French Pointing Dog
Other names: Braque Français, Braque Français Gascogne, Braque Français Pyrenees, Braque Français de Grande Taille, Braque Français de Petite Taille, French Pointer, French Pointer Gascogne, French Pointer Pyrenees, Large French Pointer, Small French Pointer
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The Braque Francais dog breed consists of 2 different pointer dog types. The Braque Gascogne and the Braque Pyrénées. During the late 1800s, these two variants of the French Braque hunting dogs were discovered. The Braque Gascogne dog is the larger of the two dogs. During recent years, the Braque Francais dogs have become the most popular of the French pointing dogs.
Key facts about the French Pointing Dog
Origins and history
Dating back to the 15th century, the Braque Francais breed of hunting dogs first appeared in the South of France.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the French Pointing Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 27 in
Male : Between 23 and 27 in
Weight
Female : Between 37 and 55 lb
Male : Between 37 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white, or sometimes white with or without ticking, roan or tan markings.
Type of coat
The Braque Francais has a smooth, fairly short coat. The Pyrenean type has a tighter skin, whole the Gascogne type has a loose skin and noticeably thicker hair.
Eye colour
Chestnut brown or dark yellow.
Description
As mentioned, there are 2 different types of Braque Francais. One originates from the Southwest of France and the other from the central Pyrenean areas. These dogs are the natural choice for any game and bird hunters, knowing instinctively what needs to be done in the field, without being instructed constantly.
The Braque Gascogne is the larger of the 2 dogs, with a squarer muzzle and a thicker coat. The Pyrenean dog has a finer coat, a broader head and a more mottled-brown coat colour.
Good to know
Although the French Pointer is a relatively uncommon and unknown breed, some hunters, especially located in North America, would not hunt with any other breed of dog. Loyal owners are attached to these sporting dogs not only for their sporting abilities, but also due to their intelligence and docile personalities. The very first Braque Francais dog that was taken and introduced to North American hunters was Maffia de l’etang du Marcenac.