Braque Français
The Braque Français is a French hunting dog breed originating from France. The Braque Français comes from France, and has a thick and well furnished, finer on the head and ears coat. Individual Braque Françaiss vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- France
- Height
- Males
- Coat
- thick and well furnished, finer on the head and ears
- Colour
- chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white, with or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
About the Braque Français
The Braque Français is a French hunting dog breed originating from France. It stands at a height of 22-26 inches for males.
Overview
The Braques Français are hunting dogs , from a very old type of gun dog used for pointing the location of game birds for a hunter. There are two breeds of Braque Français, both from the south of France , the Braque français, type Gascogne (French Pointing Dog – Gascogne type, larger size) and the Braque français, type Pyrénées (French Pointing Dog – Pyrenean type, smaller size) They are popular hunting dogs in France, but are seldom seen elsewhere.
History
Over the centuries, the dogs were taken to other countries and were crossed with other breeds. When a search was made at the end of the nineteenth century to find the original dogs, two separate regional varieties were found. The first breed club was formed in 1850, and the standards for both breeds were written in 1880. It is recognised by the Société Centrale Canine in France, and world-wide by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale . The S.C.C. prohibits inbreeding or linebreeding and will not register any dog with common ancestors in the first three generations of its pedigree. Of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world, only the Canadian Kennel Club in Canada and the United Kennel Club in the U.S. recognise them. The Canadian Kennel Club recognises one breed, the Braque Français (Gascogne) in its Sporting Dogs Group and the United Kennel Club recognises both breeds, in its Gundog Group , with the names Braque Français De Grande Taille and Braque Français, De Petite Taille - petite taille (smaller size) means the Pyrenean is smaller than the Gascogne, and does not mean that it is a little dog.
Appearance
Both breeds of Braque Français are of medium to large size, with long legs and long drop ears. The coat is short, and chestnut brown or white speckled with brown in colour, often with one or more large brown spots. The head is usually brown. The Gascogne type is about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) taller at the withers than the Pyrenean.
Hunting use
The Braque Français breeds are not just pointers, but versatile hunting dogs that can retrieve, flush, and even trail game in all sorts of terrain. The Pyrénées is a quick dog that can move fast without sprinting, while the Gascogne is a slower moving dog.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Braque Français?
The Braque Français is a medium to large-sized hunting dog with a muscular build, short coat, and distinctive mustache and beard. The breed comes in two types: the Gascogne and the Pyrénées, with the Gascogne being larger and the Pyrénées being smaller. They are known for their intelligence, energy, and strong prey drive.
Is the Braque Français a good family dog?
While the Braque Français is a loyal and loving breed, they are not generally recommended for families with small children due to their strong hunting instincts and high energy levels. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, and may not be suitable for households with limited space or activity.
What health problems do Braque Français have?
Braque Français are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential issues early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Braque Français puppy cost?
The cost of a Braque Français puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a puppy from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. It's essential to research and find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Where do Braque Françaiss come from?
The Braque Français comes from France. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Braque Français, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.