Braque Francais (Gascogne type)
BRAK frahn-SEH gas-KOHN
France· Gascony, south-west France
The Braque Francais (Gascogne type) is a large, rustic French pointing breed developed in the south-west of the country for methodical work over rough ground.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal, weekly wipe-down
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large with secure boundary
Where it comes from
Origins of the Braque Francais (Gascogne type)
The rough, sun-baked terrain of Gascony demanded a pointer with stamina, a methodical hunting style and the toughness to work long days in heat and scrub. Local hunters bred a larger, calmer version of the Braque Francais suited to slow, thorough ground coverage rather than speed.
- Region
- Gascony, south-west France
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm, dry rolling countryside and scrubland
- Original job
- Pointing game birds over open ground for the gun
The long read
About the breed
Centuries of walked-up hunting on hares, partridge and other game across Gascony's dry hills shaped a dog that works at a steady trot rather than a gallop, quartering thoroughly and pointing staunchly once game is found. Its short, dense coat and robust build reflect a need to withstand thorn, heat and long days afield.
Living with one means accepting a calm, biddable, rather serious dog that thrives on daily exercise and scent work but is otherwise easy-going and affectionate with its family. It is not a breed for a sedentary household, but nor is it hyperactive indoors.
Today the Gascogne type remains a working gundog first and foremost, kept mainly by hunters in France with a small following elsewhere in Europe; it is rare outside its homeland and virtually unknown in Britain.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Braque Francais (Gascogne type) greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Braque Francais (Gascogne type) is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Braque Francais (Gascogne type)'s skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Regional pointer
Distinct Gascogne-type Braques were being bred by hunters in south-west France, larger and slower than the Pyrenean type.
1850s
Formal description
The breed was described in French sporting literature as a separate variety of Braque Francais.
1930s
Standard drafted
A French breed club drew up the first written standard distinguishing the Gascogne type from the smaller Pyrenean type.
1970s
FCI recognition
The Braque Francais (Gascogne type) was formally recognised as a distinct breed by the FCI.
2000s
Conservation efforts
French breed enthusiasts have worked to maintain numbers and genetic diversity of this now rare pointer.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Robust and slightly longer than tall, with a broad, deep chest and strong loin.
- coat
- Short, fine and dense, close-lying over the whole body.
- ears
- Set at eye level, thin, reaching almost to the nose when drawn forward.
- eyes
- Large, dark amber, with a gentle, intelligent expression.
- head
- Long and lean, with a moderate stop and a slightly convex nasal bridge.
- size
- Dogs 60-70cm, bitches slightly smaller
- colour
- White with brown patches or brown roan, sometimes with brown ticking.
- temperament
- Calm, gentle, biddable and steady, without nervousness or aggression.
- general appearance
- A large, powerfully built pointing dog, rustic in appearance, with a calm, deliberate gait.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
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Made for the Braque Francais (Gascogne type)
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Braque Francais (Gascogne type) illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
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Framed poster
Braque Francais (Gascogne type) Framed Poster
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Hoodie
Braque Francais (Gascogne type) Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Braque Francais (Gascogne type) illustration on the chest.
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Mug
Braque Francais (Gascogne type) Mug
Ceramic mug with the Braque Francais (Gascogne type) illustration wrapped around it.
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Accessory
Nail Clippers & Grinder
Safety-guard clippers with a quiet rotary grinder.
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