• Free shipping on orders $75+
  • Orders placed before 4pm CT ship same day
  • Orders so fast you'll freak — we ship within the hour

Braque Français

Two types: Braque Français de Grande Taille (Gascony) and Braque Français de Petite Taille (Pyrenean). Both are covered here.

At a Glance

Built for Close-to-medium range versatile pointing. Ancient French heritage. Ancestor of the GSP, Vizsla, and others.
From France. BFCA and NAVHDA in North America. Two FCI-recognized types.
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, eager, handler-bonded. One of the most approachable continental pointing breeds.
Coat Short, dense, fine. Chestnut brown and white with ticking. Easy to maintain.
Size Gascony: 55–80 lbs. Pyrenean: 40–55 lbs.
Live with Excellent family dog. Gentle, affectionate, good with children. Real off switch when exercised.
Best for Hunter who wants a close-working continental pointing dog with ancient heritage, a gentle temperament, and proven versatility.
Famous for One of the foundational breeds of the modern pointing dog world. The Pyrenean type is the more common in North America.

Origin

The Braque Français is one of the oldest pointing breeds in France — and one of the most historically significant in the development of European gun dogs. Its roots trace to the ancient Spanish Pointer (Braco Español), which was brought to France and refined over centuries into a distinctly French pointing dog. The Braque Français is considered by many historians to be the direct ancestor of the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Vizsla, and numerous other continental pointing breeds — making it one of the foundational breeds of the modern pointing dog world.

Two distinct types exist, recognized as separate breeds by the FCI:

  • Braque Français de Grande Taille (Gascony type) — the larger, heavier type, developed in the Gascony region of southwestern France. Closer to the original Spanish Pointer in size and build.
  • Braque Français de Petite Taille (Pyrenean type) — the smaller, more refined type, developed in the Pyrenees region. More athletic and faster than the Gascony type, and the more common of the two in North America.

Both types are governed by strict working standards in France and are well established in Europe. In North America the Pyrenean type has a growing following through NAVHDA testing and continental versatile breed communities.

Original Purpose

A versatile pointing dog for the French hunter — built to point, flush, and retrieve across the varied terrain of France, from the mountains of the Pyrenees to the plains of Gascony. The Braque Français was bred for the complete hunting season across all game types.

Hunting Style

The Braque Français works at a close-to-medium range — closer than a wide-running pointer, with the handler awareness that is characteristic of French hunting breeds. It points with steadiness, retrieves naturally on land and water, and tracks with persistence. It is a complete versatile hunting dog in the French tradition.

The Pyrenean type is more athletic and covers more ground than the Gascony type. Both work at a pace suited to the hunter on foot, staying in contact and covering the ground in front of the gun thoroughly.

Temperament

Gentle. Affectionate. Eager. Handler-bonded.

The Braque Français is one of the more gentle and handler-oriented continental pointing breeds. It bonds deeply with its handler and family, is sensitive to its handler's energy, and responds enthusiastically to training and engagement. It is warm, affectionate, and genuinely pleasant to be around.

It does not respond well to harsh handling. Patient, consistent, relationship-based training produces exceptional results. The Braque Français is often described as one of the most approachable continental pointing breeds for first-time handlers.

Coat Type

Short, dense, fine coat. Easy to maintain. Minimal insulation — the Braque Français is built for the temperate climate of France and feels cold weather more acutely than wire or long-coated breeds.

Color: Chestnut brown and white, with ticking or roan patterns. The Braque Français's chestnut and white coat with distinctive ticking is one of its most recognizable features. Solid chestnut also occurs.

Trainability

Excellent. The Braque Français is intelligent, responsive, and eager to work with its handler. It picks up training quickly and responds well to fair, positive handling. Its sensitivity means it does not require heavy pressure — relationship-based training produces the best results. It is consistently described as one of the most trainable continental pointing breeds.

What It's Actually Like to Live and Hunt with a Braque Français

The Braque Français is the continental pointing dog for the hunter who wants a complete, close-working partner with a gentle temperament and ancient heritage. It stays in contact, works the cover in front of the gun, points with steadiness, and retrieves from water. It is a practical, capable hunting dog that does not get the recognition it deserves outside of France.

At home it is one of the most pleasant hunting dogs you can live with. It is affectionate, gentle, and genuinely happy to be part of the household. It has a real off switch when properly exercised. It is not a complicated dog — it wants to hunt, it wants to be with you, and when it gets both it is deeply content.

Family Compatibility

Excellent. The Braque Français is one of the most family-friendly continental pointing breeds. It is gentle, affectionate, and good with children. It bonds with the whole family and integrates naturally into active households. Its cooperative temperament and genuine warmth make it one of the most livable continental hunting breeds regardless of hunting frequency.

Common Misconceptions

"The Braque Français is just a French GSP."
The Braque Français predates the German Shorthaired Pointer and may have contributed to its development. It is a distinct breed with its own ancient heritage, distinctive appearance, and unique hunting style. It is not a variation of any other breed.

"The two types are interchangeable."
The Gascony and Pyrenean types are distinct breeds with different builds, sizes, and hunting styles. The Pyrenean type is more athletic and covers more ground. The Gascony type is heavier and more deliberate. The right choice depends on your hunting terrain and style.

Best For

  • Hunters who want a close-to-medium range continental pointing dog with a gentle temperament
  • First-time continental breed owners looking for an approachable, trainable pointing dog
  • Families who hunt and want a dog that integrates naturally into both worlds
  • Those who value ancient French hunting heritage and performance-based breeding
  • Hunters who work on foot in varied terrain and want a dog that stays in contact

Registry & Organizations

  • BFCA — Braque Français Club of America
  • NAVHDA — widely used for testing in North America
  • Société Centrale Canine — French kennel club

Testing: NAVHDA Natural Ability, Utility Preparatory, Utility tests. BFCA field testing also available.

Related Breeds

Bracco Italiano · Braque du Bourbonnais · Deutsch Kurzhaar · Drentsche Patrijshond

If You Like the Braque Français, Consider These