type-Specific Hunting Traits
Gascony (Large) Type
- More powerful, suited for larger areas
- Slightly wider range
- Better for open terrain
- More methodical pace
Pyrenean (Small) Type
- More agile and quick
- Better for rough terrain
- Closer range preferred
- Excellent in thick cover
Ideal Hunting Situations
- • Foot hunters wanting close contact
- • Mixed terrain hunting
- • All-day hunting outings
- • Hunters new to pointing breeds
- • Family hunting situations
- • Traditional European-style hunting
Grooming Requirements
Coat Care
The short, dense coat is low-maintenance and naturally resistant to dirt. Weekly brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. The breed is a moderate shedder.
- Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush
- Check for ticks and debris after hunting
- Bathe as needed (typically monthly)
- No trimming required
Seasonal Care
The coat provides good protection but not extreme cold tolerance. Additional care may be needed in harsh weather, especially after water work.
- Dry thoroughly after swimming
- Provide warm shelter in cold weather
- Consider coat for extended cold exposure
Ear Care
Pendant ears require weekly attention to prevent infections.
- • Check and clean ears weekly
- • Dry after water exposure
- • Watch for odor or discharge
- • Consult vet if problems persist
Dental Care
Regular dental care maintains health and prevents disease.
- • Brush teeth 2-3 times weekly
- • Provide dental chews
- • Annual professional cleaning
- • Monitor for broken teeth
Nail Care
Active dogs may wear nails naturally, but regular checks are important.
- • Trim every 2-4 weeks if needed
- • Check dewclaws regularly
- • Keep styptic powder available
- • File sharp edges after trimming
Exercise & Activity Needs
Daily Requirements
Recommended Activities
- Hunting and field work
- Long walks and hikes
- Swimming
- Retrieving games
- Obedience and rally
Nutrition
Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for age, size, and activity level. Working dogs benefit from higher-protein formulas during hunting season. Divide daily rations into two meals.
2-3.5 cups
Daily food (varies by type/size)
24-28%
Protein content recommended
2 meals
Daily feeding frequency
Finding a Braque Français
The Braque Français is quite rare outside France, with limited availability in North America. The Pyrenean (small) type is somewhat more common internationally than the Gascony type. Prospective owners should expect extended wait times and may need to consider importing from France or Europe.
In France, the breed is well-established with active breed clubs for both types. The Club du Braque Français maintains registrations and breeding standards. In North America, enthusiasts have formed clubs to promote the breed, though populations remain small.
What to Look For
French or national breed club affiliation
Parents should be proven hunters or have test scores
Hip and eye evaluations documented
Gascony and Pyrenean types bred separately
Red Flags to Avoid
Gascony and Pyrenean should not be crossed
Legitimate breeders register with breed clubs
Responsible breeders test breeding stock
Rare breeds require significant investment to breed properly
Cost Expectations
$1,500-$3,000
Typical puppy price (NA)
1-2+ years
Typical wait time
5-8
Average litter size
Imports from France may cost significantly more due to transport and import requirements.
Breed Resources
- • Club du Braque Français - French parent club for both types
- • Braque Français Gascogne Club of America - Type Gascogne enthusiasts
- • French Pyrenean Pointer Club of America - Type Pyrénées enthusiasts
Is This Breed Right for You?
Ideal For:
- • Hunters seeking a gentle, cooperative pointing dog
- • Families wanting a hunting dog that's great with kids
- • First-time pointing dog owners
- • Those willing to wait for a rare breed
Not Ideal For:
- • Those wanting immediate puppy availability
- • Handlers preferring independent, wide-ranging dogs
- • Sedentary households
- • Those using harsh training methods
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