It’s not just the romance, high fashion and gourmet cuisine that we need to thank France for, we need to be grateful to the French for their utterly loveable canine breeds too. Let’s take a quick look at the French dog breeds that leave us saying Oui Please!

French Mastiff

Deeply loyal and highly affectionate the French Mastiff tops the list of the most loved French breeds. Also known as the Dogue de Bourdeax, this oldest and most revered French dog has its origins in the 14^th Century in the Southern French region of Bordeaux. Mastiffs were first exhibited in 1863 after which the breed grained popularity not only in France but also in other parts of the world.

 

DID YOU KNOW? The Dogue de Bourdeax named Magentas who won the first canine exhibition held in “Jardin d’Acclimatation” in Paris, was a female

 

Basset Hound

This low-slung and low-key Basset Hounds are a perennial favorite of dog lovers across the globe. Stubborn at times but always charming, the Basset Hounds stands no higher than 14 inches at the shoulder. However, their big-dog strength and stamina comes from their remarkably heavy bones, powerful little legs, and massive paws. Bassets are famous for a large, domed head that features extremely long, velvety ears, mournful eyes, and a wrinkled brow, which give them the look of a sad clown. The breed’s scenting ability is uncanny; second only to the Bloodhound’s.

French Bulldog

Very few small dog breeds can boast of such popularity as the French Bull Dog. With their large bat ears and even disposition, this one-of-a-kind breed is a favourite, especially among city dwellers. Playful, alert, adaptable, and completely irresistible, the French Bulldog resembles a Bulldog in miniature, except for the large, erect ‘bat ears’ that are the breed’s trademark feature. The bright, affectionate Frenchie is a charmer and although they don’t bark much, their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples, or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise.

Great Pyrenees

Originally bred to deter sheep-stealing wolves and other predators on snowy mountaintops, the Great Pyrenees today are mellow companions and vigilant guardians of home and family. The majestic Pyrs are big, immensely strong dogs standing as high as 32 inches at the shoulder, often tipping the scales at more than 100 pounds. These steadfast guardians usually exhibit a Zen-like calm, but can quickly spring into action moving with grace and speed to meet a threat. The lush weatherproof coat is all white, or white with markings of beautiful shades of grey, tan, reddish-brown, or badger.

Beauceron

Imagine a Border Collie’s brain in a 100-pound body, that’s The Beauceron for you. Imposing powerful and remarkably smart, these versatile herders are especially loved by women as a dashing but sensitive companion and protector. Beaucerons stand as high as 27.5 inches at the shoulder, are muscular, rugged, and large, yet graceful and in all ways balanced. Their dark black coats feature handsome squirrel-red accents.

 

DID YOU KNOW? The breed’s red feet earned it the French nickname Bas-Rouge (‘red stockings’)

 

The well -chiseled long head and the dark brown eyes project a frank and confident expression befitting their fame as levelheaded watchdogs and guardians.

Brittany

Sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic cherish the agile, energetic Brittany as a stylish and versatile gundog. Bright and eager at home, and tireless afield, Brittanys’ demand a lot of exercise, preferably with their favorite humans. Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they stand at about 20 inches at the shoulder. Their beautiful, boldly patterned coat comes in combinations of white and vivid orange and liver (reddish-brown). Rugged and strong but smooth, clean, and quick afoot, the softness of their face is adored by bird-dog lovers.

Papillon

The toy dog Papillon is quick, curious, beautiful and athletic. Often described as happy, alert, and friendly, the Pap is truly a ‘doggy dog’ blessed with a hardy constitution.  A tiny dog, measuring 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder, these dainty breeds come with a plumed tail, and a long silky coat of several colour combinations over the base colour white. Paps are little dogs for all seasons and reasons and make an ideal pet in in warm or cool climates, in town or country, and are always eager to join family fun.

 

DID YOU KNOW? The large, wing-shaped ears give the breed its name (‘Papillon’ is French for ‘Butterfly’)

 

Pyrenean Shepherd

 

An agile herder descending from the ancient sheepdogs of the Pyrenees mountains, the Pyrenean Shephard is enthusiastic, mischievous, super smart. This small breed is courageous, independent and can run pretty fast. Their exceptional stamina and energy make them a great companion for the outdoors and an ideal choice for active families. The breed comes in short and long coat type, has a triangular head with almond shaped eyes.