Braque Français (Pyrenean Type)
Also known as Braque français de petite taille, Petit braque français
- Height at the withers
- 49 to 58 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 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
A smaller, lighter version of the Gascogne-type Braque Français, the Pyrenean type is a rustic pointing dog, muscular without heaviness, with a short, fine coat. Gentle, very attached to its owner and easy to train, it is a versatile hunter valued for its firm point, and it also makes a pleasant family companion if it gets long outings every day.
History and origins
The Braque Français is among the oldest pointing breeds in Europe: it descends from the old pointing dogs of southwestern France and the central Pyrenees, where they had remained pure. The breed comes in two types, the large Gascogne and the smaller, lighter Pyrenean, better suited to today’s hunting on foot. Both are recognized by the FCI (standards no. 133 and 134, revised in 2023) and looked after by the same breed club. The Pyrenean type is by far the more common of the two in France, with more than 600 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) a year (623 in 2025).
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion and 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
- Good, 4 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
- Rarely, 2 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 (Pyrenean Type) FAQ
How big does the Braque Français (Pyrenean Type) get?
The Braque Français (Pyrenean Type) stands 49 to 58 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Braque Français (Pyrenean Type) shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Braque Français (Pyrenean 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 (Pyrenean 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 (Pyrenean 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 (Pyrenean Type) live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia, as well as entropion and ectropion.
