French dog breeds
France is home to many unique dog breeds that impress with their versatility, intelligence and character. Whether hunting, herding or companion dog - French breeds impress with their adaptability and loyalty. On this page you will find an overview of all French dog breeds, their history and characteristics to help you discover the perfect breed for you.
French dog breeds - diversity, elegance and a love of work
France is home to many unique dog breeds that are characterized by their versatility, intelligence and tradition. Whether noble hunting dogs, powerful herding dogs or charming companion dogs - French breeds impress with their strong character and special abilities.
From hunting to companionship - the diversity of French dogs
Many of these breeds were bred specifically for hunting, protection or herding and have retained their original instincts to this day. However, they are also popular as family dogs due to their loyalty and adaptability.
20+ great French dog breeds with pictures
On this page you will find an overview of all French dog breeds, their history and unique characteristics. Find out which of these fascinating dogs best suits your lifestyle!
Papillon

The Papillon is a small, elegant companion dog with characteristic butterfly-shaped ears. It is intelligent, playful and eager to learn, which makes it ideal for dog sports and trick training. Despite his petite stature, he is active and curious. His friendly and affectionate nature makes him a great family dog who enjoys a lot of attention.
Phalène

The Phalène is the lop-eared version of the Papillon and is one of France's small, elegant companion dogs. It is intelligent, gentle and affectionate, making it ideal as a family and companion dog. Despite its petite size, it is playful and active. His friendly and affectionate nature makes him a perfect companion for dog lovers.
Toy poodle

The Toy Poodle is the smallest version of the Poodle and impresses with its intelligence, elegance and playfulness. It is an eager to learn and affectionate companion dog that is easy to train. Its curly coat hardly sheds and requires regular grooming. Thanks to his friendly and alert nature, he is an ideal family and social dog.
Ariégeois

The Ariégeois is an enduring and elegant hunting dog from France, known for its sharp nose and excellent tracking ability. It was originally bred for hunting hare and wild boar and is characterized by its speed and endurance. Despite his hunting instinct, he is a friendly and sociable dog that requires consistent leadership.
Great Dane

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a powerful and imposing French dog breed, known for its muscular build and calm nature. It was traditionally used as a guard and protection dog and is characterized by its loyalty and protective instincts. Despite its strength, it is gentle and affectionate towards its family. Consistent training and sufficient space are essential.
Epagneul Breton

The Epagneul Breton is an agile and versatile hunting dog from France. It is characterized by its high intelligence, stamina and sniffer nose, which makes it ideal for bird hunting. His friendly and affectionate nature also makes him an excellent family dog. He needs plenty of exercise and mental activity to be happy.
Coton de Tuléar

The Coton de Tuléar is a small, friendly and cheerful companion dog from Madagascar that has strong ties to France. It is characterized by its soft, cottony coat and its affectionate, playful nature. He is an intelligent and easy to train dog who is particularly popular as a family dog and requires a lot of attention and exercise.
Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a versatile and passionate hunting dog from France. It is characterized by its excellent nose, intelligence and stamina, especially when hunting birds. Its friendly and affectionate nature also makes it popular as a family dog. He needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise to be balanced and happy.
Blue Gascon Griffon

The Blue Gascon Griffon is an enduring and robust hunting dog from France. It combines the sharp nose of the Blue Gascon hound with the agility and energy of a Griffon. Its dense, rough coat protects it in difficult terrain. He is friendly, intelligent and eager to work, but needs plenty of exercise and consistent training.
Pyrenean mountain dog

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog is an imposing and majestic guard dog from France. Originally bred to protect herds in the Pyrenees, it is characterized by its alertness, independence and composure. Despite its size, it is gentle, loyal and family-friendly, but requires consistent training as well as sufficient space and exercise.
Briard

The Briard is an intelligent and hard-working herding dog from France. With its long, wavy coat and alert nature, it was traditionally used for herding and guarding livestock. He is loyal, courageous and eager to learn, which also makes him popular as a family dog. Clear leadership and plenty of activity are essential for him.
Lion

The lion is a small, elegant companion dog with a long history in France. Its silky coat, often in the typical lion sheen, gives it a unique appearance. He is friendly, playful and intelligent, making him an ideal family and social dog. Despite its size, it is courageous and active and loves attention and activity.
Berger de Picardie

The Berger de Picardie is a robust and intelligent herding dog from France. With its rough-haired coat and alert nature, it was traditionally used for herding livestock. He is loyal, eager to learn and active, which makes him an excellent family and working dog. He needs plenty of exercise, mental exercise and consistent training.
Griffon Korthals

The Griffon Korthals is a versatile and enduring hunting dog from France. With its dense, rough coat, it is ideally suited to difficult terrain. It has an excellent nose, is intelligent, willing to learn and eager to work. Despite his hunting instincts, he is a loyal family dog who needs plenty of exercise and mental activity.
Porcelaine

The Porcelaine is an elegant and enduring hunting dog from France. Its short, shiny coat gives it a noble appearance. It was bred for hunting hare and deer and is characterized by its speed, endurance and excellent nose. Despite his hunting instincts, he is a friendly and affectionate companion who needs plenty of exercise.
Barbet

The Barbet is a French water dog, known for its dense, curly coat and its enjoyment of water work. Originally bred as a retrieving dog for hunters, today it is also a friendly and intelligent family dog. It is capable of learning, playful and adaptable, but requires consistent training as well as plenty of exercise and mental exercise.
Beauceron

The Beauceron is a powerful and intelligent herding and guard dog from France. It was originally bred for herding livestock and is characterized by its loyalty, alertness and willingness to work. His courageous and eager-to-learn nature makes him an excellent family and working dog that requires consistent training and plenty of exercise.
French Pointing Dog (Pyrenean type)

The French Pointing Dog (Pyrenean type) is a versatile and persistent hunting dog from France. It is characterized by its excellent nose, intelligence and willingness to work. Its short, dense coat makes it resistant to weather conditions. He is a friendly and loyal companion who needs plenty of exercise and mental exercise to be happy.
Griffon Nivernais

The Griffon Nivernais is a robust and enduring hunting dog from France. With its rough-haired coat, it is particularly well suited to difficult terrain. It has a pronounced nose, intelligence and independence. Despite his hunting instincts, he is a loyal and affectionate companion who needs consistent training and plenty of exercise.
Long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog

The Long-haired Pyrenean Sheepdog is an agile and intelligent herding dog from France. It was bred for herding livestock in the Pyrenees and is characterized by its endurance, alertness and learning ability. Its thick, long coat protects it from harsh weather. He is a loyal and energetic companion who needs plenty of exercise and mental activity.