France : Native Dog Breeds

Anglo-Français and Français hounds are a general type of hunting dogs that include ancient French hounds and breeds created by mixing the French dogs with English (Anglo) Foxhounds. There are seven dog breeds that are described as Anglo-Français and Français hounds. as they need a great deal of space, exercise, and experienced handling. Most breeds are usually kept in packs of 20 to 100 dogs. The French and Anglo-French hounds are bred as hunting dogs

The Braque d’Auvergne is originating in the mountain area of Cantal, in the mid-south of France. It is a pointer and versatile gundog. The breed descends from ancient regional types of hunting dogs. The Auvergne is lively, sensitive, obedient, and affectionate. It gets along well with other dogs. The Braque d’Auvergne is a natural hunter who tends to work closely with its partner, checking infrequently and it’s intelligent and good-natured, it makes a fine family dog. This trait, combined with its gentle nature and desire to please, make it a highly trainable pointer.

The Great Pyrenees is a large dog of medium substance that is slightly longer than tall. The thick coat of the Great Pyrenees gives the impression of heavier bone and stature. This breed was developed to guard flocks on steep mountain slopes and so must combine strength with agility. The dog moves smoothly, with good reach and drive. The weather-resistant double coat consists of a dense. The expression of a Great Pyrenees dog is elegant and contemplative.

The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a medium-sized breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English (Anglo) foxhounds.
Because these are active hunting dogs that are normally kept in packs in rural areas, they may not be suitable for city or family living.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a breed of gundog, of a rustic appearance, sometimes born with a short tail, with a coat ticked with liver or fawn.
It had been described for the first time during the Renaissance (Natural History from Aldrovandi, Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris). In danger of disappearing, it thrived again after World War I with the creation of the first club, in 1925.

The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound type, originating in France, and is a versatile hunting dog, used on the small and large game in packs or individually. The Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has a speckled, rough coat.
The breed has a good nose and a good voice and is a good and very alert hunting dog for all kinds of hunting, Griffon Bleu de Gascogne has been exported to other countries, where they are promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet.

Ariege Pointing Dog or Ariege Pointer is a French breed of dog, a hunting dog of pointing gun dog type. The breed is kept primarily as a hunting dog, not as a pet or show dog. The breed is a normally proportioned dog with drop ears. The tail is traditionally docked. The coat is short and primarily white, speckled with larger patches of colours described as orange, liver, or chestnut on the head and ears.

The Braque Dupuy, also known as the Dupuy Pointer, was a breed of a pointer from the Poitou region of France.
The Braque Dupuy is more closely related to the English Pointer than it is to the other French Braque breeds, it’s foundation stock was extensively outcrossed to the English Pointer and some believe there were minor introductions of Greyhound and Sloughi bloodlines, giving the breed additional pace.

Grand Fauve de Bretagnes were used in packs for hunting wolves and wild boar, and Francois I was known to keep a pack. With the elimination of wolves in the 19th century, they nearly became extinct and examples were crossed with Briquet Griffon Vendéens to create the smaller Griffon Fauve de Bretagne. Read More…