Learn More About Braque Francais

Summary

The Braque Francais is a medium to large sized hunting dog with a powerful but elegant appearance. His short, dense coat is close-fitting and offers him protection from the elements while he hunts. Its eyes are often dark and expressive, and its ears are droopy and quite long. This breed is characterized by its strong build and well-muscled legs, which indicate its working abilities. The Braque Francais is listed in FCI Group 7, Section 1.1, which means that it is a continental pointer. There are two different types of this breed, the larger "Braque Francais, Type Pyrenees" and the smaller "Braque Francais, Type Gascogne". They differ in size and appearance, but both are known for their ability to excel in both field work and water work.

Character

One of the standout features of the Braque Francais is its incredible adaptability. These dogs are known for being excellent at work both in the field and at home. They are very people-oriented and build strong bonds with their family. They are friendly and gentle, making them excellent companion dogs for active families. The Braque Francais is a very active dog with a lot of energy. He needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Although he is a good guard dog and will defend his territory, he is not aggressive and will get along well with other dogs and pets as long as he is properly socialized. As with most hunting dogs, the Braque Francais has a strong prey drive and can tend to chase birds and other small animals. However, he is very intelligent and can learn to control this urge if trained properly. It is important to note that due to their working history, these dogs may tend to be independent and make their own decisions, so consistent but loving training is necessary. These dogs are very loyal and can stay alone well as long as they get enough exercise and activity. They are not a breed that lives well in an apartment or house without access to an outdoor area as they need the space to run and play. The Braque Francais is a very versatile dog and is well suited to a variety of tasks, from field work to retrieving and companion dog work. He is very intelligent and a quick learner, and his natural gentleness makes him a good candidate for therapy dog ​​work. His high energy and playful temperament also make him a great partner for dog sports like agility or flyball.

What to Expect

The Braque Francais Pyrenean is the smaller and more popular of the two. He has a natural retrieving instinct and loves the water. He is gentle, friendly, sociable and submissive. The Braque Francais Pyrenean is a rustic breed and comes from France. In English he is the French Pointer Pyrenean type.

Care

The Braque Francais is an active dog and therefore needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They could thrive in urban environments as long as they have enough access to open spaces where they can run and play. They are generally good with children and can also get along with other pets as long as they are properly socialized.

Training & Education

Training the Braque Francais can be a joy as they are intelligent, eager to please and trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques and can perform well in various dog sports and activities, such as agility and obedience. However, you need meaningful employment and should not be "overemployed" as this can lead to stress and restlessness. There is also the risk that they become "ball junkies." so the game with the ball should be well measured. Because of their hunting predisposition, it is particularly important to offer them alternatives and teach them impulse control so that they can participate happily in social life and are compatible with it. It's important to socialize them well from an early age and provide them with a variety of experiences and environments to ensure they become well-adjusted and confident dogs.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Braque Francais' diet should be balanced and of high quality. They need plenty of protein for energy and activity, along with healthy fats for a shiny coat and good skin health. It is important to watch out for overfeeding as they can be prone to weight gain, which can lead to other health problems. Therefore, the amount and type of food they receive should be tailored to their age, weight and activity level. Grooming the Braque Francais is relatively easy as they have a short, dense coat that requires little grooming. They should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and keep their skin healthy. This breed does not have an undercoat and sheds moderately, so it may need additional protection during the colder seasons in Germany.