An all-round hunting companion that points, retrieves, flushes and follows a trail over varied country, with an open and honest expression.31
how to spot oneBraque Français coat and colours
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.123
Colourschestnut brownchestnut and whitechestnut and white with heavy tickingchestnut with tan markings13
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksBraque Français exercise needs
A working pointer built for long days in the field; it suits an active household or a hunting home.123
the hands-on bitsBraque Français grooming and care
Short coat, finer on the head and ears, with no trimming called for in the standards.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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?
Pet Wiki'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.6Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Braque Français need brushing?
Brush your Braque Français weekly to keep their short coat healthy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan recommends brushing every seven days, which suits their smooth, low-maintenance coat.6Pet 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.6Pet 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.123Pet 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.6Pet 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.31
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Braque Français costs
Running costs for a Braque Français, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Braque Français legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Braque Français in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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.3
3
It is a true all-rounder: it points, retrieves, flushes and trails game.3
4
The two types developed apart from each other in their home regions.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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.3
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.
where it all beganBraque Français history
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.13
Braque d'Auvergne
Braque du Bourbonnais
Braque Saint-Germain
Bracco Italiano