French pointing dog - gascogne type

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Here, you will find all the useful information about french pointing dog - gascogne type. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

The French Braque is a very old breed, formerly known as the Braque du Pays. It was originally bred in south-west France, in the central Pyrenees to be precise. It is believed to be descended from the "Chien d'Oysel", which is the ancestor of most Braque-type dogs in Europe.

In the mid-20th century, the French Braque was abandoned by most hunters in favour of Germanic or British breeds. However, a few determined breeders took the initiative to save the breed and make it a benchmark in the pointing dog category in France. There are two distinct types, the Pyrenees and the Gascogne. The latter is slightly larger than the former, but morphologically they are identical. They were recognised by the FCI on 18 January 1955.

The French Braque has a harmonious, elegant morphology. These powerful dogs are formidable and tireless hunters. They have a stocky, muscular body with a broad chest. The topline is oblique but straight, giving it good propulsion power. The head is fairly large and elongated, without being massive.

The stop is clear but not very pronounced. The short coat is thick, dense and silky. It is mainly brown, self-coloured or dotted with white. The tail is generally docked and carried high over the loins.

The character of the French Braque, whatever the variety, is very gentle and tender. Primarily used for hunting, especially tracking game in difficult environments, they are also perfect family dogs.

With its calm, docile nature, it knows how to make itself forgotten when it needs to be. A good guardian, they have a highly developed protective instinct and are rather wary of strangers entering their territory. Perfectly balanced and versatile, these are useful working companions and extremely endearing domestic dogs. If you're athletic and sensitive, you'll find your alter ego in welcoming a French Braque.

The weight of the French Braque varies from 17 to 25 kg and its height is 57 to 65 cm for males and 47 to 56 cm for females.

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Origins

The French Gascony type pointing dog, as its name indicates, has its roots in the Gascony region in France. This hunting dog comes from a long line of French pointers and is known for its exceptional abilities in hunting game birds. Its ancestors were already present in the region since the Middle Ages, and over the centuries, this breed has been refined to meet the specific needs of hunters in this hilly and forested area.

History

Historically, the French Gascony-type Pointing Dog was used by hunters for its scent and its ability to work closely with humans. In the 17th century, the breed was particularly appreciated at the court of Louis XIII, a hunting enthusiast. However, it was in the 19th century that the breed was truly defined and standardized, coinciding with the rise in popularity of hunting sports in France.

Standard

According to the FCI standard, the Braque français-type gascogne is a medium to large size dog, robust and powerful, but without heaviness. It has a short coat, usually speckled with black and white, allowing it to effectively camouflage in various natural environments. Its head is noble and well-proportioned with expressive eyes, reflecting its intelligence and gentleness.

Physical characteristics

This dog is distinguished by a well-developed musculature adapted to full days of hunting. Its chest is wide and deep, allowing for good respiratory capacity, essential for endurance. Its legs are strong and its feet are round, capable of navigating difficult terrain. Its gait is smooth and elegant, with a stride that covers the ground well.

Character

The French Pointer-type Gascogne is known for its balanced temperament and deep attachment to its master. It is a very sociable dog that gets along well with other dogs and humans. Despite its imposing appearance, it is gentle and patient, making it an excellent family companion.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of this breed is generally between 12 and 14 years. As with all dogs, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care are essential to ensure a long and healthy life.

Exercise and activity needs

Given its hunting dog origins, the French Braque-type Gascogne requires a lot of daily exercise. It is ideal for active owners who can provide at least one to two hours of intense activity each day. The breed excels in various canine sports, such as agility and tracking.

Recommended diet

The French Gascony Pointer's diet should be tailored to its activity level. A diet high in protein and moderate in fat will help maintain its muscle mass while avoiding overweight. It is recommended to divide its daily portion into two meals to minimize the risk of gastric torsion.

Training and obedience

This dog is intelligent and relatively easy to train, especially if training starts at a young age. He responds well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. Due to his hunting instinct, particular attention should be paid to recall training.

Behavior with children

The French Pointer Gascogne type is generally patient and gentle with children. He can be a tireless and protective playmate. Like all interactions between dogs and young children, supervision is recommended to ensure everyone's safety.

Compatibility with Other Animals

Thanks to its sociable nature, this dog generally gets along well with other pets, especially if it is socialized from a young age. However, its hunting instinct can sometimes take over, so a cautious introduction is essential when new animals are introduced into the home.

Grooming needs

Grooming of Gascon-type French Pointing Dogs is relatively simple due to their short coat. A weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep their coat clean and reduce shedding. It is also recommended to regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.

Health

This breed is generally healthy, but may be prone to typical issues seen in large breeds, such as hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary exams and maintaining a healthy weight can help minimize these risks.

Average price

The price of a Gascony-type French Pointing Dog puppy can vary significantly, typically between 500 and 1200 euros, depending on the pedigree and compliance with breed standards.

Expenses

The annual costs to maintain a Gascony-type French Braque, including food, veterinary care, insurance, and accessories, can range between 1000 and 1500 euros (approximately 1100 to 1650 dollars). These costs may increase in case of specific health issues or competitive activities.

Name ideas

When choosing a name for a French Gascony-type Pointing Dog, owners often like to reflect the elegance or hunting abilities of their dog. For example, "Archer" evokes skill and precision, while "Diane", the name of the goddess of hunting, emphasizes the dog's hunting nature. "Marquis" and "Duchess" are popular choices that reflect nobility and grace. "Flash" symbolizes speed and agility, and "Sage" reflects the intelligence and calm temperament of the breed. "Bravo" celebrates prowess and courage, "Mystique" refers to mysterious and captivating beauty, "Orion" recalls the celestial hunter, and "Echo" can symbolize this dog's ability to track trails during hunts.

Legislation and regulation

There is no specific prohibition regarding the Gascony-type French Pointing Dog. However, as with all breeds, it is important to comply with local regulations regarding dog ownership, including registration, vaccination, and confinement rules.

Official recognition

The Braque Francais (French Pointing Dog) - Gascony type is officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which has established the breed standard. In France, the breed is managed by the Société Centrale Canine, which maintains the official register and promotes the breed standards throughout the country.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees for Gascony-type French Pointer puppies are available from recognized breeders and through the French central canine society. These documents certify the purity of the breed and provide information on the puppy's ancestry, essential for breeders and dog competitions.

Destination and usage

Traditionally used as a hunting dog, the French-pointer type of Gascony excels in hunting feathered game. In addition, its docile nature and intelligence make it suitable to be a wonderful companion dog or a participant in various canine sports.

Prohibitions

To date, there are no specific restrictions imposed on the Gascony type French Pointing Dog in any country. However, owners must comply with general regulations regarding dogs in the different countries or regions where they reside or travel.

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