Braque Francais

Origins and History

The Braque Français, often called the French Pointer, originated in the 17th‑century French royal kennels. Developed to locate game birds in dense brush, the breed was refined by crossing native pointing dogs with English Setters and other pointing breeds. By the early 19th century the two recognized varieties—Gascogne (large) and Pyrénées (small)—were established, and the breed was admitted to the French Société Centrale Canine in 1885. The Braque Français has been a staple of French field sports and, since the mid‑20th century, a regular competitor in conformation rings worldwide.

General Characteristics

• Medium‑large, well‑balanced hunting dog with a square‑proportioned frame.
• Intelligent, eager, and highly trainable; retains a strong instinct to point and retrieve.
• Originally bred for upland bird hunting; excels in pointing, flushing, and retrieving work.

Physical Specifications

• Height (at withers): Males 55‑65 cm (21.5‑25.5 in), Females 53‑63 cm (20.9‑24.8 in).
• Weight: Proportionate to height, typically 20‑30 kg (44‑66 lb) for the Gascogne type and 12‑18 kg (26‑40 lb) for the Pyrénées type.

Coat and Color

• Coat: Short, dense, water‑repellent, lying flat to the body; no under‑coat.
• Accepted colors (per FCI standard):
  • Orange (solid, with or without white markings).
  • Liver (solid, with or without white markings).
  • Black and tan (black base with tan points on eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and under the tail).
  • White markings are permissible on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail but must not dominate the coat.

Temperament Considerations

The Braque Français is highly motivated by scent and game drive, which can translate into a strong prey instinct in the home environment. Its sociable nature makes it eager to please, yet it retains independence typical of pointing breeds. Early exposure to varied stimuli helps channel its natural curiosity constructively.

Training Essentials

• Socialization: Begin at 8 weeks with controlled introductions to people, other dogs, and novel environments.
• Exercise needs: Minimum 1‑2 hours of active work or vigorous play daily; field work, tracking, or structured fetch sessions are ideal.
• Common training challenges: Maintaining focus when game scents are present, and managing occasional stubbornness during obedience work. Consistent, positive‑reinforcement methods paired with regular hunting‑type drills yield the best results.

Daily Grooming

• Brushing: Light brush with a rubber grooming mitt 2‑3 times per week to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.
• Bathing: As needed; typically every 6‑8 weeks unless the dog becomes heavily soiled during field work.
• Nail and dental care: Trim nails weekly or as needed; brush teeth several times a week and provide dental chews.

Show Preparation

• Pre‑show grooming timeline: Bathe 48 hours before the show, followed by a thorough blow‑dry and a light brush to achieve a smooth, glossy coat.
• Ring presentation tips: Trim feathering on the ears, feet, and tail to the breed‑standard length, ensure the coat lies flat, and polish the nails to a glossy finish. Present the dog with a steady, forward‑pointing stance to showcase its natural pointing carriage.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – screen breeding stock with radiographs.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – DNA testing recommended.
• Epilepsy – monitor for seizure activity and discuss medication options with a veterinarian.
• Hypothyroidism – routine blood work can detect early onset.

General Care

• Exercise requirements: Minimum 1‑2 hours of vigorous activity daily; mental stimulation through scent work is equally important.
• Nutritional needs: High‑quality protein‑rich diet appropriate for the dog’s activity level; adjust caloric intake to maintain a lean, muscular condition.
• Lifespan considerations: Average 12‑14 years; regular veterinary check‑ups, preventive vaccinations, and health‑screening tests help maximize longevity.