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.

AKA: French Mastiff, Bordeaux Bulldog

Description: The Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux can be aggressive with other dogs. It has to be socialized and trained firmly from an early age. Male Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat does not need that much attention. An occasional combing and brushing is enough.

Other Info: The Dogue de Bordeaux 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 Dogue de Bordeaux will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised.

AKA: Berger de Brie, Berger Briard

Description: The Briard is a large herding dog characterized by its coarse, long, and slightly wavy coat. It has a bushy look all over, and it has a beard, mustache, and shaggy eyebrows. It has a black nose and its ears can be cropped or left naturally. The tail is feathery, and has a crochet hook at the tip.

Dynamics: The Briard is a natural herder and farm worker dog. It is always alert and has a strong protective instinct. It is sensitive and is equipped with an exceptional hearing ability. It is gentle and sweet, and brave and loyal that it makes an excellent watchdog.

The Briard is very intelligent and has a good memory. It is eager to please its owner, but it also has a will of its own. Training it should involve showing who is the master because it can be stubborn if not raise properly. Socialization should begin in its early years and the training has to be consistent. The Briard can become destructive and very unfriendly if it is not brought up well. It can get along with children and other household pets but it has to be treated with affection and respect.

The Briard is a very dedicated and faithful dog to its family, almost to the point that it disregards other people. This breed requires lots of activities and work to satisfy its energy and be happy.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: average 75 lbs (35 kg)

Height: males 24-27 inches (62-68 kg), females 22-25 inches (56-64 kg)

Color: The Briard comes in either black, gray, or tawny. The coat of the tawny Briard puppy will turn to a lighter yearling coat, and then deepen again to a darker color as it grows.

Country of Origin: The Briard is an ancient breed that originated in France. It became popular in 1863. By this time, its look has improved because of crosses with the Beauceron and Barbet.

Activities: The Briard is a breed that is happy when it’s working, otherwise it becomes restless and destructive. It needs to be exercised enough and given the time to run around freely. The Briard is a natural herder and flock guardian, but it is also used in search and rescue, police work, military work, watchdogging, and guarding.

Grooming: The Briard’s coat is coarse and a little rough. It doesn’t get dirty easily. But it can become matted if not brushed regularly. Excessive hair in the ears and between the pads of its feet should be removed. The ears should be checked regularly, too.

Other Info: The Briard has a life expectancy of 10-12 years. It is a healthy breed but is prone to PRA, cataracts, and hip dysplasia. This breed is also prone to bloat and may experience stomach torsion, which can be fatal. The Briard will get along fine in an apartment as long as it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors. This breed is devoted to be with its family, but it also loves to be outdoors.