AKA: Little Lion Dog, Petit Chien Lion

Description: The Löwchen is a bichon type dog, with long silky coat that is most often presented in a lion cut. The coat is not fluffy and thin like that of a Bichon Frise, though. Instead it is long and wavy, not curly, with a mix of thick and fine hairs. Its head is short but broad, and has black nose and round dark eyes. The ears are in pendant shape and feathered. The body is short as well, proportional, and ends in a medium-length tail.

The Löwchen’s body is advised to be clipped in the hindquarters, the part of the tail closest to the body, and part of the front legs in order to make the look of a lion to the Löwchen.

Dynamics: The Löwchen is a lively and cheerful dog. It is playful and affectionate, and are good with children and other dogs and pets. It is a very good toy dog for the family. It is also an intelligent breed and can learn fast. There will be little problems with its training. It is also fearless and can be aggressive for leadership, despite its size. But it can also be sensitive and gentle. Socialization is important, of course. This breed may like to bark or dig a lot.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 9-18 pounds (4-8 kg)

Height: 10-13 inches (25-33 cm)

Color: The color of the Löwchen’s coat can be anything, even brown. But the most favored colors would be white, black, and lemon. Speckled Löwchen dogs are also acceptable.

Country of Origin: The Löwchen originated in France, and the breed was popular throughout the countries of southern Europe. The breed decreased in number throughout the 20th century and two World Wars. By 1960, it was declared by the Guinness Book of World records that the Löwchen was the ‘rarest breed.’

Activities: The Löwchen, like all other dogs, needs to have a daily walk and exercise. It also needs play as part of its physical needs. The Löwchen likes to play and run around in an open area, and must be granted this enjoyment to avoid behavior problems.

Grooming: The coat of the Löwchen should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The Löwchen sheds little to no hair, which is a good thing for allergy sufferers.

Other Info: The Löwchen has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. It is a generally healthy breed, and will do well living in an apartment. This breed will do okay without a yard and is active even when indoors.

Photo: Ainus

AKA: n/a
Description: English Setter breed are slim and fine look. Coat is flat with a little feathering in either long or short length. There are two types of this breed: The Hunting type which has short length coat and the Show type that has long length coat. They have different spotted coat colors known as belton that comes in blue, orange or tri-colors. Their head is long and proportion to their body, eyes are big, nose is dark colored and tail set high especially when they are alert. Muzzle is square in shape with skull oval shaped and medium in size.

Temperament: They are considered gentle in nature, friendly very affectionate too but could also be stubborn and harmful at times. They needed a lot of activity because they are very playful and full of energy always. They needed to be given enough attention by their owner for them not to feel bored. They are intelligent an breed therefore easy to train as long as they would not be destructed with other people around them. They can be sensitive especially when they fail on their trainings. They must be given a thorough training until they could master the task being trained to them.

Activity: They like to play around and needed to have daily exercise like brisk walking and jog or run around in an open but safe area for them to be free and regain their energy.

Health: They could suffer hip dysplasia and females could have false pregnancies. This breed should be fed just according to their capacity to prevent over feeding since they could easily gain weight.

Grooming: They are an average shedder so they only need to be brushed and no heavy grooming required for this breed. Bathe them only when needed.

Breed Group: Sporting, Gun Dog
Color: white with blue, lemon, orange, brown speckling or others are tri-colors.
Height: Dogs 24-27 inches (61-69cm) Bitches 23-26 inches (58-66cm)
Weight: Dogs 55-80 pounds (25-36kg) Bitches 45-70 pounds (20-32kg)
Country Of Origin: France

Dynamics: This Breed is an active, alert but also friendly. They like to catch their owner’s attention as always. They hate to be left behind, instead they enjoy playing around but should also be aware of them since they have the attitude of being stubborn. They are considered as the oldest breed among gun dogs.

Image Source: Britannica.com

AKA: Epagneul Francais

Description: The French Spaniel has a well-formed head, of medium length and width. It has a sloping stop, with a brown nose, dark oval eyes, and long feathery ears set back and hanging. The neck is muscular and arched, and the back is slightly sloping. The thighs are muscular and well-rounded. The chest is wide and deep. The tail is not docked and is usually set low. The coat of the French Spaniel is feathery along the back of the legs, belly, tail, and ears.

Dynamics: The French Spaniel has a calm and even temper. It is affectionate and is gentle with children. It has the tendency to become so attached to its owners. This breed is people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It can be easily trained and is sensitive, so training and caring for it has to be consistent, firm, but gentle. This is an intelligent and brave breed, enthusiastic and persistent in hunting and possessing an excellent nose.

Breed Group: Hunting

Weight: 44 – 55 pounds (20-25 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), females 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Spaniel comes in white with liver markings, which can either be small or dominating. Speckling may be present.

Country of Origin: The French Spaniel is a distant descendant of the Chien d’Oysel from the middle ages. The French Spaniel is a rare breed, even in its homeland France, where it was almost endangered but was revived by Father Fournier.

Activities: The French Spaniel loves exercise, and it has the amount of stamina for it. This breed is known as a remarkable hunting companion, retriever and flusher.

Grooming: The feathery coat of the French Spaniel should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The ears has to be checked to avoid infections.

Other Info: The French Spaniel is not recommended to live in the city or in an apartment. This is an active dog made for the hunt and action. This breed can resist the cold and harsh conditions.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Bourbonnais Pointer, Braque du Bourbonnais, French Pointer

Description: The French Pointing Dog is a medium-sized pointing dog with muscular features and a round head. Its nose is the same color as its coat and its eyes are big with the color of hazel or dark amber. Its ears are slightly set at eye level hanging down.

The body of the French Pointing Dog is solid, wide, and muscular. Its chest is wide and deep, and its ribs are well-sprung and rounded. The tail is set low and short. Sometimes, the tail is naturally absent. The forelegs are straight, and both legs are well-constructed.

Dynamics: The French Pointing Dog is an affectionate dog with a calm personality. It is only when hunting and running around when its passion and vigor is clearly seen. The Braque du Bourbonnais is intelligent and quick to learn. It can adapt quickly to any terrain and condition. It is also very cooperative and agreeable, which makes it an excellent hunting and companion dog.

The French Pointing Dog is a people-oriented dog and likes to be with its family at all times. It can also get along well with other breeds.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 39.5-55 lbs (18-25 cm), females 35-48.5 lbs (16-22 cm)

Height: males 20-22.5 inches (51-57 cm), females 18.5-22 inches (47-56 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Pointing Dog has two colors: liver and fawn. It can be moderately ticked, with possible spotting. There is also a spot that covers one eye.

Country of Origin: The French Pointing Dog comes from the Province of Bourbonnais, France, tracing far back to 1598.

Activities: The French Pointing Dog is a hunting dog so it naturally prefers to be outdoors. Lots of exercises and time outdoors is needed for this breed.

Grooming: Brush and bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails trimmed.

Other Info: The French Pointing Dog has a life expectancy of 13-15 years. It is generally healthy, but still prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion eyes, and pulmonic stenosis of the heart. The French Pointing Dog is not fit to live in an apartment. It may be people-oriented but it is an active breed which is bred for hunting and outdoors.

Photo of Vrac du Rocher des Jastres, by Mic comte

AKA: Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bulldog

Description: The French Mastiff is a mastiff breed that is short, stocky, and muscular. Its head is a distinctive feature, with an undershot and powerful jaw, and a distinguishable black or red mask around and under the nose, lips, and eye rims. The nostrils are very open and the upper lips hang thickly down over the lower jaw. The ears naturally hang down.

There is a dewlap on the neck. The thick skin is loose. The front legs are straight and the tail is straight, curving when the dog is excited.

Dynamics: The French Mastiff has a calm and gentle personality, although originally it was considered ferocious. It is a brave and loyal companion, and is patient and devoted to its family. It is gentle with children and other family members. It makes a wonderful watchdog and guard dog.

The French Mastiff can be aggressive with other dogs. It has to be socialized and trained firmly from an early age. The male French Mastiff generally does not tolerate other male dogs.

Breed Group: Mastiff

Weight: 120-145 pounds (54.4-65.2kg)

Height: 23-30 inches (58-75cm)

Color: The French Mastiff comes in shades of fawn to mahogany. The black or red mask on the face is always present. White markings on the toes and chest are acceptable.

Country of Origin: The French Mastiff comes from France, where it has been a dog of many services throughout history, from being a war dog to becoming a cattle driver and bodyguard.

Activities: The French Mastiff needs a lot of exercise as it has a huge amount of energy within. This breed has served man throughout history as a war dog, flock guardian, dog fighter, cattle driver, watch dog, and guard dog.

Grooming: The French Mastiff’s coat does not need that much attention. An occasional combing and brushing is enough.

Other Info: The French Mastiff has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, although litters are small and birth is difficult because of the puppies’ large heads. The French Mastiff will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.