Discover Everything About Braque Francais
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Braque Francais overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Braque Francais is a robust hunting breed with a very low number of known hereditary diseases. Breeding efforts focus primarily on the common joint conditions hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since mandatory health tests for these are well-established, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
56–69 cm
Weight
24–32 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, thick and close-fitting, no undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- Varies from white to dark brown
- usually with spots or patches
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Braque Francais, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Braque Francais right for you?
The Braque Français is a sensitive, highly cooperative Vorstehhund (pointing dog)—bred to track game birds in open fields, point motionless, and work closely with its hunter, which makes it extremely eager to bond but never undemanding in everyday life.
Perfect for you if:
- You want to incorporate daily scent work, tracking, or dummy training—a simple walk on a short leash will never mentally satisfy this passionate pointing dog.
- You lead with gentle consistency and positive reinforcement, as this sensitive Frenchman quickly crumbles under harsh pressure.
- You live in the countryside or have quick access to wide-open spaces where a long-legged dog can safely exercise its natural search radius.
- You are looking for an affectionate companion who is calm and cuddly at home once its hunting needs have been met outside.
Less ideal if:
- You expect it to immediately turn away disinterestedly when it spots game—it was bred to pick up stimuli, which requires lifelong anti-hunting and recall training.
- You have to leave it alone for long periods regularly, as its extreme attachment to people makes it highly prone to separation anxiety.
- You are looking for a dog that just tags along for a short evening stroll in a busy city park—urban sensory overload stresses this nature-loving specialist.
The real vibes check
A Braque Français is an athletic high-performance athlete outside, always searching for the next scent—and a soft cushion inside that would prefer to crawl right into your lap. You aren't getting a stubborn loner, but a highly sensitive, almost delicate partner. If you take its keen nose seriously and provide enough stimulation, it will reward you with a silent cooperation that is pure joy in everyday life.
Breed Profile
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.
| Height | 56 - 68 cm (Female), 58 - 69 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 24 - 31 kg (Female), 25 - 32 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Adaptable, Intelligent, Gentle |
| Coat | Short, thick and close-fitting, no undercoat |
| Coat Color | Varies from white to dark brown, usually with spots or patches |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The Braque Francais is a very ancient breed with somewhat obscure origins. It is believed to have originated in France, descending from dogs used for bird hunting during the Middle Ages. Over the years, the breed was refined and adapted to create a versatile hunting dog capable of working in a wide variety of environments and climates. The two distinct types, Pyrenees and Gascogne, were officially recognized in 1920. The Pyrenees type is smaller and lighter, developed to work in the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees mountains, while the Gascogne type is larger and more robust, bred for work in the flatter, marshier areas of the Gascogne region. The Braque Francais was prized as an all-around hunting dog, used for both pointing and retrieving. While particularly popular in France, it was not introduced to North America until the 1970s, where it also gained recognition for its versatility and work ethic.
Pointing dog, hunting dog
France
15. Jahrhundert
Character & Temperament
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.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Braque Francais actually consists of two subspecies: the larger Gascogne type and the smaller Pyrenees type? Both share the same wonderful characteristics and temperaments, but differ in size and appearance.
What Awaits You
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.
Housing & 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.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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 & Care
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.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Robust
Health grade
The Braque Francais is a robust hunting breed with a very low number of known hereditary diseases. Breeding efforts focus primarily on the common joint conditions hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED). Since mandatory health tests for these are well-established, you can effectively minimize the risk when buying a puppy by choosing a responsible breeder.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing and regular check-ups, these dogs stay fit for a long time—in winter, you should ensure they have sufficient protection against the cold due to their lack of an undercoat.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, eyes, and thyroid of the parent animals checked and test for hereditary neurological diseases to specifically reduce risks in the lineage.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Braque Francais
Denise H., Hundesportlerin und Jägerin (Rüde, seit 2004)
Ich habe meinen Rüden Vision (Typ Gascogne) direkt aus Frankreich importiert, da es damals in Deutschland kaum Züchter für diesen Schlag gab. Er ist das genaue Gegenteil eines gemütlichen Couchpotatos: Vision ist ein echtes, unermüdliches Powerpaket und immer in Aktion. Er hat einen extrem stark ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb, der im Alltag hundertprozentige Konsequenz erfordert.
Nur mit normalem Hundesport lässt er sich kaum auslasten. Seine wahre Passion ist und bleibt das Jagen. Da ich mittlerweile den Jagdschein habe, kann ich ihn in seinem echten 'Beruf' als Jagdgebrauchshund führen – erst dadurch ist er wirklich ausgeglichen. Man muss sich vor der Anschaffung im Klaren sein, dass diese Hunde eine anspruchsvolle, regelmäßige Beschäftigung brauchen, sonst suchen sie sich selbst eine Aufgabe.
Thomas G., Familienvater und Ersthundeführer (Rüde, seit 2006)
Mein Rüde 'Professor' ist mit acht Monaten bei uns eingezogen. Schon nach den ersten zwei Wochen ist mir extrem aufgefallen, wie sensibel dieser Hund auf seine Umwelt reagiert. Wenn ich beispielsweise mal mit den Kindern schimpfe oder die Stimme lauter wird, bezieht er das sofort auf sich, geht mit eingezogenem Schwanz in Deckung oder nähert sich nur noch ganz vorsichtig.
Diese Sensibilität ist absolut rassetypisch für die französischen Vorstehhunde, da sie historisch vor allem für die Federwildjagd gezüchtet wurden und Schärfe oder Härte nie ein Zuchtziel waren. Man muss im Alltag wirklich aufpassen, dass man ruhig und geduldig bleibt. Auf der anderen Seite macht ihn diese Art im Umgang mit den Kindern unglaublich sanftmütig und liebenswert.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Braque Francais
Is a Braque Francais the right dog for me?
The Braque Francais is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Braque Francais live?
The average life expectancy of a Braque Francais is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Braque Francais need?
Braque Francais grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Braque Francais good for families with children?
The Braque Francais can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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