Braque Français

Also called French Pointing Dog, Braque Français type Gascogne, Braque Français type Pyrénées, French Pointer

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France, the south-west and the central Pyrenees.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male51 to 69 cm1 3 2

Height, female49 to 68 cm1 3 2

Sizemedium

versatile gundog

strong and rustic

frank, honest expression

1 3 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

short coat

Two types: the Gascogne is larger with a thicker, well-furnished coat and longer ears, while the Pyrénées is smaller and lighter with a finer, shorter coat and tighter skin. Heights: Gascogne males 60-69 cm and females 58-68 cm; Pyrénées males 51-58 cm and females 49-56 cm.1 3 2

Colourschestnut brownchestnut and whitechestnut and white with heavy tickingchestnut with tan markings1 2

Personality what they are like

An all-round hunting companion that points, retrieves, flushes and follows a trail over varied country, with an open and honest expression.2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working pointer built for long days in the field; it suits an active household or a hunting home.1 3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Short coat, finer on the head and ears, with no trimming called for in the standards.1 3

The story where it all began

The French pointer developed in south-western France and the central Pyrenees, where two regional types took shape in relative isolation. Wikipedia records a breed club from 1850 and standards from 1880. Today the FCI keeps a separate standard for each type.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The breed comes in two officially separate sizes, each with its own FCI standard.1
2
On the larger Gascogne type, the ears reach the tip of the nose when drawn forward.2
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It is a true all-rounder: it points, retrieves, flushes and trails game.2
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The two types developed apart from each other in their home regions.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Braque Français' translates to 'French Pointer' in English, referring to its origin in France and its function as a pointing dog. The breed is divided into two types: 'type Gascogne' and 'type Pyrénées', named after the regions in southwestern France where they were developed.2

Name ideas for your new friend

GascognePyrénéesBeaumontToulouseRemySoleilChasseurBelleÉclairNoblePerdrixCèdre

A day in the life told by a Braque Français

I woke up with the sun, my nose already twitching with excitement. Today, my human took me to the open fields, where I could run and run. I pointed at a bird, my whole body still, then flushed it out for my human to see. After a long day, we came home, and I flopped on the rug, happy and tired. My human scratched my ears and said I was the best companion. I wagged my tail, knowing tomorrow would bring another adventure. Life is simple: run, point, and love my human.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 133 (type Gascogne, the larger type), Group 7, Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs, with working trial; standard dated 01.08.2023.1
FCI: Standard no. 134 (type Pyrénées, the smaller type), Group 7, Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs, with working trial; standard dated 01.08.2023.3
UKC and Canadian Kennel Club: The only English-speaking registries listed as recognising the breed.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Braque Français. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Braque Français, and at what times?

Feed your adult Braque Français at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Sticking to set times helps their digestion, and their stomach empties within a few hours, so regular meals are best. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a Braque Français eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid giving them human treats like these.5

How often should I bathe a Braque Français?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though you can bathe more often if they get very dirty. Their short coat doesn't need frequent washing, and bathing at least once every three months is a good general guide.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Braque Français need brushing?

Brush your Braque Français weekly to keep their short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days, which suits their smooth, low-maintenance coat.6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Braque Français's nails, and how often?

Trim their nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Braque Français need?

This breed needs daily exercise, including walks and play, as they are built for long days in the field. They suit an active household or a hunting home, so plan for at least an hour of activity each day.1 3 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Braque Français's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and daily is ideal. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. This helps prevent infections.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Braque Français live?

The lifespan varies by individual, and no specific number is given in the sources. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder, as they can provide guidance based on the dog's health and lineage.

Is a Braque Français good with children and other pets?

Their temperament is described as open and honest, and they are an all-round hunting companion, which often means they are friendly and trainable. However, individual behavior varies, so early socialization with children and other pets is important. For specific advice, consult a good breeder.2 1

Can a Braque Français be left alone?

This breed is an active working dog that thrives on companionship and activity, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. Their needs vary by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for tailored advice on alone time.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.