The first thing that cracks your mind when you hear French dog breeds must be the French Poodle. Although it’s the national dog of France, the Poodle originated from Germany. It was raised as a water dog, and the name Poodle comes from the German word “puddle.” But we can’t forget that the Western European nation is home to most canines loved globally.
French dog breeds come in various coats, sizes, and shapes. Almost 55 percent of households in France have a pet dog, and they all leave a je ne sais quoi aura. Read on to learn about the most famous French dog breeds that are more appealing than croissants.
The Top 10 French Dog Breeds that You Will Love in 2023
Below is a comprehensive guide of the top 10 french dog breeds, to help you make an informed decision.
Beauceron
Beaucerons get their name from La Beauce, where they originated in Paris. Their owners used them for herding livestock. Beauceron’s intelligence, bravery, size, and strength made them the perfect choice for World War efforts. Police still use them for search and rescue missions. These dogs are calm, loyal, and eager to please, making them the perfect companion for your home.
Basset Hound
In French, the word ‘basset’ means low. The Basset Hound originated from Belgium and France. The close-to-the-ground scent hound came from Bloodhound. Because of its small physique, it can keep its nose on the ground. Basset Hounds have a great sense of smell and long floppy ears.
French bulldog
The French bulldog has gained popularity in recent years. Presently, they’re among the most highly regarded dogs in the United States. They were first developed in France after lace makers from the UK came with toy bulldogs to Northern France. They were crossbred with other breeds, making them popular with fashion-savvy ladies of Paris. Famous for their affectionate and fun-loving nature, bulldogs are great family pets. They also overheat easily because of their flat faces and are prone to respiratory problems. They are also among the funny dog breeds globally.
Dogue De Bordeaux
The Dogue De Bordeaux is another ancient breed known as the French mastiff. Romans introduced these breeds to France to fight in gladiator rings and battles. These dogs are renowned for their affection for their family, protectiveness, and loyalty. Without proper training, their protective nature may be excessive. They aren’t suitable for new dog owners, and they don’t like other dogs.
Brittany spaniel
Brittany originated from the northwest part of France. Peasants and poachers used the unpretentious pointing breed from the 17th century for hunting. They’re playful, intelligent, energetic, and do well in dog sports. Spaniels tend to suffer from separation anxiety; hence they’re best suited for a home where they have company most of the time.
Briard
Briards are ancient dogs that worked on farms in the Brie region of France. They’re skilled herders and renowned for their versatility. The Briard has also been a companion to some of the world’s most famous people, Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Charlemagne. To this day, the Briard is fiercely loyal to its family-especially kids, lives to please, and is easy to train. All these qualities make it the perfect family dog.
Barbet
This medium-sized water dog is renowned for retrieving waterfowl and its rescue skills in water bodies. Barbets have long curly and woolly fur matching a Poodle dog and a muscular build. They also have a dense, thick undercoat that keeps them warm in cold temperatures.
Poodle
Poodle dogs are too cute, and you can never miss seeing them in most French homes. Plus, they’re France’s national dog, so that says a lot. Poodles are intelligent, glamorous, and fun to live with. Taking a cue from their history as water retrievers, Poodle dogs are highly active and require a lot of exercise. They enjoy long walks, jogging, and a good game of fetch.
The Great Pyrenees
In the ancient day, herders used the Great Pyrenees to help them guard their flock. They would protect against predators because of their agile and robust nature. Presently, these ferocious and intelligent dogs can make training difficult. However, their devotion and calm nature make them worth keeping in your home.
Papillon
Papillon in French means butterfly. Could there be another befitting name for this small animal? Unlike all the other breeds on this list, the Papillon came into existence during France’s Renaissance period. Noble ladies kept it as a companion. Papillons are small dogs with so much energy, do well in competitive obedience and sports, and are highly trainable.
If you plan to acquire a French dog breed, think about space in your home, allergies to dogs, and activity levels. Species like the Brittany spaniel and Briards need room to run and tons of exercise. If you have allergies, breeds to cross from your list are Dogue De Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, and the French bulldog.
