Braque Francais, de Grande Taille
French Pointing Dog, Gascon French Pointer, French Pointer Gascony
The Braque Francais Gascogne has been intentionally developed as a working dog, especially for hunting activities. This breed is inherently gentle and possesses a strong inclination to please its owners. Over time, they have evolved from being primarily working animals to cherished family companions. Their amiable nature makes them an ideal choice for households with children, as they are highly sociable. This breed is known for its non-dominant temperament and sharp intelligence, which enables them to respond effectively to training. However, it’s crucial to recognize that, despite their willingness to please and calm nature, they can be sensitive to corrections during training. This sensitivity might result in anxiety, so employing a gentle tone and kind words while maintaining consistency in commands is advisable. Affectionate and devoted, Braque Francais Gascogne dogs thrive on family interaction. They may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. These dogs do best in homes with large yards and require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. Enjoying long walks in picturesque settings or jogging around the neighborhood suits them perfectly. With their short, dense coat that is low-maintenance, the Braque Francais Gascogne is not only visually appealing but also serves as a loyal companion and an outstanding family pet.
Breed Origin
The Braque Francais Gascogne is a hunting dog breed that hails from the southern parts of France. While the details of its lineage are not entirely clear, it is thought to be a descendant of the Old Spanish Pointer and the now-extinct Southern Hound. This breed is well-regarded in France for its hunting prowess, yet it remains relatively obscure in other regions. Despite their remarkable skills in the field, they often take a backseat to more widely recognized Pointer breeds. Typically medium to large in size, the Braque Francais Gascogne is distinguished by its gentle and calm nature, making it a devoted companion that thrives on human interaction and aims to please its owner. When hunting, these dogs prioritize serving their handler over their own instincts. They excel at retrieving birds from diverse terrains and water sources with great enthusiasm. In the 19th century, attempts were made to trace the breed's history, as many dogs had been imported and crossbred with various other breeds. This research identified two distinct regional varieties: the Braque Francais Gascogne and the smaller Braque Francais Pyrenean. Both breeds are recognized by the French Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the United Kennel Club, as well as numerous hunting organizations and smaller registries. Over the years, the Braque Francais Gascogne has transitioned from being a breed favored by wealthy landowners to one that is celebrated as an ideal choice for active families.
Breed Appearance
The Braque Francais Gascogne is a striking breed known for its sturdy yet well-balanced build, featuring a deep chest and long, strong legs that appear slender. Its rounded, well-cushioned paws are specifically adapted to endure the challenging terrains encountered during hunts. A thick, muscular neck supports a large, well-formed head with a nearly flat top, framed elegantly by floppy ears. The muzzle is both blocky and tapered, showcasing a scissor bite created by the teeth. Its nose is a shiny black, with nostrils that are set wide apart. The breed's eyes, which can be dark brown or amber, are round and full of expression. While many owners choose to dock the tail, it naturally remains long and straight if not altered. The Braque Francais Gascogne features a short, dense coat that is low-maintenance, shedding moderately and falling within the average range for shedding. Typically, its coloration includes a combination of chestnut brown and white or a solid brown. Overall, this tall and athletic breed exudes a pleasing and harmonious presence.
Care Routine
The Braque Francais Gascogne is a breed that demands very little maintenance. These dogs appreciate the grooming process and are typically quite cooperative during activities like brushing, bathing, dental hygiene, and nail clipping. Their loving disposition makes grooming enjoyable for both the pet and the owner. Although their short coat does shed, regular brushing can help control loose hair effectively. A quick wipe-down can eliminate most dirt, so frequent baths are not required. When you do bathe your dog, it's essential to use a dog-specific shampoo, preferably one that is veterinarian-recommended, to maintain the natural oils in their fur. It's also advisable to regularly check their ears for any signs of infection, inspect their eyes for potential injuries, and look over their coat for any cuts or scrapes that may need treatment. Additionally, keep an eye on their toenails; if they grow too long, you may hear them clicking on the floor. Overall, the Braque Francais Gascogne is a generally healthy breed that is straightforward to care for.
Behavior & Temperament
This friendly and sociable breed flourishes in the company of others. The Braque Francais Gascogne is known for its loyalty and intelligence, making it a wonderful companion. As a breed that thrives on activity, they require daily walks and plenty of exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Engaging in stimulating activities and training sessions is vital for their mental well-being. Their affectionate nature allows them to easily transition from a working dog to a cherished family member. These dogs form deep bonds with their families and are eager to please, though they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. Early training and socialization during their puppy stage are essential for their growth into well-adjusted adults. The Gascogne typically gets along well with other dogs, but it’s wise to supervise them around smaller pets due to their strong chasing instincts.
Play & Exercise
The Braque Francais Gascogne is a breed that thrives on an active lifestyle, making it a perfect match for those who lead dynamic lives. This dog loves to be included in family outings, whether it’s going for a jog or hitting the trails for a hike. They make wonderful family pets, and their happiness increases with the introduction of interactive games. While a securely fenced yard offers them plenty of room to explore, they ideally benefit from a long walk each day. Known for their desire to please, these dogs are not only skilled hunters but also loyal companions at home. Their ability to learn is heightened by their sensitivity to tone, so it’s crucial to keep training sessions positive and clear. With their intelligence and unique appearance, the Braque Francais Gascogne is a devoted working dog that will stay close during hunts, always aiming to make you proud.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
11 Years
Origin
17th Century
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Large
Origin Country
France
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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PETINNATE
Gun Dog
UKC
Gun Dog
Height & Weight
Weight
60 lbs (27 kg)Male: 63 lbs (29 kg) , Female: 58 lbs (26 kg)
Height
24 inches (61 sm)Male: 25 inches (64 sm) , Female: 23 inches (58 sm)
6 Months
14 lbs ( m 14 lbs, f 14 lbs )
11 inches ( m 11 inches, f 11 inches )
12 Months
34 lbs ( m 34 lbs, f 34 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
18 Months
57 lbs ( m 57 lbs, f 57 lbs )
22 inches ( m 22 inches, f 22 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Sable
White
Pied
Brown
