Within the French Pointers, there are two different breeds: on the one hand, there are the French Pointers from the Pyrenees, from the that we talk about in this file, but there is also another breed that is the Gascony-type French Pointer. It is important to know this in order to be able to differentiate them clearly.
Types of French Pointer
As we mentioned, today we can distinguish two breeds of French Pointer:
- Pyrenees shorthaired pointer.
- Gascony Shorthaired Pointer.
Although, as we will see in the next section, the origins of the pointer are not very clear, it is believed that the French Pyrenees type pointer arose from other European breeds, while the Gascony pointer originated In the south of france. Back then, there was only one type of French Pointer. However, the Gascony-type pointer was crossed with other smaller breeds, resulting in a pointer smaller than the Pyrenean pointer.
Over time, the two types of French Pointers were crossed, as they were considered the same breed. Until both races were identified individually and hybridization was prohibited.
Origin of the French Pointer
As we can easily deduce from its name, the French Pointer has a lot to do with France, as it is originally from the French PyreneesAlthough the exact beginning of the breed is unknown, it is estimated that the first specimens emerged at the beginning of the 18th century in the southern region of the French Pyrenees. Due to its genetics, it is believed to be related to other dog breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer or the English Pointer.
The official standard for this French breed of dog was collected by the International Cinological Federation in 1988, somewhat late considering how long the French shorthaired pointer existed.
Characteristics of the French Pointer
The French Pointer is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 15 and 24 kilograms and a height of the withers between 47 and 58 centimeters in males, and 47 and 56 centimeters in females. Their life expectancy is usually around 12-14 years approximately.
They have a rustic body, with developed muscles, but they are not heavy dogs. Its appearance is graceful and slender, with a fine tail, either short or long. Its head is rounded, its snout being quite short and brown, its ears are set high and reach up to about 2 centimeters before the nose, as they are slightly bent towards it. The coat of French Pointers is very short, and it is also not very dense.
The French Shorthaired Pointer puppy
Bracos are dogs that from an early age soak up the learning that is offered to them, so it is important to start teaching them as soon as possibleOne of the factors that requires the most attention is their socialization, because especially when they are little they can be shy and reluctant to deal with new people and situations. To find out how to socialize properly, we recommend reading this article: How to properly socialize a puppy?
In this breed it is also essential to get the puppy used to spending short periods of time alone, since if he does not present problems before loneliness when I grow up. In this sense, it is best to start with very short periods of time and increase their duration as the puppy gets used to it.
Colors of the French Pointer
The colors accepted in the French Pointer standard are:
- Brown.
- White with brown spots or patches.
French Shorthaired Pointer Character
The character of a French Pointer is that of an incredibly loyal and faithful dog, being an excellent companion for everyone. He gets along with all kinds of people, regardless of age or condition. They love spending time with children, whom they care for tenderly and love to play with. They are open and sociable, even interacting with strangers if they have been properly socialized.
They are intelligent and curious, being attentive to new things around them, which means that they have to be on the lookout for something draws your attention too much.
French Shorthaired Pointer Care
The French Pointer is an extremely active dog, therefore, it requires exercise daily, requiring a minimum of one hour a day of moderate or high intensity exercise. For this reason, they are good companions for those who like to go for a run, go mountaineering and so on.
His coat does not require much attention, since being short and not very dense it is extremely easy to maintain. What is essential is to give them a balanced diet adjusted to their energy requirements, as well as ensuring access to fresh and clean water so that they are well hydrated.
French Shorthaired Pointer Education
When training a French Pointer it is good to know that they are less dominant dogs, so they listen to reason and learn the new guidelines easily. In addition, being attentive and intelligent dogs, training is even easier.
On how to train them, it is best to resort to basic dog socialization and education exercises, always resorting to techniques that respect the animal. This means that punishment and aggressiveness in any of its forms must be avoided, as this, in addition to being unpleasant and harmful, is not productive at all, as we explain in this other article on 5 common mistakes when scolding a dog.
French Pointer He alth
The French Pointer is a dog that does not usually present many alterations in terms of its he alth. But despite this good trend, it can develop some pathologies of various types.
One of the most common conditions is hip dysplasia, which requires at least supervision or even surgical intervention in the most serious cases. Also referring to the joints, it can present elbow dysplasia or patella dislocation.
Your eyes can also be affected by different diseases. Some examples are progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts Other diseases that can affect them are aortic stenosis or cleft lip, which consists of a lip malformation.
Adopt a French Pointer
If we want a French Pointer to be part of our family, there are many alternatives to look for a specimen. We always recommend looking for animal associations and protectors in the vicinity of our home, as this will allow us to go to the place where the animal is to be able to meet it directly.
In addition, we recommend finding out if there are associations specializing in rescuing the desired breed. Well, apart from the general kennels or shelters, where there are all kinds of dogs, there are entities dedicated to the rescue of one or a few specific breeds, which that can facilitate the procedures if we are clear that we expressly want a dog of that breed.
