A Guide to French Dog Breeds

France, known for its rich history, art, and cuisine, also boasts an impressive array of unique and beloved canine companions. From the elegant Papillon to the versatile Brittany Spaniel, these breeds have captivated dog enthusiasts with their distinctive traits and personalities.

Whether you're a seasoned dog lover or are simply curious about the canine world, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into the captivating world of French dog breeds!

French dog breeds have had many diverse roles, serving as working dogs, show dogs and loyal companions. They have also made significant contributions to various fields. For example, in the realm of hunting, breeds like the Brittany Spaniel and the Basset Hound have demonstrated their exceptional scenting skills, agility, and determination. On the other hand, French herding breeds, such as the Beauceron and the Berger Picard, have excelled when guiding and managing livestock with their intelligence and trainability. Additionally, French breeds have also served as vigilant guardians, protecting homes and properties with their innate protective instincts.

Personality: Energetic and easily trained

Brittany Spaniels hail from the region of Brittany in France. They are an energetic breed and are excellent hunters due to their keen sense of smell and natural intelligence. Despite their hunting background, they make great companions at home and have a willingness to please, meaning they will easily adapt and respond well to training. When it comes to grooming, their needs are moderate, and they just need regular brushing to maintain their coat.

Personality: Laid-back and calm

Basset Hounds are unmistakable, with their droopy ears, long bodies and soulful eyes. Also originating from France, these dogs possess an exceptional sense of smell, making them amazing scent hounds. They have a laid-back nature and calm temperament, which is what makes them popular companions for families. Their grooming needs involve regular ear cleaning, as their long ears can trap moisture that causes infections.

Personality: Intelligent and obedient

Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, but are most notably known for their curly, hypoallergenic coat and bold looks. They excel in obedience, agility and are great at water retrievals. It’s this trainability and charm that makes them beloved family pets, but also stars in the show ring. They require regular mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom and to maintain their well-being, and their curly coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best!

Personality: Agile and friendly

The Papillion is named for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, and they are graceful and lively dogs. They are small and elegant and are known for their agility and quickness. They are great companions to have around, as they are intelligent and very friendly and are always seeking affection. Their long, silky coats require regular brushing and occasional grooming to keep them looking beautiful.

Personality: Loyal and intelligent

Originating from the plains of France, the Beauceron is a powerful and versatile breed with a strong herding background. Their grand appearance, combined with their loyalty and intelligence, means they are exceptional working dogs and guardians. They perform well in dog sports and are highly trainable, making them well-suited for professional owners as well as families. As they are a large breed, they are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, so regular veterinary care is important.

Personality: Charming and resourceful

Berger Picards originate from the Picardy region in France and have gained recognition for their herding abilities and charming personalities. These medium-sized dogs are known for their intelligence, agility, and resourcefulness, and their enduring spirit and versatility makes them valuable partners in herding and active lifestyles. Unlike Brachycephalic breeds like the French Bulldog (that tend to suffer from ailments like breathing issues), they are also generally very healthy dogs. However, as with all breeds, we still recommend regular check ups!

Personality: Determined and reliable

Bloodhounds were originally bred in Belgium, but have deep roots in France too. They are renowned for their exceptional scent tracking abilities and have an unwavering determination to follow a trail. Despite their large size, Bloodhounds have a calm and friendly demeanour, making them affectionate companions and reliable search and rescue dogs. Like Beaucerons, Bloodhounds are prone to hip dysplasia, but also ear infections and bloating, so a proper diet and exercise is essential for them.

If you find yourself captivated by the charm of French dog breeds, it's important to remember that responsible ownership goes hand in hand with the joy they bring. Understanding their specific needs, temperament, and training requirements is essential to ensure a happy and fulfilling relationship with your furry companion.

To further deepen your knowledge of canine behaviour and training, we offer an accredited Canine Behaviour Training Diploma Course for just £29 (save £98!) that provides valuable insights into understanding dog behaviour and addressing common behavioural issues. We also offer a Dog Grooming Diploma Course for the same price that allows you to begin grooming your four-legged friends with confidence.