The French have a deep love for dogs. In the late 1800s, it’s said that over a million people in France had a pup by their side. Whether they were used for hunting, herding, or simply cherished as loyal companions, dogs have always held a special place in French hearts. While France is famous for its history, art, and cuisine, it’s also home to some truly unique dog breeds. Let’s take a look at 15 of the most popular breeds that originated in France.
What characteristics are common among French dog breeds?
French dog breeds often share characteristics such as intelligence, loyalty, and elegance. They are known for their distinct appearances, versatile abilities, and friendly temperaments. Some breeds from France include the French Bulldog, Beauceron and Bloodhound.

1. Basset Fauve de Bretagne
A short haired hound that comes in two colors, fawn and fallow. It is one of the most popular dog breeds to come from France today. The Basset Fauve de Bretagne stands at about 15 inches tall and weighs around 38 pounds. The average lifespan of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is around 13 to 16 years. It was bred to hunt rabbits, hare, and fox in France. These dogs need lots of exercise and playtime, ideally in a fenced-in yard. They will follow their noses anywhere!

2. Berger Picard
The Berger Picard, also known as the Picardy Shepherd, is a herding dog breed that has been present in the French culture for at least 400 years. It received its name from the ancient French word ‘Picardie,’ which referred to a region of France near Belgium and the North Sea. The Berger Picard, or Picardy Shepherd, stands about 26″ tall and weighs 50-70 pounds. It is valued for its intelligence, loyalty, and reliability. One of their trademark looks is their erect ears, which can be spotted a mile away. The average lifespan of the Berger Picard is around 12 to 14 years.

3. Chien de Saint-Hubert or Bloodhound
Records of the Chien de Saint-Hubert, or St Huberts Hound, appear in France in 727 AD – Beginning with St. Hubert, the French Monastery who bred hounds with amazing scent, tracking, and courage. These dogs were colored black with fawn/red accents. Experts believe the St. Hubert is the beginning of the true bloodhound. It is a hunting breed that is still used to hunt boar, bear, and deer in France today, just like the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, a dog breed that has a long French lineage dating back to medieval times. The Chien de Saint-Hubert stands up to 27 inches tall and weighs 90-110 pounds. It has a short top coat with an undercoat of slightly longer hair. The average lifespan of the Chien de Saint-Hubert is around 12 to 15 years. Despite their large size, Bloodhounds have a calm and friendly demeanor, making them affectionate companions and reliable search and rescue dogs.

4. Beauceron
This herding dog is one of the most known in France. The first written mention of the Beauceron is in 1587. It was bred strictly with French dogs and was used to protect flocks from predators such as wolves. The Beauceron stands at about 28 inches tall and weighs 70-110 pounds. Originating from a French region called ‘La Beauce,’ this makes it one of the reasons that it is called a Beauceron. The Beauceron, also known as Berger de Beauce and Bas Rouge (red stockings), has been used as a guard dog and loved by all since its introduction to France. The Beauceron has a rich history and has been involved in various roles throughout the years, serving as bomb sniffers, rescuers, competitors, and even transporting supplies and messages during both world wars. Another characteristic of Beaucerons is their double dewclaws, which give them two “thumbs” on each hindfoot.

5. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
This hound is a French breed, used to hunt hare, rabbit, fox, and boar. Their strong sense of smell and determination made them excellent hunters. The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen stands at 18 inches tall and weighs around 51 pounds. It has been used as a hunting dog since the late 1700s. They have a friendly and outgoing temperament, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Historically, this breed was developed in the Vendée region of France.

6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
This is a French dog bred for hunting. It has an average height of 24″ tall weighs up to 70 pounds. They were bred for hunting and pointing game in the field and require regular exercise to keep them happy. This breed can be found with a rugged, wiry coat in chestnut brown, roan, orange or grey with brown markings. Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are most suitable for experienced hunters as they can be difficult to train. However, with the right training the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a wonderful hunting companion.

7. Barbet
This water dog was bred to hunt birds in marshlands around France during the early 16th century and appears in artwork from that time. Today, this rare breed is more used as a family pet and watchdog. The Barbet stands about 25 inches tall and weighs up to 70 pounds. It is affectionate, intelligent, and clever. The average lifespan of the Barbet is around 14 to 16 years. They can be found in the colors: black, gray, brown, fawn with white. Despite their long history, the Barbet faced near-extinction following World War I. It has only started to make a comeback in Europe and the U.S. in recent years.

8. Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen, also known as a PBGV, is a dog breed from France. This breed has been bred as a companion and hunting dog in France since the 16th century. The petite basset, or PBGV, is similar to the Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen and the Basset Hound but smaller in stature. Also bred for hunting, they are more commonly found as family companions now; something they excel at. The PBGV stands about 15 inches tall and weighs up to 40 pounds. It has been recognized as a breed by the FCI since 1976. Its French name, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, perfectly describes the breed, translating to ‘small, low to the ground, rough coated, from the Vendée region of France.

9. Bouvier des Flandres
This large dog was bred as a sheep herder in France during the 16th century. The Bouvier des Flandres stands up to 28″ tall and weighs between 70-110 pounds. They are calm, loyal, and obedient to their family. This breed requires a lot of exercise to keep them happy. The average lifespan of the Bouvier des Flandres is about 11 to 13 years. They can be found in: fawn, black, salt and pepper, brindle and grey.

10. Briard
This dog was bred in Northern France during the 14th century to herd and guard sheep. The Briard stands about 27 inches tall and weighs 55-100 pounds. It has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. The Briard is an active breed that requires a lot of exercise. All uniform coat colors are permitted except white. True to its working dog roots, the Briard needs chores, whether that’s chasing a ball or accompanying you on a hike. It also needs a big, fenced-in yard in which to run off all that excess energy and regular brushing to keep its long coat from matting. Known for its loyalty and ability to please, the Briard is a great family dog, especially with children.

11. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a delightful breed that hails from France. They are known for their small size and compact build, typically weighing between 16-28 pounds. Despite their small stature, they have a muscular and sturdy frame. French Bulldogs are often described as affectionate and friendly, making them excellent companions for individuals and families alike. They have a gentle temperament and are known to be good with children and other pets. When it comes to coat colors, French Bulldogs come in a variety of shades including fawn, brindle, cream, white, and pied. Their short coats require minimal grooming but do shed moderately. Overall, French Bulldogs make wonderful pets due to their loving nature, manageable size, and beautiful coat colors.

12. Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean shepherd, AKA “Pyr Shep”, was bred in the 19th century to herd sheep and protect them from predators in the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain. This breed stands about 18 inches tall and weighs up to 30 pounds. It has an average lifespan of 17 to 19 years. The Pyrenean shepherd comes in both a ‘rough-faced’ and ‘smooth-faced’ variety and is generally a high-energy dog. Along with the Great Pyrenees, Pyrenean Shepherds herded sheep and livestock in the mountains between France and Spain. They are incredibly eager to please and thus train very well. Every Pyr Shep you meet is playful and diligent when it comes to tasks. This breed was recognized by the FCI in 1955 and the AKC in 2009.

13. Brittany
This French hunting dog, AKA the French Brittany, and now know as simply the Brittany, was bred in Britany, France, which is its home country. It stands 20 inches tall and weighs 30-40 pounds. Despite it’s former name of Brittany Spaniel, the Brittany is not a Spaniel breed. They are an intelligent hunting dog that are also talented in retrieving. As a companion, they are docile, calm, sociable, playful, highly intelligent, and make excellent watchdogs. The Brittany was developed as a hunting dog, descending from dogs in the 14th century in France. They has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years and are well-known as a versatile gun dog that are tireless and require a job and exercise to keep them happy. They are a breed that becomes very attached to their humans.

14. Dogue de Bourdeaux
This large French dog, known as the Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff, is one of the oldest and most revered French breeds, originating some time in the 14th century. It is famous for its massive head and muscular build, as well as its deep loyalty and affection for its people. Standing about 24 inches and generally weighing over 110 pounds, the Dogue de Bordeaux is truly a gentle giant. It has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. The origin of the breed is not exactly known, but some believe they originated from the Tibetan Mastiff and ancient Molossoid war dogs from the time of Cesar.

15. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees AKA Pyrenean Mountain Dog is a magnificent dog breed hailing from France. Known for their majestic appearance and gentle nature, they make wonderful companions and guardians. These dogs are large in size, with males typically weighing between 100-160 pounds and standing 27-32 inches tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 85-115 pounds and standing 25-29 inches tall. Despite their imposing size, Great Pyrenees are known for their calm and patient temperament. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. When it comes to coat colors, Great Pyrenees are white and may have patches of grey, pale yellow or orange. Their double coats are thick and weather-resistant, providing insulation in cold weather. Overall, the Great Pyrenees is a remarkable breed that combines strength, beauty, and a gentle disposition.