French Pointer Pyrenees Type

The French Pointer is thought to be the direct descendant of an ancient breed of hunting dogs described by Gaston Fébus (14th century). The selection of this breed has always been aimed at producing an effective hunting dog. The two types of French Pointers probably descended from Spanish Pointers or Italian Pointers. Outside of France, the French Pointer is little known. Both types originate from the southwest of France and the central Pyrenees.

French Pointers are considered intelligent, obedient dogs and very attached to their owners. They love children. The French Pointer Gascony type is a sporting dog that needs to expend energy. It must be accustomed from an early age to city life.

The French Pointer Pyrenean type is a pointer with a powerful, robust and muscular appearance. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard describes the Pyrenean type as presenting the same general characteristics as the French Pointer Gascony type, all proportions considered. The desired height is 50 to 55 cm at the withers. Females are more refined. The belly is less pronounced and the front limbs are lighter than in the Gascony type. The tail is generally docked. A naturally long or short tail should not be considered a fault if it is held well. The muzzle length is slightly smaller than the skull length. The head is quite substantial, but not too heavy. The skull and muzzle lines are slightly divergent. The neck presents little or no dewlap. The skull is almost flat with a slight central groove. The occipital protuberance is not very prominent. The stop is slight with a brown nose with well-opened nostrils. The lips are less pendulous than in the Gascony type or less convex. The ears are barely folded and inserted above the eye line. When stretched, the ear tips stop 2 cm from the nose. The skin is tighter and the coat is finer and shorter than in the Gascony type. The short-haired coat is brown, brown and white with or without ticking, or brown marked with fawn above the eyes, on the lips and on the legs.