Braque Francais (Gascogne & Pyrenees)

The Braques Francais (singular: ‘Braque Francais’) are medium-sized dogs that developed in France. They are found in two distinct breeds – the ‘Braque Français, type Gascogne’ and the ‘Braque Français, type Pyrenees’, with the latter being smaller and more common. These canines have a natural retrieve instinct, as well as an affinity for water. In many parts of France and US, they are still used for casual hunting.

Braque Francais Pictures

History & Development

This dog began as one single and distinct breed in its home country back in the 15^th century, until they spread to different other nations, where it mated with other local breeds. This mating went on for quite a few centuries until, in the last half of the 19^th century, the pure bloodlines of these canines were searched for, which resulted in the discovery of two different strains.

Experts, however, couldn’t come to any conclusion about their bloodlines, but instead have suggested that these two varieties might have developed from the ‘Old Spanish Pointer’ (AKA, the ‘Pachon Navarro’) and the ‘Southern Hound’, which is already extinct.

In 1850, the first club for the Braque Francais was formed, with the standards for both the breeds written in 1880. Apart from being registered by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC, or the ‘French Kennel Club’) in France, it has also got an international registration by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Presently, both the varieties have also been registered by different other kennel clubs from around the world.

Temperament and Behavior

These are extremely docile and even-tempered dogs that are willing to please their owners and their families. So much so that their docility might often be mistaken for laziness by those who have never witnessed them active in the fields.

Braques Francaise are sociable and would mingle equally with adults and children, as well as tolerant of strangers and other pets (including dogs and cats). They do not make good guard dogs.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

A substantial amount of rigorous daily activity is good for the Braque Francais. Let them accompany you for a brisk walk or jogging for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. Do not keep them indoors for long hours, but rather, allow them to play freely without the leash inside an enclosed area. If this breed does not find a proper outlet for their energy, there are high chances for them to grow up to be destructive.

Grooming requirement for this dog is minimal. Brush them once or twice a week so as to maintain the coat. Keep a check on its growing nails.

No breed-specific health issues or diseases have been documented for both the varieties.

Training

• Being a ‘soft breed’, no harsh training method is recommended for the Braque Francais. They do not need a lot of behavioral training since they are already calm and eager to please. However, if you find your puppy is growing up with a distinct prey drive, you might need to teach them to refrain from attacking or chasing other animals, since the ‘prey’ (like snakes or spiders) might as well be dangerous for them. For that, training them with the basic commands like ‘hault’, ‘freeze’, ‘come back’ or ‘sit’ is the most important part. Every time it obeys you, treat it with its favorite snacks. Show them how much pleased you have been.
• Leash training is also important. When you find your pet has already targeted a chipmunk atop a tree, do not call it back. Rather, take a piece of chicken hidden in your hand and go close to it, so that it gets tantalized by the scent and ignore its prey. As it discovers the chicken, put the leash around its neck and give away the meat. Your dog will very quickly learn to wear its leash to impress you and win that treat.

Diet/Feeding

High energy food like kibble is ideal for this dog. Raw food (like meat, fish, and chicken) would also be an excellent choice for its daily diet.