History of the Braque Francais
What is the Braque Francais?
The Braque Francais (which translates to French Pointer in English) is one of the most ancient breeds of pointing dogs and is considered to be the ancestor of many of the modern continental breeds and a cousin of the English Pointer. However, this breed wasn’t officially recognized until 1919 when the first breed club, Le Club du Braque Francais de France, was formed and a breed standard was established.
Ancient History
Most of the pointing dogs of Europe can trace their lineage to an ancient pointing dog, first recognized in the 14th century, which originated in the Mediterranean region of Europe. That dog later spread into the Pyrenees Mountains of France and the rest of Europe. By the 17th century, that breed had evolved in France into the very first French Pointer, the ancestor to nearly all of the French pointing breeds. Local variations emerged from the old style French Pointer over time. These breeds were often named for localities in which they were developed such as the Braque de l’Ariege, Braque d’Auvergne, Braque du Bourbonnais and the Braque Saint Germain. However, the breed continued to live on in its pure states in the southwestern portion of France and the Central Pyrenees.
Modern Development
In the late 1800’s the breed as we know it today began to develop. At that time the old-style French Pointer, which was close to extinction, was bred with smaller, faster dogs of Spain and Portugal. By the time the breed club was established in 1919, two types had emerged: the Gascogne or older, larger type and the Pyrenees or newer, smaller type that descended from the breeding of the old style dog and the dogs smaller, faster dogs. The Gascogne type is a slow, methodical hunter while the Pyrenees type is faster and covers more ground. The Gascogne is still very rare. The Pyrenees is primarily the only type in North America. The first Braques in North America were imported to Canada from France in the 1970’s.
Breed Standard and Recognition
The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Canadian Kennel Club have established a Braque Francais Breed Standard. The FCI standard calls for male Pyrenees to stand 47 cm to 58 cm tall (18.5” to 22.8”) and the female Pyrenees to stand 47 cm to 56 cm tall (18.5” to 22”).
In France the breed is registered with the Societe Centrale Canine. On the North American continent, the Braque Francais is recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.