Overview
The Braque Français is the root stock of most continental pointers and comes in two varieties. The Gascogne type is larger and heavier, up to thirty kilos or more; the Pyrénées type is lighter, faster and more common today. Both are chestnut and white with a short coat, long ears and a gentle expression.
This is a sensitive gundog that responds badly to harsh handling and very well to encouragement. It bonds closely with its people and is usually relaxed with other dogs. Few are in Britain, and the owner is likely to be a serious shooting person who imported the dog.
Exercise and walking needs
Allow around an hour and forty minutes a day, with a good part of it off lead where safe. The Pyrenean type in particular covers ground at speed and needs space to do it.
They will not settle after a short lead walk. Running, retrieving or a long hike through varied country suits them; a flat park circuit does not.
On the walk
- Recall: Good in a trained dog and helped by the breed's wish to please. Game birds test it, and a wide-running dog can be far off before it turns.
- Sensitivity: A raised voice makes this dog flinch and lose confidence. Keep instructions calm and reward generously.
- Pulling: Light. Most are polite on the lead and walk well on a harness.
- Weather: Short coat, lean body. Cold rain gets through fast, so keep winter walks brisk and dry the dog afterwards.
Tips for professional walkers
- Pay for every return in the first few walks and the recall will be yours for good.
- Use a long line in open country until you have seen how far the dog ranges.
- Carry a retrieving dummy; it gives the walk a focus and brings the dog back to you.
- Check between the toes and under the ears for grass seeds in summer.
What to ask the owner
- Which type is the dog, Gascogne or Pyrénées, and how far does it usually range when off lead?
- Which whistle or voice cues has it been trained to?
- Does it have any fear of gunshot or fireworks that might show on a walk?