Braque Français (Gascogne Type)
Also known as Braque français grande taille, Braque de Gascogne
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 69 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
The large variety of the Braque Français, the Gascogne type is a powerful, sturdy pointing dog with strong limbs, supple skin, long ears and a brown or brown and white coat, often speckled. Calm, gentle and close to its owner, it hunts methodically and adapts to any terrain. Easy to live with, it suits a hunting family with plenty of space.
History and origins
The Braque Français is one of the oldest pointing dogs in Europe: it originated in southwestern France and the central Pyrenees, where it remained pure, and it is among the ancestors of many continental pointers. It comes in two types, the large Gascogne type and the smaller Pyrenean type, recognized separately by the FCI (no. 133 for the Gascogne type, standard revised in 2023). Heavier and calmer than its Pyrenean cousin, the Gascogne type came close to disappearing in the 20th century. It remains very rare in France, with 35 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion or ectropion
- Ear infections
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: brown, brown and white, heavily speckled brown and white, brown with tan markings.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- A little, 3 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Braque Français (Gascogne Type) FAQ
How big does the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) get?
The Braque Français (Gascogne Type) stands 58 to 69 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 32 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Braque Français (Gascogne Type) live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and entropion or ectropion.
