Without doubt, France is a country recognized internationally for its culture, architecture and gastronomy. However, we cannot forget the number of dog breeds that are originally from their territory. Nowadays, we can find more than forty canine breeds that have originated in these lands. However, some of these breeds have become extinct over the years. In this article we are going to explore the ten most popular French dog breeds together!
The Barbet
The first on our list is the Barbet, a type of water breed with a strong body and medium size. He has long curly hair and is popularly called the ‘ancestor of the poodle’. As a curiosity, there are several controversies and theories about its origin but it is usually recognized as a French breed, being one of the oldest breeds on the European continent.
The Poodle
The poodle or medium poodle is the most popular French breed in the world. What is the reason behind this? Not only are they adorable in appearance and especially sensitive, but they are some of the most intelligent dogs in the world. The most distinguished physical aspect of the poodle is its curly hair that requires high maintenance. If you have an adult poodle, you should wash it every 21 to 35 days or so. It is important to note that excess washing can dermatologically alter what can generate allergies in the future.
The Basset Hound
The basset hound is a dog that belongs to the group of hounds that originated in the Lorraine region of France, specifically in Saint Hubert. His ancestry is also doubtful, it is believed that he may have descended from certain bloodhound lineages. Of course, his name is clear! Basset contains ‘bas’ which in French means ‘low’ as can be seen in its short limbs.
Their sad faces are also a very peculiar characteristic of these dogs. Although at first, they used to be hunting dogs because of their excellent sense of smell and tracking, now they are companion dogs. They have a loyal, funny character and are one of the calmest breeds in the world.