France is celebrated for its wine, cuisine, and art—but its dog breeds from France are equally extraordinary. From the iconic French Bulldog to rare herding and hunting companions, French dog breeds blend elegance, intelligence, and centuries of history. In this guide, we highlight 15 remarkable French dog breeds, each with its own charm, from loyal guardians to spirited sporting dogs. Whether you’re a dedicated canine enthusiast or simply intrigued by France’s four-legged legacy, prepare to fall in love with these exceptional breeds. Let’s explore what makes French dog breeds so unique and loved worldwide.
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 lively and compact hunting hound, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a French breed known for its wiry, short coat in fawn or fallow hues. Standing just 15 inches tall and weighing around 38 pounds, this spirited scenthound was originally bred to track rabbits, hares, and foxes across rugged terrain. Renowned for its keen nose and boundless energy, the Fauve thrives with plenty of exercise and secure outdoor space to explore-though owners beware, its strong hunting instincts mean it will eagerly follow any intriguing scent! With a lifespan of 13 to 16 years, this hardy and affectionate breed remains a favorite in its homeland, combining versatility, endurance, and charm in one small package.
2. Berger Picard: A Rustic French Shepherd Breed
The Berger Picard, or Picardy Shepherd, is a rugged herding breed with deep roots in French history, dating back at least 400 years. Named after the Picardie region near the North Sea, this intelligent and loyal dog was traditionally used to herd livestock across the windswept plains of northern France, prized for its endurance and sharp instincts. Standing 26 inches tall and weighing 50–70 pounds, the breed is easily recognized by its alert, erect ears and wiry, weather-resistant coat. A versatile worker and devoted companion, the Berger Picard excels in both pastoral duties and modern dog sports. With a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, this rare but resilient breed remains a living link to France’s pastoral heritage—combining strength, smarts, and unmistakable charm.
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: France’s Bold Herding Breed
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
A spirited and tenacious scenthound, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen has been a prized hunting companion in France since the late 1700s. Bred in the Vendée region, this rugged hound was developed to track hare, rabbit, fox, and even boar, relying on its keen nose and relentless determination. Standing 18 inches tall and weighing around 51 pounds, the breed combines compact strength with endurance, wrapped in a shaggy, low-to-the-ground frame. Despite its hunting prowess, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is equally known as a sociable, outgoing family companion, thriving in active homes. With its boisterous charm and historic roots, this breed remains a testament to France’s rich tradition of versatile working dogs.
6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rugged French hunting breed developed as the ultimate versatile gun dog, excelling at tracking, pointing, and retrieving game. Standing 24 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds, this athletic breed boasts a distinctive wiry, low-shedding coat that comes in shades of chestnut brown, roan, orange, or grey with brown markings – perfect protection for fieldwork. Bred to work tirelessly in marshes, fields, and forests, these dogs require plenty of exercise and thrive when given a job to do. While their independent nature makes them challenging for novice owners, experienced hunters prize the Griffon for its exceptional work ethic, intelligence, and loyalty when properly trained. With their scruffy charm and boundless energy, these French originals remain one of the most capable hunting companions for those willing to put in the training time.
7. Barbet: The Water-Loving French Breed
One of France’s oldest canine treasures, the Barbet has been a fixture in marshlands since the 1500s, immortalized in Renaissance artwork as the ultimate water retriever for hunting waterfowl. Standing 25 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds, this curly-coated athlete was nearly lost after World War I, but is now experiencing a well-deserved revival. More than just a historic hunting companion, today’s Barbet shines as an intelligent, affectionate family pet and alert watchdog, thriving in homes where it can put its problem-solving skills to use. With a 14-16 year lifespan and a hypoallergenic coat that comes in black, gray, brown, or fawn with white, this rare pup is winning hearts beyond its native France. The Barbet’s combination of medieval heritage and modern versatility makes it a truly special breed – a living link to France’s sporting past that’s finally getting its second chance.
8. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: A Small French Hunter
Brimming with French countryside charm, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) has been a beloved hunting companion since the 16th century, bred to fearlessly track rabbits through the rugged Vendée region. Standing just 15 inches tall and weighing up to 40 pounds, this spirited scenthound is the compact cousin of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, packing all the determination of its larger relatives into a petite, rough-coated package. While originally developed for the hunt, today’s PBGV thrives as an energetic family companion, winning hearts with its merry personality and trademark scruffy appeal. Officially recognized by the FCI in 1976, its name perfectly captures its essence: Petit (small), Basset (low to ground), Griffon (wire-coated), Vendéen (from France’s Vendée). Whether sniffing out trails or cuddling at home, this lively little French hound brings 400 years of heritage to modern life with endless enthusiasm.
9. Bouvier des Flandres
A rugged working dog with 16th century roots, the Bouvier des Flandres was originally bred as a versatile farmhand in the French and Belgian border regions, excelling at herding sheep, cattle driving, and even pulling carts. This powerful but gentle giant stands up to 28 inches tall and weighs 70-110 pounds, with a distinctive shaggy coat that comes in fawn, black, salt-and-pepper, brindle, and grey. While their imposing size commands respect, Bouviers are known for their calm demeanor, fierce loyalty, and eagerness to please – making them outstanding family protectors when properly trained. These intelligent dogs require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to match their strong work ethic. With an average lifespan of 11-13 years, the Bouvier des Flandres remains a magnificent example of France’s pastoral heritage – a hardworking companion equally capable of guarding flocks or warming hearts at home.
10. Briard: France’s Versatile Herding Dog
With its flowing coat and noble bearing, the Briard has been France’s pastoral guardian since the 14th century, bred in northern regions to herd flocks and protect homesteads with unwavering devotion. Standing 27 inches tall and weighing 55-100 pounds, this athletic working dog combines strength with surprising agility—traits that demand ample exercise, a large fenced yard, and purposeful activities to satisfy its energetic nature. While the breed comes in all uniform colors except white, its most distinctive feature remains the long, double coat requiring regular brushing to prevent mats. True to its heritage, the Briard thrives when given “jobs,” whether it’s hiking, playing fetch, or watching over children, whom it protects with legendary loyalty and gentle patience. With an 11-13 year lifespan, this intelligent, people-pleasing breed makes an exceptional family companion—so long as owners can meet its need for both physical challenges and heartfelt connection, just as French shepherds have for over 700 years.
11. French Bulldog: The Classic French Dog Breed
The French Bulldog packs big personality into a compact, muscular 16-28 pound frame, making it one of France’s most beloved companion breeds. Known for their bat-like ears and expressive faces, these affectionate clowns thrive as urban pets, getting along famously with children, strangers, and other animals. Their low-maintenance coats—coming in fawn, brindle, cream, white, or pied—require minimal grooming despite moderate shedding. What truly sets the Frenchie apart is its easygoing yet playful nature, combining the adaptability of an apartment dweller with the heart of a loyal shadow. While they don’t need much space, their sensitive respiratory systems demand climate-controlled comfort—a small tradeoff for a breed that lives to snuggle, entertain, and brighten every day with its irresistible charm.
12. Pyrenean Shepherd: A Nimble Dog Breed From France
Born in the rugged Pyrenees Mountains where France meets Spain, the Pyrenean Shepherd (or “Pyr Shep”) has been herding sheep and outsmarting predators since the 19th century—working alongside the larger Great Pyrenees as the “brains” of the mountain flocks. Compact but mighty at just 18 inches tall and 30 pounds, this agile herder comes in two charismatic varieties: rough-faced (with a tousled, windswept charm) and smooth-faced (for a sleeker look). What the Pyr Shep lacks in size, it makes up for in boundless energy, intelligence, and eagerness to please, excelling in obedience, agility, and of course, its original shepherding duties. With one of the longest lifespans of any breed (17-19 years), these playful workaholics bring tireless enthusiasm to every task—whether it’s managing livestock or mastering tricks. Recognized by the FCI in 1955 and the AKC in 2009, the Pyr Shep remains a living testament to pastoral ingenuity, combining ancient herding instincts with a whip-smart, trainable nature that thrives on purpose and partnership.
13. Brittany: A Lively Dog Breed From France
Originally known as the French Brittany, this lively and intelligent hunting dog hails from Brittany, France, where it was developed as early as the 14th century to be the ultimate versatile gun dog. Standing 20 inches tall and weighing 30-40 pounds, the Brittany is not a true spaniel—despite its former misnomer—but rather a natural pointer and retriever, prized for its tireless work ethic and keen instincts in the field. At home, this breed transforms into a sociable, playful, and deeply affectionate companion, forming strong bonds with its family while maintaining a watchful, alert demeanor. Brittanys thrive when given plenty of exercise and mental challenges, whether through hunting, agility, or outdoor adventures. With a lifespan of 12-14 years, this highly trainable and people-oriented breed remains a favorite among hunters and active families-proving that a hardworking heritage and loyal companionship go paw in paw.
14. Dogue de Bordeaux: A Giant Among French Breeds
One of France’s most ancient canine treasures, the Dogue de Bordeaux (or French Mastiff) has commanded respect since at least the 14th century with its massive, wrinkled head and powerful, muscular frame. Standing 24 inches tall and often weighing over 110 pounds, this gentle giant hides a deep well of devotion beneath its imposing appearance, forming unshakable bonds with its family. Though its exact origins remain shrouded in history-with possible ties to Tibetan Mastiffs and Roman Molossian war dogs-its legacy as a guardian, hunter, and loyal companion is undeniable. Sadly, like many giant breeds, its lifespan is brief (8-10 years), making every moment with this velvet-faced protector all the more precious. Whether as a historic battlefield sentinel or a modern couch-loving guardian, the Dogue de Bordeaux remains a living monument to France’s canine heritage-where strength and tenderness collide in the most extraordinary way.
15. Great Pyrenees: A Majestic Dog From France
Towering like a snow-capped peak in the Pyrenees Mountains, the Great Pyrenees (or Pyrenean Mountain Dog) is France’s noble guardian, bred centuries ago to protect flocks from wolves and thieves with quiet authority. These gentle giants stand 27-32 inches tall (males) or 25-29 inches (females), weighing up to 160 pounds of pure, poised strength-yet their true power lies in their calm intelligence and unwavering loyalty. Cloaked in a thick, weather-resistant white double coat (sometimes with subtle gray, yellow, or orange markings), they’re built to withstand mountain winters but equally content as family sentinels in homes. While their protective instincts run deep, Great Pyrenees are famously patient and affectionate with their loved ones, embodying a rare balance of majesty and tenderness. Though independent thinkers, their devotion to “their flock”-hether sheep or children-is absolute, making them living legends of pastoral France.
Other Dog Breeds Originating in France
Here’s a list of dog breeds native to France as recognized by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC), the official French kennel club and FCI member. The breeds are categorized by type (e.g., herding, hunting, companion, etc.):
Herding & Sheepdogs (Bergers et Bouviers)
- Berger Picard (Picardy Shepherd)
- Berger des Pyrénées (Pyrenean Shepherd) – Rough-faced & Smooth-faced
- Berger de Beauce (Beauceron)
- Berger de Brie (Briard)
- Bouvier des Flandres (shared with Belgium)
Hounds (Chiens Courants & Chiens de Recherche)
- Basset Artésien Normand (Norman Artesian Basset)
- Basset Bleu de Gascogne (Blue Gascony Basset)
- Basset Fauve de Bretagne (Fawn Brittany Basset)
- Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV)
- Chien d’Artois (Artois Hound)
- Grand Bleu de Gascogne (Great Gascony Blue)
- Griffon Fauve de Bretagne (Fawn Brittany Griffon)
- Poitevin
- Porcelaine
Gun Dogs (Chiens d’Arrêt & Spaniels)
- Braque d’Auvergne (Auvergne Pointer)
- Braque Français (French Pointer) – Gascogne & Pyrénées types
- Braque du Bourbonnais (Bourbonnais Pointer)
- Épagneul Breton (Brittany Spaniel, now simply “Brittany”)
- Épagneul Français (French Spaniel)
- Épagneul Picard (Picardy Spaniel)
- Épagneul Bleu de Picardie (Blue Picardy Spaniel)
Molossoids & Mastiffs
- Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
- Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées (Great Pyrenees/Pyrenean Mountain Dog)
Companion & Toy Breeds
- Barbet (French Water Dog)
- Bichon Frisé (originally a French Mediterranean breed)
- Bichon Havanais (Havanese, developed in France/Cuba)
- Caniche (Poodle – Standard, Miniature, Toy; recognized as French despite earlier origins) The VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen), Germany’s official kennel club and FCI member, classifies the Poodle (Pudel) as a German breed,
- Coton de Tuléar (Madagascar-origin, but developed in France)
- French Bulldog (Bouledogue Français)
- Papillon (with French development history)
Rare & Lesser-Known Native Breeds
- Chien de Berger de Crau (rare herding breed)
- Chien de Rouvroy (critically rare hunting breed)
Notes:
- The SCC follows FCI standards for breed classification.
- Some breeds (e.g., Poodle, Bichon Frisé) have debated origins but are culturally claimed by France.
- Braque Saint-Germain and Braque Dupuy are historic French breeds now extinct.
Check out our list of over 340 dog breeds with pictures!
