3 Rare French Dog Breeds with Ticked and Spotted Coats

Among the many extraordinary dog breeds, a few rare French dogs stand out for their striking ticked and spotted coats. These three breeds, native to France, were originally bred as hunting dogs and almost disappeared before careful breeding efforts helped preserve them. They are visually distinctive and beloved for their unique appearances and temperaments.

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne puppies share a similar body shape to the well-known Basset Hound, with long backs and short legs. Their coats, however, are quite different: predominantly white with fine black ticking and larger spots that give a bluish tinge – hence the name "Bleu." Their long, droopy ears and soulful eyes give them an endearing, melancholy expression typical of hound breeds.

This rare breed remains mostly seen in France, and its rarity adds to its unique charm. While they can be relatively lazy if not kept active, they are surprisingly agile when moving and possess an excellent sense of smell, making them excellent hunting companions historically. They adapt beautifully to family life, especially with children, favouring a calm but intelligent temperament.

Training a Basset Bleu de Gascogne requires patience and consistency with a firm yet gentle approach, as they respond well to positive reinforcement. Their intelligence allows them to pick up commands quickly, making them rewarding pets to train for families who can provide structure and regular mental stimulation.

The Braque d'Auvergne

The Braque d'Auvergne hails from the Auvergne region of France. This medium-sized hunting breed sports a beautiful ticked and spotted coat, usually mottled with a combination of white and black or liver patches, while their head and ears are often a solid dark colour. The breed was developed as a gun dog and pointer, prized for its endurance and keen scenting abilities.

Once on the brink of extinction after the Second World War, dedicated breeders have revived the Braque d'Auvergne population through careful selective breeding. They exhibit a balanced temperament despite their hunting origins, being very affectionate, loyal, and eager to please their owners.

Due to their strong need for companionship, they may struggle with separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Early socialisation and training can help prevent behavioural problems, such as excessive barking, nervousness, or destructive tendencies. Because of their high energy and hunting instincts, they thrive with plenty of outdoor exercise and mental challenges – less suitable for busy urban living but excellent for active families or country homes.

• Hyperactivity
• Destructiveness
• Over-excitability
• Nervousness
• Excessive barking

The Braque Français

The Braque Français is another distinguished French hunting breed known for a ticked and spotted coat, typically white with brown or black markings. Similar to other Braque breeds, it was bred as a versatile pointer and gun dog. While common in France, they are rarely sighted outside their home country, making them a treasured rarity.

Like the Braque d'Auvergne, this breed nearly vanished post-Second World War but was saved by passionate breeders – some of whom are based in the UK. The Braque Français is loyal, affectionate, and sociable, making them wonderful family dogs, especially with children and other dogs.

However, their high prey drive means caution is necessary when sharing a home with smaller pets. Their intelligence and desire to please allow for relatively easy training. As with all hunting dogs, they require plenty of outdoor activity and mental enrichment for a happy and healthy life.

For those considering adding one of these rare French breeds to their family, sourcing pups from reputable breeders is essential to ensure responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices, helping maintain the genetics and health of these unique dogs.