Pointing Dog / FCI Group 7 · No. 134 · Purebred · The nimble small variety of France's ancient French Pointing Dog — a woodcock specialist and hidden gem of North American upland hunting, with extraordinary gentleness and trainability
The French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type (FCI No. 134) is the small, nimble variety of France's ancient French Pointing Dog — and by far the more common and more widely kept of the two Braque Français varieties today. Compact, athletic, and finely built, the Type Pyrénées was developed in the foothills of the Pyrenean mountains of southern France, where close-cover hunting demanded a quicker, more agile dog than the larger Gascogne type.
Both varieties trace their roots to the 15th century and are considered by many cynologists to be the foundational pointing dog from which most modern European pointing breeds derive. The Type Pyrénées has gained a devoted following in North America, where hunters prize it as a "hidden gem" — a natural bird dog with outstanding field ability in a manageable, family-friendly package. It is the more popular variety in the United States and excels particularly at woodcock hunting.
Real Braque Français dogs — browse photos showcasing their chestnut-and-white coat, athletic compact build, and expressive hound-like head.
The Type Pyrénées is celebrated for an exceptionally gentle, cooperative temperament — arguably the most trainable of all French gun dog breeds. Its compact size makes it more adaptable to suburban life than the Gascogne, while its field drive is every bit as passionate.
The French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type is a generally healthy, long-lived breed. French breed clubs emphasize working ability alongside health, resulting in a robust gene pool with few significant hereditary issues.
The Type Pyrénées is one of the most complete gun dog and family companion combinations available. Its extraordinary gentleness and trainability make it accessible to active owners without a gun dog background, while its genuine field ability satisfies the most demanding hunters. Compact enough for suburban life yet driven enough for serious upland hunting — especially woodcock — it is a remarkable choice for anyone who wants an elegant, historically significant French pointing dog that is as devoted at home as it is passionate in the field.
The Braque Français's gentle, affectionate nature means it benefits from a boarding facility that offers human interaction. Choose a facility with personalized care — not a pure kennel environment. Its sensitivity to separation means a familiar item from home (worn garment, toy) helps significantly. Its manageable size and non-aggressive temperament make it easy for staff to handle.
Budget approximately $110–$190 per month for a French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type.
Braque Français mixes are uncommon outside France. The breed is maintained as a purebred working and heritage dog. Occasional crosses with other French and continental pointing breeds occur in hunting communities.
Two of Europe's most celebrated pointing breeds — the Braque's ancient French refinement and the GSP's modern athletic precision combine in a fast, stylish, biddable gun dog with outstanding versatility in both close cover and open fields.
The Braque's Pyrenean mountain heritage meets the Vizsla's Hungarian plains drive — a sensitive, affectionate, high-energy bird dog with a superb nose and close hunting style ideal for woodcock and upland game.