The French are famous dog lovers and France has a history of dog breeding that rivals that of the British. Just as with their cousins from across the Channel, the French have pretty much devised a dog to assist with everything that needed to be done, or at the very least accompany their owner while they did it.
French dog owners have frequently been caricatured taking their pampered toy pooches around the most exclusive shops and restaurants in Paris or on the Riviera. But in reality, French dog breeds tend to be far more down-to-earth and rural: there is a marked preponderance of farm and hunting dogs here and while toy breeds are represented, neither the Poodle nor the Bichon Frisé feature in this list… both originated in neighbouring countries.
Dog breeding in France is regulated by the Société Central Canine, one of the world’s oldest kennel clubs, established in 1881.
Table of Contents
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
Size: Medium
Height: 48-56 cm (19-22 inches)
Weight: 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, dense and smooth; in black and tan, white, black and tan or white and orange
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
One of a series of Anglo-French dog breeds which were originally created by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds, the Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie’s name has sometimes misled non-French speakers into thinking these were small dogs. In fact, it refers to the fact they were bred to hunt small game. The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is originally a pack dog but is a fairly adaptable breed, happy to spend time with humans instead. However, they tend to not do very well living in built-up areas, preferring the open space of the countryside. They are well-tempered dogs with a friendly, affectionate and loyal disposition, although they do require thorough and regular exercise off-lead.
Ariège Pointer
Size: Large
Height: 56-67 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 25-30 kg (55-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in predominantly white with patches of orange, chestnut or liver
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Sometimes also called the Braque d’Ariège, the Ariège Pointer is a pointing-type dog that originated in southwestern France. Ariège Pointers are docile, kind and gentle dogs in the home, but their hunting pedigree means they can also be extremely active, energetic and quick. They require plenty of regular exercise in open spaces and love to have places to go and things to do.
Ariégeois
Size: Large
Height: 50-58 cm (20-23 inches)
Weight: 25-27 kg (55-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in white with patches and mottling in black and tan
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
A spirited hunting dog from the Midi-Pyrenees area of southern France, Ariégeois are intelligent, independent-minded and energetic, able to hunt either alone or in a pack. They are so well-suited to the hunt, in fact, that they are often quite unable to adapt to life away from the countryside and are therefore rarely kept as anything other than a working dog.
Artois Hound
Size: Large
Height: 53-58 cm (21-23 inches)
Weight: 28-30 kg (62-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and thick; in white with black and tan tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
The Artois Hound is an increasingly rare breed, originally descended from the Bloodhound (see: Belgian dog breeds). They are brave, energetic and loving dogs who will be extremely loyal to anyone who cares for them. As hunting dogs they rely on their steady and relentless endurance rather than on speed, but their secret weapon is their nose. As with most dogs of this type, Artois Hounds are at their absolute happiest when they are out in the open air, following a scent.
Barbet
Size: Medium
Height: 53-65 cm (21-26 inches)
Weight: 14-28 kg (31-62 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick, long and woolly; in black, grey, brown, fawn, white or pied
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Water dog
Personality
A hunting dog, originally bred for retrieving ducks and other waterfowl from ponds and lakes, Barbets are jolly, friendly and intelligent pets. While they are very receptive to training, their classic hunting dog streak of independence means that this will need to be given and topped up throughout their lives. Due to their breeding, Barbets are outstanding swimmers and will happily spend as much time as they can in the water. They make excellent family pets, provided their owners are able to keep up with their high requirement for regular exercise.
Basset Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 28-38 cm (11-15 inches)
Weight: 20-34 kg (45-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and short; commonly in white, black and tan tricolour but occasionally in white and tan bicolour
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
While the modern Basset Hound was developed by British breeders, they did so using dogs imported from across the Channel. Indeed, the name “Basset” derives from a French expression meaning “rather low”. They make fine family pets; friendly, outgoing and tolerant, they will happily coexist with both children and other animals. However, they are also spectacularly stubborn dogs who require a lot of patience and firmness to train. Sadly, the Basset Hound’s famously droopy and comical appearance can bring with it a variety of health issues, with eye, ear and yeast infections particularly prevalent.
Basset Artésien Normand
Size: Medium
Height: 30-36 cm (12-14 inches)
Weight: 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in white and black, white and fawn or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
As the name suggests, the Basset Artésien Normand retains the low-slung characteristics of the Basset Hound. However, while Basset Hounds were originally bred from Bloodhounds, the Basset Artésien Normand is a far lighter and nimbler dog, bearing more facial resemblance to a beagle. They are cheerful, friendly and laid-back dogs, happy to spend time with more or less anyone, including children, strangers or other animals. However, they do retain some of the energetic characteristics of their hunting past and will require regular exercise.
Basset Bleu de Gascogne
Size: Medium
Height: 34-38 cm (13-15 inches)
Weight: 16-18 kg (35-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and dense; in white with black patches and ticking
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
A low-slung hunting dog which is very rare outside of France, the “Bleu” in its name comes from the blue appearance the black ticking and markings give to the breed. Like other Bassets, the Bleu de Gascogne is a very happy and cheerful dog. However, this breed is particularly energetic and active compared with some of its cousins, requiring plenty of regular exercise out in the open to satisfy their curiosity and to follow their noses.
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
Size: Medium
Height: 32-38 cm (13-15 inches)
Weight: 16-18 kg (35-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length, wiry and coarse; in solid fawn
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Another short-legged hunting dog, the Basset Fauvre de Bretagne is so-called because of its fawn colouring and its origins in the Brittany region of northern France. They are intelligent, sociable and affectionate dogs who love human company but are also very serious hunters. Fauve de Bretagnes are at their most content out in the open air, following their nose and tracking.
Beagle Harrier
Size: Medium
Height: 45-50 cm (18-20 inches)
Weight: 19-21 kg (42-46 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick and flat; in white, black and fawn tricolour
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Loyal, determined and friendly, Beagle Harriers make excellent family pets. Their calm and tolerant demeanour also makes them ideal dogs to be around children or other animals. However, like most hunting dogs, Beagle Harriers are boundlessly energetic and require plenty of regular exercise out in open spaces.
Beauceron
Size: Very large
Height: 61-70 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 30-45 kg (66-100 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, smooth and thick double coat; in black and tan or harlequin
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Also known as the Berger de Beauce, Beaucerons are formidable-looking creatures originally bred as sheepdogs but have, understandably enough, also been employed as guard dogs or even attack dogs. Beaucerons are generally calm, gentle and intelligent dogs but their impressive size, natural fearlessness and suspicion of strangers means they need to be well socialised and trained from an early age. Happily, Beaucerons are eager to learn new skills. A well-trained Beauceron would make an excellent family pet.
Berger Picard
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 56-66 cm (22-26 inches)
Weight: 23-32 kg (51-71 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Rough and shaggy; in fawn or brindle
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Otherwise known as a Picardy Shepherd, these rough-looking sheepdogs originated in the Picardy region of northern France. They are a fairly rare breed, having almost become completely extinct during World War II. They are affable, easygoing and intelligent dogs who are slow to fully mature and require plenty of regular socialisation and training in the first two years of their lives. They are dedicated and devoted to their human companions and like most sheepdogs require a great deal of both physical and mental exercise.
Bichon Frisé
See: Spanish dog breeds
Billy
Size: Very large
Height: 58-70 cm (23-28 inches)
Weight: 32.5-47 kg (72-104 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and rough; in white/off-white, sometimes with orange patches
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
These large hunting dogs derive their rather unusual name from the Château Billy in Poitou, central France, home of the dog’s original breeder, Gaston Hublot de Rivault Taco. They are very energetic and athletic dogs who, combined with their size, are quite unsuitable for small homes. They are also very intelligent and adept hunters. However, they are also tolerant, hardy and possess a great joie de vivre, making them excellent companions for those who are able to provide them sufficient space.
Blue Picardy Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 56-61 cm (22-24 inches)
Weight: 20 kg (43-45 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Smooth and silky; in grey-black
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Largely unknown outside of France and Canada, the Blue Picardy originated in the Picardy area of northern France. Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Blue Picardy retains many of these traits and are noted for their energy, versatility and endurance. As such, they are a breed who require a great deal of regular exercise in open spaces. However, they are also a quiet, playful and affectionate breed who thrive on human company and love children, making excellent family pets for active, outdoorsy people.
Braque d’Auvergne
Size: Medium
Height: 51-65 cm (20-26 inches)
Weight: 22-28 kg (48½-62 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in white with black patches and ticking
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Originating in the mountainous Cantal region of mid-southern France, the Braque d’Auvergne is equally good as a family pet and as a hunting dog. They are good-natured, affectionate and obedient animals who get on well with children and other dogs. In the field, they are active, intelligent and eager to please, traits which make them easy to train. Again, as a hunting breed, the Braque d’Auvergne will require a great deal of regular exercise in open spaces.
Braque du Bourbonnais
Size: Medium
Height: 48-57 cm (19-22 inches)
Weight: 16-25 kg (35-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and fine; in white with brown and fawn ticking or brown with white and fawn ticking
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
A pointing dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais has gained significant popularity in the United States but is not currently recognised as a breed by the UK Kennel Club. An active and energetic hunting dog, the Bourbonnais are calm and affectionate dogs whose devotion to their family means they will frequently suffer separation anxiety if they are left alone for extended periods. As with most hunting dogs, their suitability as a family pet largely depends only on whether or not the prospective owner has the ability to provide for their high demand for regular exercise.
Braque Français Gascogne
Size: Large
Height: 56-69 cm (22-27 inches)
Weight: 24-32 kg (53-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and thick; in chestnut, chestnut and white, with or without ticking
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
See Braque Français Pyrénées.
Braque Français Pyrénées
Size: Medium
Height: 47-58 cm (19-23 inches)
Weight: 16-25 kg (35-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Fine and short; in chestnut, chestnut and white, with or without ticking
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
A pointing dog that has been around since at least the 15th Century, there are now two distinct breeds of the Braque Français: the Gascogne is the larger of the two, while the Pyrenean is smaller and quicker, its size making it the more popular pet. They are sensitive, gentle animals who love to play in water and get along well with children. However, their high prey drive means they need to be watched carefully around smaller animals, and their exercise requirements mean they are generally unsuitable for smaller homes or city living.
Braque Saint-Germain
Size: Medium
Height: 54-62 cm (21-24 inches)
Weight: 18-26 kg (40-57 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in off-white with orange markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
A pointing dog originally bred by combining the best traits of English and French pointers, the Braque Saint-Germain is first and foremost a hunting dog and love to be outdoors in open spaces. This said, they do make good family pets for those who are able to provide for this; gentle, playful and devoted companions who are eager to please and love to play with children.
Briard
Size: Large/Very large
Height: 56-68 cm (22-27 inches)
Weight: 23-41 kg (51-90 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and wavy; in solid fawn, grey, black or blue
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
Also known as a Berger de Brie, the Briard is a large, shaggy-haired sheepdog. They are very cheerful and adaptable dogs who are as happy to spend time in the house as they are outside. Briards are playful, loving and devoted companions who love to participate in whatever family activities are taking place and dislike having to spend time on their own. Energetic and intelligent, Briards require plenty of regular physical and mental exercise.
Brittany
Size: Medium
Height: 43-52 cm (17-20½ inches)
Weight: 14-20 kg (30-45 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length, smooth and flowing; in orange and white, liver and white, black and white, tricolour, or orange, black or liver roan
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Often called a Brittany Spaniel, the Brittany is in fact a pointing dog and not a spaniel at all. They are very sensitive dogs, but ones who with plenty of care, socialisation and early training tend to blossom into excellent family pets. They are friendly, eager to please and very receptive to learning new skills. However, Brittanys are really only suitable for people with both the time and ability to give them at least an hour of off-lead exercise a day, otherwise their pent-up energy can cause hyperactivity and nervousness.
Chien Français
Chien Français Blanc et Noir
Size: Large
Height: 65-72 cm (25½-28 inches)
Weight: 27-32 kg (59-70 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white and black with black or occasionally tan ticking
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Chien Français Blanc et Orange
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 62-70 cm (23½-27½ inches)
Weight: 22-36 kg (48-79 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Chien Français Tricolore
Size:
Height: 62-72 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 22-36 kg (48-79 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white, black and tan
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
This trio of French hunting hounds were originally bred to hunt small game but proved versatile enough to also operate in packs and stalk larger quarries. The three are fairly similar in build and appearance, with their colouration being their chief distinguishing characteristic. However, there is a more marked difference in their personalities: the Blanc et Noir tends to be the most laid back while the Blanc et Orange and the Tricolore tend to possess higher intelligence and be more demanding of both your time and attention. However, all three will – with good socialisation, training and sufficient rigorous daily exercise – prove to be good family dogs, with the more active the family the better.
All three Chien Français breeds are enthusiastic and energetic hunters and all three love to bark loud and long, which is a consideration for anyone with lots of neighbours. However, they are also very friendly and gentle animals who are all unusually receptive to training for pack dogs.
This story is further complicated by the separate breed classifications of another three very similar dogs: the Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir, Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange and Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore. These were bred by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds and, while they are all considered distinct breeds, are so similar in appearance and personality we have included them here for ease and convenience.
Corsican Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 46-58 cm (18-23 inches)
Weight: 24-26 kg (53-57 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium length and thick; in any shades of tan with black. Brindle is possible, as are white patches
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Otherwise known as Cursinu, the Corsican Dog – as the name suggests – originated on the island of Corsica, where there have been records of them since the 16th Century. Today the breed is increasingly rare and even needed intervention from the Société Central Canine during the late 20th Century to prevent their extinction. Corsican Dogs are typical hunters: calm, docile and loving at home but a ball of energy and speed as soon as they are out for their daily exercise. Cursinus are intelligent and adaptable pets who make fine family dogs, provided their needs to burn off their energy can be met.
Dogue du Bordeaux
Size: Giant
Height: 58-69 cm (23-27 inches)
Weight: at least 57-68 kg (125-150 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and soft; in any shade of fawn
Life Expectancy: 5-8 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
The Dogue de Bordeaux is enormous, a sturdy, stocky wall of pure muscle. However, they are also surprisingly versatile and agile dogs, who are able to turn their mind to any number of tasks and have been used down the generations for jobs as varied as guarding livestock or pulling carts. As with the majority of well-socialised Mastiffs, their size and ferocious expression belies a sweet and gentle temperament. Dogue de Bordeaux are devoted family dogs who will only show aggression when they are provoked to do so. However, their size means they are recommended for experienced owners and handlers only.
French Bulldog
Size: Small
Height: 24-35 cm (9½-14 inches)
Weight: 8-14 kg (18-31 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and silky; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
The lure of a toy bulldog can be simply irresistible and Frenchies popularity as family pets continues to grow thanks to their combination of small size, comical looks and big personalities. In fact, these pocket-sized dogs can almost have too big a personality: without proper training they can be endlessly stubborn, destructive and difficult. That said, they are cheerful, easy going and sociable dogs who love to please their owners, so (with patience) such training is not difficult. They have a relatively low requirement for daily exercise but be warned: some Frenchies become very attached to their owner and will want to be with them everywhere.
French Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 54-63 cm (21-25 inches)
Weight: 20-27 kg (45-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length and dense, with longer fringes; in white with brown markings and ticking
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Hunting dog
Personality
Also known as a French Setter, these dogs combine being keen, versatile and energetic hunters with an all-encompassing love for their family home. In the house, the French Spaniel is calm, gentle and friendly towards everyone, including strangers, children and other dogs. Meanwhile, in the field they are boisterous and hardy people-pleasers, adept at both pointing and retrieving. They are ideal pets for active families.
Gascon Saintongeois
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 54-72 cm (21-28 inches)
Weight: 18-32 kg (40-71 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and smooth; in white with black and tan markings and ticking
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
The Gascon Saintongeois is a hunting dog that comes in two different sizes: Grand and Petit. Both are friendly, happy and docile dogs who also retain much of the energy of the hunter. As with the majority of scenthounds, they are at their happiest when following their nose and require plenty of daily off-lead exercise to explore their surroundings and tire themselves out. In the home the Gascon Saintongeois is an affectionate dog, who can become a barking nuisance if they don’t receive enough attention. While they are generally good with children and other dogs, they tend to be less keen on strangers and can even become aggressive with them if not properly socialised, so plenty of early training is a must.
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
Size: Very large
Height: 62-72 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 36-54 kg (79-119 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and thick; in white with mottled black and tan markings and patches
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
These huge dogs may look imposing but are gentle giants; even-tempered, friendly and patient souls who are very good with children. They can tend to be a little aloof with strangers until they are sure about them, when their natural sociability will come to the fore. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne can be so laid-back in the home that it borders on lethargy, but don’t be fooled: these are typical hunting dogs and need plenty of regular exercise to prevent their natural energy and intelligence from finding more anti-social outlets!
Griffon Nivernais
Size: Medium
Height: 46-56 cm (18-22 inches)
Weight: 22.5-25 kg (50-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length, coarse and shaggy; in grizzle with fawn extremities
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
The Griffon Nivernais is a friendly, affectionate dog who loves children, other dogs and being at the centre of family activities. However, they are also intelligent and independent creatures who can give into mischievous behaviour or ceaseless barking if they are left on their own for too long. Griffon Nivernais also possess a stubborn streak and require a good, authoritative pack leader to keep them in check. They retain strong hunting instincts and will need both plenty of exercise and careful supervision when in the company of small animals.
Griffon Vendéen
Briquet Griffon Vendéen
Size: Medium
Height: 48-55 cm (19-22 inches)
Weight: 22-24 kg (48-53 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and shaggy; in white and black, white and orange, black and tan or tricolour
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Another of France’s many breeds of hunting dog, the Griffon Vendéen shares many of their typical characteristics: independence, energy, boundless stamina and a powerful desire to be out in the open following their nose. But they are also similarly good family dogs; lively, enthusiastic people pleasers who enjoy the company of children. This affable nature will come in handy, as the Griffon Vendéen is not particularly receptive to training: while they are happy to be bribed with treats or affection, Griffon Vendéens otherwise do not particularly like to be told what to do.
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size: Medium
Height: 38-46 cm (15-18 inches)
Weight: 17-27 kg (37-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, rough double coat; in white with orange, lemon, black, grizzle or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Happy, friendly and alert, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen make fine family pets. They are outgoing with strangers and patient with children and other dogs. While they are eager to please and keen to spend time at the heart of family activities, they are also very stubborn and can be difficult to train. They can also be very vocal dogs, a trait shared by all Griffon Vendéens.
Grand Griffon Vendéen
Size: Large
Height: 60-65 cm (23½-25½ inches)
Weight: 27-34 kg (60-75 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, rough double coat; in white with orange, lemon, black, grizzle or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
By far the largest member of the Griffon Vendéen group, GGVs are sociable, energetic and friendly dogs with the abundance of energy characteristic of hunting dogs. Their strongest desire is to follow their nose and they will do so to the point of mischief or disobedience. This can be compounded by the breed’s tendency to be stubborn and difficult to train. However, as with other hunting dogs GGVs are also very eager to please and with firm, consistent handling (combined with occasional bribery) a series of mutual understandings about behavioural limits should be relatively easy to reach!
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Size: Medium
Height: 34-38 cm (13-15 inches)
Weight: 15-20 kg (25-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, rough double coat; in white with orange, lemon, black, grizzle or tan markings
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Extroverted, friendly, happy and independent-minded, PBGVs are enthusiastic and affectionate family pets who love being at the centre of the action. They are particularly vocal dogs and known for their habit of howling along with favourite songs or sounds. Like other dogs of the Griffon Vendéen group, PBGVs can be extremely stubborn and difficult to train, preferring to follow their own agendas wherever possible. However, their extremely jolly nature and love of people makes them excellent therapy dogs. It is best to exercise them on-lead in new or open areas as they are prone to follow their nose to wherever it may take them.
Löwchen
Size: Small
Height: 28-35.5 cm (11-14 inches)
Weight: 4.5-8 kg (10-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and flowing; in any colour, combination or pattern
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Otherwise known as the Little Lion Dog, the Löwchen is a very even-tempered dog, combining a lively playfulness with gentleness and great affection for their family. They are ideal family pets, particularly for those with limited space. Löwchens have a relatively low exercise requirement and are generally just as happy to burn off their excess energy playing with their people as they are running around a field. They get along well with other pets and children but do not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time.
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
Size: Medium
Height: 50-58 cm (20-23 inches)
Weight: 18-22 kg (40-50 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and thick; in white with mottled black and tan markings and patches
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a resourceful and enthusiastic hunter, full of confidence, independence and determination. They are noted for their outstanding stamina, happy to find a scent and track it for hours on end. However, in the home they are friendly, affectionate and playful dogs who are devoted to their families. Petit Bleu de Gascognes make fine family pets, provided their needs for exercise and companionship can be fulfilled. The “Petit” in their name refers not to their own size, but rather the fact they were originally bred to track small game.
Poitevin Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 60-72 cm (24-28 inches)
Weight: 20.5-30.5 kg (45-67 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short; in black, tan and white tricolour with a black saddle
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
A breed that has been around since at least the 16th Century, Poitevins were originally bred to hunt wolves. Their personality is quite distinct from the majority of France’s seemingly endless array of scenthounds: whereas most breeds are highly affectionate and devoted family dogs, Poitevins tend to be suspicious of everyone except for their very closest human companions and are very wary of strangers and children. They are also known to be unpredictable around other animals, due to a high prey drive. Poitevins are happiest when on the hunt and as a result tend not to thrive in more domesticated settings.
Pont-Audemer Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 50-58 cm (20-23 inches)
Weight: 20-27 kg (44-60 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium length and curly, smooth on the face; in brown and white roan or solid brown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
A hardy dog who loves to work, Pont-Audemer Spaniels are also extremely loving, gentle and easy to train dogs who make good family pets. As with most spaniels, the Pont-Audemer is very playful and fun-loving, to the extent of being clownish. They are also particularly fond of children. The only thing that these dogs do not particularly enjoy, by all accounts, is being left alone for extended periods of time. As such, they are especially recommended as a dog for active families who enjoy group activities.
Poodle
See: German dog breeds
Porcelaine
Size: Medium
Height: 53.5-58.5 cm (21-23 inches)
Weight: 25-28 kg (55-62 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Very short, fine and shiny; in white with tan ears, black mottling on the skin visible through the coat
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Type: Scenthound
Personality
Also known as a Chien de Franche-Comté after the region in eastern France that the breed originated, the Porcelaine is as elegant as their name suggests. They are friendly, social and energetic dogs who love to spend time with their owners and are good with strangers, children and other dogs. Porcelaines are also enthusiastic and active hunters who require plenty of regular exercise in open spaces. They were originally bred for tracking prey across the mountainous areas bordering Switzerland and are therefore noted for their agility and endurance.
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Size: Giant
Height: 65-82 cm (26-32 inches)
Weight: 55-75 kg (121-165 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and thick double coat; in white, occasionally with patches of black, badger, grey or tan on the head
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Livestock guardian
Personality
Commonly known in France as the Patou, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a gentle giant. They are calm, serious, trustworthy and loyal dogs whose normal temperament is affectionate and friendly. However, there is also steel at their core, as one might expect from a dog originally bred to spend all day on a hillside protecting livestock from wolves or bears. If threatened, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog will not hesitate to fearlessly protect their territory or loved ones from harm. Because of this, combined with their great size, they are recommended for experienced owners only.
Pyrenean Sheepdog
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 38-54 cm (15-21 inches)
Weight: 8-15 kg (18-33 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long and dense; in fawn, grey brindle, blue or black
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
These little dogs are full of life: smart, quick-witted and intelligent characters who are outstanding problem solvers and full of a ruggedness and endurance far beyond their stature. As with many dogs bred to herd sheep, Pyrenean Shepherds (known in France as Berger des Pyrénées) make wonderfully devoted and loving family pets but can also be a real handful if they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation. They require consistent, firm and fair leadership or else they can tend to become a little bossy and domineering. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to train.
Saint-Usuge Spaniel
Size: Medium
Height: 41-53 cm (16-21 inches)
Weight: 16-22.5 kg (35-50 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to medium length and smooth; in brown with occasional white markings
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Gun dog
Personality
Affectionate and loyal, the Saint-Usuge Spaniel is also noted for its obedience: they tend to stick with their owner and follow their instructions even if there are lots of other interesting sights and smells to investigate. In common with most spaniels they are also wonderful family pets, especially with children. They have a calm, patient and mellow temperament and will only really become a problem if they don’t get enough exercise or human company.