Without a doubt, France is internationally recognized for its landscapes, historic buildings, its avant-garde culture and its sophisticated gastronomy. However, the Gallic country also surprises us with the number of canine breeds with remarkable qualities that have originated in its territory.
Currently, it is recognized that more than 40 dog breeds have originated in French lands, but unfortunately some have become extinct due to different reasons. In this article on our site, we present to you the 10 most popular French dog breeds and tell you some interesting facts about them. You'll love them!
1. Barbet
We begin our list of French dog breeds with the barbet, a type of medium-sized water dog, with a strong and well-proportioned body, long, woolly and curly fur, which has become popular as the " poodle ancestor." There are controversies about its origins, but the barbet is usually recognized as a French dog that could be one of the oldest European dog breeds (if not the oldest).
two. Poodle
The poodle or medium poodle is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) French dog breed around the world. These furry ones not only stand out for their adorable appearance, but they are also among the most intelligent dogs in the world. They are especially sensitive and have a predisposition for training.
One of their main characteristics is their curly coat, which requires certain care for optimal maintenance. For this reason, if you have a poodle or poodle, we advise you to visit our article and discover how often a poodle should be bathed and trimmed.
3. Basset hound
The basset hound is a dog belonging to the group of hounds, which originated in Saint Hubertus, in the Lorraine region, France. Some theories about its birth claim that the basset would descend from some dwarf dogs born between crosses of French hounds. While another hypothesis supposes that it could have arisen from certain lineages of the bloodhound What is known is that the name "basset" comes from the term "bas" which means "low" in French. An obvious reference to his short limbs.
These dogs have spread rapidly throughout Europe, initially as hunting dogs and, later, they have become popular throughout the world as companion dogs. His peculiar physical appearance and his charismatic "sad face" have conquered hearts of all nationalities, and even the famous brand "Hush Puppies" has surrendered to the charms of the basset hound.
But these precious hounds are about much more than their physical beauty. Their powerful sense of smell makes them excellent trackers and excellent hunters. In addition, as companion dogs, they stand out for their loyal and fun character, also being among the calmest dog breeds. Despite its remarkable hunting instinct, the basset hound can get along very well with other pets, when properly socialized.
4. French Bulldog
The French bulldog or "frenchie" is one of the most popular small dog breeds of French origin. It is robust and plump body and originate from the English bulldog dogs. Their good-natured, sociable, playful and affectionate character allows us to quickly understand why these little "bat-eared" dogs are so loved as companion dogs.
However, we must remember that these dogs require a lot of attention and have a great need for company to maintain a balanced behavior. A French bulldog that spends many hours can only exhibit destructive behaviors and develop separation anxiety with some ease. Therefore, if you spend a lot of time away from home or are looking for a more independent companion, it is better to prefer another breed.
Also, it is essential to remember that it is a brachycephalic dog that needs specific care to preserve its good he alth and prevent common diseases in the French bulldog.
5. Papillon
The Papillon is one of the most elegant of the small French dogs. It shows an elegant demeanor and a smooth walk, which is why it is considered one of the most elegant dog breeds in the world. It is an intelligent and active dog who is very affectionate and outgoing in his family, although he is not particularly sociable with strangers.
Of course, we must remember that the behavior of any dog will depend on the education and the environment provided by its guardian. So, if we want to get an obedient and sociable papillon, we will need to pay attention to its training and early socialization.
6. Dogue de Bordeaux
Little is known about the origins of the dogue de Bordeaux, also called dogue de Bordeaux, but it is estimated that its ancestors would have been introduced in France by the Celtic peoples. The first specimen of this breed is only recorded in the fourteenth century, a period in which they were used mainly for hunting large animals and for protection. Unfortunately, the Dogue de Bordeaux was also used as a fighting dog until this activity was banned in the 19th century.
The Dogue de Bordeaux stands out for being a large French dog, with a robust body and well-developed muscles. Its head is very striking due to its size and the numerous wrinkles that the dog exhibits mainly when it is attentive. His imposing appearance protects a dog with a good-natured, sensitive, calm character and very loyal to his guardians.
However, due to its physical build and powerful jaw, the Dogue de Bordeaux is considered a potentially dangerous breed of dog in many countries. Although its morphology cannot define its behavior, we must remember that the Dogue de Bordeaux needs to be properly educated and socialized to maintain a balanced behavior and avoid aggressive behavior. Therefore, these dogs are better suited to more experienced guardians, who have the time and patience to teach them and provide the attention they require.
7. Brie Shepherd
Although not as well known outside of France, the Shepherd of Brie, or briard, is a dog that attracts attention due to its particular and attractive appearance. It is a large-sized dog, with a rectangular, rustic body and well-developed muscles. Its fur is long, dry and has a rough texture, being also known as "goat hair ". Usually, the classic photo of the Brie shepherd shows his face and his eyes partially covered by his long locks.
Regarding his character, we can say that the Brie shepherd is a dog active, playful and loyal, but also balanced and very sure of himself. Because they are very protective dogs and devoted to their family, especially children, they can be somewhat shy or suspicious in the presence of strangers. For this reason, it will be essential to socialize them from puppies to teach them to relate positively with other animals and people.
As their name suggests, these furry ones originate in the Brie region, where the famous French cheese was also created. There is also little precise data on its origins, but it is estimated that it could be one of the oldest French dog breeds, probably descending from the ancient sheepdogs of the Parisian basins. Therefore, it is possible that it shares some ancestors with the shepherd of Beauce.
8. Great Blue Gascony Hound
This breed originates from the French region of Gascony and is still little recognized in other European countries, however, it is one of the most popular French hunting dogs in its country of origin. It is a hound dog, large and imposing size, showing a muscular body, long and strong legs, long and drooping ears.
Due to its highly developed sense of smell and its physical structure, it has historically performed as a hunting dog in a pack in Gallic lands. Later, due to their noble, serene and loyal character, they began to gain some popularity as companion dogs.
However, they have a powerful bark and need special attention to their education and socialization so as not to become compulsive barkers and generate problems of coexistence with the neighbors. Therefore, they are not recommended for tutors with little time or experience.
9. Shepherd of Beauce
The Shepherd of Beauce, also known as beauceron, It is a large French dog, with a rustic and muscular body, with short, smooth, and thick fur, which can be black and tan or harlequin in color. The first specimen of this breed has been registered in France, in the year 1893.
Its particular name is due to its place of birth: the plains near Paris, which are known as La Beauce. In principle, they have been employed in a large number of tasks in the field, from guiding herds to protecting the lands and assets of their guardians. Subsequently, they have accompanied the French army in the two world wars.
Despite little recognition outside of France, beauceron dogs are very intelligent, energetic and self-assured At their core familiar, they are very affectionate and loyal to their loved ones, although they can be somewhat reserved in the presence of strangers. When they receive a good education and are socialized as puppies, they make wonderful companions.
10. Pyrenean Mountain Dog
The last member of our list of French dog breeds can be considered somewhat "controversial". Basically, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, also called Great Pyrenees, originates from the mountainous regions between the territories of France and Spain. Therefore, we could consider it as a "Franco-Spanish" dog breed.
However, the Great Pyrenees have regained special popularity in the Gallic lands, even being declared as the royal dog of the French Court by King Louis XIV himself , who was an admirer of the beauty and qualities of this breed.
Currently, Great Pyrenees have become popular as companion dogs, but they continue to protect herds in the Franco-Spanish mountainous regions. It is a protective, loyal and somewhat independent dog that shows an excellent predisposition for learning various functions.
Because of its large size, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog requires space and consumes a good amount of food to maintain optimal nutrition. In addition, due to their abundant fur, these dogs require a brushing routine (two to three times a week) and they do not tolerate heat well
More French dog breeds
In addition to the fluffy ones mentioned above, there are many other French dog breeds that are less well known outside the Gallic lands. Below, we list some other dog breeds that have originated in France and have remarkable qualities as service, hunting, guard and/or companion dogs.
- French Spaniel
- French Shorthaired Pointer
- Gascony Blue Griffon
- Breton Spaniel
- Brittany Fawn Basset
- Brittany Griffon Griffon
- Saint Germain Brachus
- Tricolor French Hound
- Bourbon Braco
- Poitevino
