14 French Dog Breeds That Are Très Chic

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Quirky, bubbly, BFF 

The French Bulldog is one of the most easygoing dog breeds. These laid-back companions have a reputation for getting along great with children and other pets (as long as they receive training and socialization).  

With a stocky build, batlike ears, and a smushed face, Frenchies are as cute as they are compact. They aren’t built for vigorous activity and don’t do well in the heat, so make sure they have access to water, AC, and a cooling bed if needed.

• Size: Extra large 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Confident, serene, smart 

Trusted for centuries to guard livestock in the Pyrenees Mountains, these supersize white dogs are as gentle as they are big. Great Pyrenees are big softies, making them great family dogs for people who have the space for them. These dutiful working dogs are happiest if they have room to roam.  

• Size: Extra small 
• Lifespan: 14–16 years 
• Temperament: Cheery, smart, social 

The perky Papillon is the smallest of the French dog breeds. These dogs have upright ears that resemble butterfly wings and are accented with heavy fringe. Best described as bright and playful, Papillons are great companion dogs for families or solo individuals who want a devoted and snuggly BFF.  

• Size: Extra large 
• Lifespan: 5–8 years 
• Temperament: Powerful, quiet, independent 

The Dogue de Bordeaux makes a statement when entering the room. Also known as a French Mastiff, these dogs command attention with their stout, muscular frame and serious but wrinkly face, which should be cleaned regularlywith wipes. Don’t let the looks fool you, though—these dogs are as lovable as they are striking.  

With size on their side and an independent spirit, an experienced pet parent is the best match for this French dog breed.

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 12 years 
• Temperament: Hardworking, loyal, confident 

Smart, independent, and loyal, the Briard is the total package when it comes to a family dog. Oh, and did we mention their great hair? These dogs have a long, tousled coat that covers their eyes and needs regular maintenance.  

Briards are high-energy and super intelligent, so you can’t be haphazard about their exercise or training routines. Make sure you plan on at least an hour of exercise each day, and challenge them with new activities, and brain gameslike puzzle toys. 

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Adventurous, friendly, smart 

If there’s a star athlete on the roster of French dog breeds, it might be the Beauceron. These sporty, large-breed dogs love a good time—especially if it involves running; jumping; chasing a ball or toy; swimming; or just about any other outdoor activity.

Beaucerons are also gregarious, but their boisterous nature can get the best of them if you don’t teach them good manners.  

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–13 years 
• Temperament: Daydreamer, mellow, smart 

The Basset Hound is all about the chill factor. These hounds like to keep things low-key unless an irresistible scent crosses their path. Tracking scents is one of their favorite activities, next to spending quality time with you.  

Basset Hounds have long, low bodies, droopy ears (which need cleaning, as they are prone to infection), and big puppy dog eyes. They do best in a home without a lot of steps but are otherwise very adaptable. These dogs generally get along well with kids, cats, and other dogs.  

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Intelligent, social butterfly, loyal 

The Barbet is a curly-coated French dog breed who loves the water and will happily splash around anywhere—if you don’t live near the ocean, a kiddie pool in the backyard will do. Swimming is a great workout for these high-energy dogs, along with activities like hiking or agility. 

Barbet dogs don’t shed much, so you won’t have to worry about dog hair everywhere. However, their coiled coat is prone to matting, so you’ll have to keep up with regular brushing and take these dogs to the groomer every four to eight weeks. 

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Watchful, confident, hardworking 

Bred to herd sheep in northern France, the Berger Picard is known to be enthusiastic about their job. As a pet, these dogs need experienced pet parents who can provide fair, consistent training, and enough mental and physical exercise to tire these working dogs.  

A Berger Picard is most recognizable by their shaggy coat and perky, upright ears. The distinctive, wiry coat is more than a style statement: It protects the dog against the weather while being low-shedding and low-maintenance, requiring just a once-per-week brushing with a grooming rake to control loose hair. 

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–14 years 
• Temperament: Active, mellow, social 

The “Energizer Bunny” of French dog breeds, a Brittany is a peppy pal who will never choose the couch over the call of adventure. If you love to be on the go with your dog, the Brittany is a great match. These dogs love running, hunting, hiking, camping—basically anything that requires some get-up-and-go.

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 13–15 years 
• Temperament: Outgoing, talkative, independent 

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen may not look like much of an athlete, but these hounds have surprising speed and stamina. Bred to hunt rabbits, these dogs are built to be close to the ground, and they frequently bark when on the trail.  

At home, they’ll find plenty of reasons to communicate with you, too. Traditionally used to hunt as part of a pack, these dogs also generally get along well with other dogs, but smaller pets might trigger their prey drive. 

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 14–16 years 
• Temperament: Sociable, affectionate, determined 

A smaller version of the GBGV, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a compact French hound who makes a great addition to active families. These dogs were also bred to hunt rabbits and work as part of a pack, so these dogs are especially sociable with other pets and people.  

Make sure you don’t take their exercise or training needs for granted, or these dogs can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors. 

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 17–19 years 
• Temperament: Intuitive, busybody, brainiac 

With a mind for work and a strong desire to please you, expect the Pyrenean Shepherd to be involved in just about anything you do. These small- to medium-sized herding dogs love to anticipate your next move—and try to beat you to it. This tendency comes from their heritage of herding sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains.  

Today, their natural talent and athleticism mean they’re naturals at canine competitions like agility and flyball.  

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Cooperative, content, lovebug  

It could be said that a French Spaniel pet parent has two dogs in one: Outside, these dogs are driven and energetic—ready to work hard with you (even if that just means keeping up on your daily run). In the house, these dogs are delightfully easy-going.  

This combination makes them great pets, as long as you have the time to give them sufficient exercise each day. However, this is a rare French dog breed in the United States—so finding a puppy to bring home or an adult dog to rescue could be challenging.

French Bulldogs are by far the most popular French dog breed in the U.S. In fact, this breed tops the AKC’s list of the most popular dog breeds—a spot it has held onto for four years straight.

Some of the best French dog breeds for families include the French Bulldog, the Basset Hound, the Papillon, and the Brittany. While Frenchies and Basset Hounds like to take life easy and are calmer family companions, the Papillon and Brittany will be a better fit for a family who wants a dog with some spunk. 

The Basset Hound, Barbet, Brittany, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen, and Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen were all bred for hunting. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and will love to go on a scent walk with you to explore the world with their nose.

French Bulldogs are among the most expensive breeds to purchase. These dogs can easily cost thousands of dollars because of high demand and small litter sizes. Special coat colors can make the price tag climb close to $10,000 (or more).