Braque Français

The Braque Français is a French pointing dog in two sizes — the larger Gascogne and the smaller Pyrénées — and one of the oldest continental pointing breeds.

History

It has been described in south-western France since at least the seventeenth century and stands behind much of the modern pointing group: German, Italian and Spanish breeds all carry its influence. The two sizes were separated formally in the twentieth century, having long been regional variants of one working dog.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, sociable and biddable — a pointing dog with an unusually soft disposition that works close to the gun and settles easily at home.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise and work for its nose, and responds far better to encouragement than to pressure. The short coat is easy; the drop ears want routine checking.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia and ear infections among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.