Pointing Dog / FCI Group 7 · No. 133 · Purebred · The large variety of France's ancient French Pointing Dog — powerful, hound-like build with a supreme nose and exceptional cooperative temperament
The French Pointing Dog - Gascogne Type (FCI No. 133) is the large variety of France's ancient French Pointing Dog — one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world. Larger, more powerful, and more hound-like than its sibling the Type Pyrénées, the Gascogne type traces its roots to the southern French region of Gascony, where it was bred to handle big, open terrain. With greater bone, substance, and a more deliberate working style, the Type Gascogne is the original "grande taille" (large size) Braque Français.
The Braque Français is documented in southern France from the 15th century and is considered by many cynologists to be the foundational pointing dog from which most modern European pointing breeds derive. The Gascogne variety is rarer than the Type Pyrénées today but prized by hunters who want a powerful, large-framed gun dog with the breed's characteristic gentle, cooperative temperament. FCI recognizes both varieties as separate breeds.
Real Braque Français dogs — browse photos showcasing their chestnut-and-white coat, athletic build, and expressive hound-like head.
The Type Gascogne shares the Braque Français's celebrated gentle, cooperative temperament — arguably the most trainable of all French gun dog breeds. Its greater size gives it more presence and stamina in the field without sacrificing sensitivity at home.
The French Pointing Dog - Gascogne Type is a generally healthy breed. French breed clubs emphasize working ability alongside health, resulting in a robust gene pool with few significant hereditary issues.
The Type Gascogne is the ideal choice for hunters or active families who want a large, powerful gun dog with the Braque Français's exceptional gentleness. Its greater size and more deliberate working pace suit open terrain and big-game bird hunting. If you want a historically significant French gun dog with a powerful frame, outstanding nose, and the most cooperative temperament in the pointing dog world — and can provide space and daily exercise — the Gascogne is a remarkable choice.
The Braque Français's gentle, affectionate nature means it benefits from a boarding facility that offers human interaction. Its sensitivity to separation means a familiar item from home helps significantly. Its large, manageable build and non-aggressive temperament make it easy for staff to handle.
Budget approximately $130–$210 per month for a French Pointing Dog - Gascogne Type.
The Type Gascogne is maintained almost exclusively as a purebred working dog in France. Crosses are very rare outside dedicated hunting communities.
Two ancient southern European pointing breeds combined — the Gascogne's powerful French frame meets the Bracco's hound-like build. An exceptionally powerful, stylish bird dog with extraordinary historical depth.