Dog Breeds From France

There are more than 40 registered dog breeds in France. In this article, we will tell you about the main dog breeds in France. Many of them are internationally famous, while others are adopted only by the country’s peasants.

What are the dog breeds in France?

If we count all the canines that were born in the French lands, we will reach 43 breeds. This country is one of the greatest breeders of “lineages” in the world. Meet now some of the most important dogs in France:

1. Basset Hound

This breed is part of the group of sniffer dogs and is characterized by short legs, elongated body and drooping ears that can touch the ground. This dog was bred for hunting deer, foxes and deer. It arose through the cross between the dog of Santo Humberto – Bloodhound (from Belgium) – and an English dog  . This dog is very calm and kind, a little stubborn, affectionate, playful and affectionate. He gets along well with children and enjoys sleeping and eating more than exercising. Despite this, sport is essential to avoid being overweight in this breed.

2. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)

This is another of the dog breeds in France, in this case, belonging to the mastiff family. The French Mastiff is big and has a lot of strength, as well as a firm and determined character. It is without a doubt an excellent guard dog.

In the past, it used to be used for hunting large animals and for fighting. Both activities are happily banned today. As for his temperament, we can emphasize that he is very close to his family and is very affectionate. This dog suffers a lot when he is alone and can become aggressive.

3. French Bulldog

The first specimens appeared in the late nineteenth century, after English bulldogs arrived in France after the Industrial Revolution. It is a small molessus, but very muscular and strong. One of the main characteristics of its appearance are the “bat” ears, that is, pointed and forward.

Also, it has a small muzzle and creases on the face. The character of this animal is: sociable, playful, alert and cheerful. You can live in an apartment without any problems and you need to exercise every day.

4. Poodle

The poodle is another of the French dog breeds that are very popular around the world. This dog emerged in the 15th century as a mascot for nobles and aristocrats. Later, it was used as a catch dog in the water because it sought prey that had fallen into lake or river dams. Currently, this dog stands out for its beauty and elegance. There are four types of poodle: toy, dwarf, medium and large. They are very playful and active animals, full of energy and intelligent, but they are easily distracted.

5. Pastor of the Pyrenees

This breed is within the group of sheepdogs and  is used for surveillance, especially in the mountainous region of the Pyrenees. There are two varieties: long-haired and short-haired. It is a very agile and daring animal. He’s not afraid to attack a wolf or a bear if necessary. Furthermore, it is characterized by independence (difficult to train). He has an adorable appearance with double-layered white fur and droopy ears. The Pyrenees Shepherd is medium in size and has fine bones.

6. Blue Griffon from Gascony

It is a breed of dog from France, bloodhound type and originated in the region of Gascony  (southwest of the country). It is used for small game, has speckled spots, drooping ears and a high, curved tail. It is a cross between the small blue of Gascony and the griffon of Nivernais. He is always very alert and is not well known outside French territory.

7. Continental Dwarf Spaniel (Papillon)

This is another of the dog breeds in France that are related to the noble classes of the 18th century. The name is due to the fact that  Queen Marie Antoinette has a dog of this species. The queen called the anima “le petit papillon” (the little butterfly). It is a Spaniel-type animal that has ears similar to the wings of a butterfly, open and vertical. They are usually white with black or reddish spots. He is a very loyal dog, very active, with smooth and elegant fur. In addition, Papillon is easy to train and needs company from a young age.