Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
With robustness assessed as average to good, the Braque Français is rarely ill when it benefits from regular monitoring, an appropriate diet and sufficient activity.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention relies in particular on a cautious organization of meals and on monitoring any unusual digestive sign, in order to react quickly in case of emergency.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: This digestive emergency is the main predisposition reported in the breed and requires immediate veterinary care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its tolerance to cold as well as to heat is average. It is advisable to adapt the duration and intensity of outings to the temperatures, avoiding sustained efforts during episodes of heat or marked cold.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
His tendency to gain weight is notable. A measured ration, adjusted to his activity, and several daily outings help preserve his physical condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor any abdominal swelling or digestive discomfort and seek urgent veterinary care.
- Avoid physical exercise before and after the meal.
- Regularly check the condition of the ears and eyes.
- Maintain a suitable daily activity to limit weight gain.
Vaccination
French Pointer vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a French Pointer need? Like all dogs, French Pointers should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial French Pointer vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult French Pointer booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your French Pointer need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy French Pointer
Regular veterinary monitoring is recommended, with particular attention paid to the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus and to any digestive symptom requiring prompt care.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
