France is a wonderful country to visit, and it is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Many people dream of going here because of the tourist attractions, cities of cultural interest like Strasbourg and Paris, the language, the food, and the spectacular beaches. Aside from those, another great thing about France is that the people here are dog lovers.
Dogs are man’s best friends in France, next to cat and fish. In fact, there are about 7.5 million dogs among the 63 million pets in this country. If you wonder what dog breeds you’d likely see as a pet in France, you’re in the right place. Today, we are giving you a list of the most popular dog breeds in France.
1.English Setter
The English Setter is a hunting dog that originated in Britain. In France, it is very popular and is used as a pointing dog. They were named as such because they practiced “setting” or crouching low whenever they found birds to help hunters throw their nets over them. Today, aside from being used as hunting dogs, they are also great family companions.
They are super affectional dogs that love their human family and even other pets at home. They are also energetic, which means that they are more suitable in a home with a yard and space to run around.
2.Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is another popular dog breed in France. Even though it’s small, it is a lively and affectionate dog that is a good guardian, too. They are long-lived and low-allergen dogs that make fine little watchdogs. Its personality can surely provide people a lot of laughs, love, and close companionship. No wonder French people love this dog breed.
3.French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is probably the most popular dog breed in France. Even though it has a “French” on its name, it actually originated in England. It has historically acted as a companion dog for travelers going to France from England. Due to this long history, the dog began to take on the French name.
French Bulldogs are adorable pets that are great snuggle buddies. It also has the perfect size to take with you everywhere. However, it is an expensive breed and also difficult to find.
4.American Staffordshire Terrier
Another popular dog breed in France is the American Staffordshire Terrier. It is also known by the diminutive Amstaff. It is a very good guardian dog, but can also be a good companion when it’s trained well. It is a muscular dog breed that is strong, but also loving and affectionate. They are also intelligent, making them easy to train.
5.Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a very popular dog breed, not just in France but in many parts of the world. It is a kind, playful, and particularly intelligent dog. It was bred to be both a friendly companion and a working dog breed. They are originally used as fishermen’s helpers. They did jobs like fetching ropes, hauling nets, and retrieving fish.
Today, Labrador Retrievers are being used as pets at home, assistance dogs, show competitors, and even search and rescue dogs. They are still good-natured and hardworking as their ancestors, making them one of the favorite dog breeds in France.
6.Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is also popular in France. Even though it has “Australian” on its name, it is not originally from Australia but from the Basque country. It is popular due to its dynamic and athletic traits. They are the happiest when they have a job to do, and they are also wonderful family companions, especially when their intelligence and energy are channeled into dog sports or activities.
7.Cavalier King Charles
The Cavalier King Charles is another popular dog breed in France. It is a dog of English origin and is an archetypal companion dog. It is small in size but is very affectionate and playful. They are the largest of the toy breeds, and they enjoy activities like running on the beach, hiking, and different dog sports like flyball and rally. Some are even used as hunting dogs, and the more restful ones are great as family friends and therapy dogs.
8.Belgian Malinois Shepherd
Another French favorite is the Belgian Malinois Shepherd dog breed. It’s because this dog is affectionate and protective, and it also has a great capacity for learning. They were initially bred as herding dogs, but today, they work as military and police dogs. But they are also wonderful family members.
If an experienced dog person takes care of this breed, they can become intense, intelligent, and athletic companions. However, due to their high energy and exercise needs, they are not suitable for apartments and small living spaces. It is also not for a first-time dog owner.
9.Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the second most popular dog breed in France. It is a medium-sized dog that looks a lot like the Labrador, but with a long-haired dress. Many people in France love this dog breed due to its friendly and tolerant attitude. They excel at retrieving game for hunters, sniffing out contraband for law enforcement, and as well as therapy and service dogs. They are also natural athletes and can do well in different dog sports.
10.German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is the number one dog breed in France. It is a sporty and intelligent dog that is often used by police or firefighters. Their devotion and courage are supreme, and they are amazingly versatile. They can excel at almost anything that you train them to do, such as guiding and assisting the handicapped, herding, search and rescue, and more. And aside from that, they are also faithful companions.
These are the most popular dog breeds in France. Out of all the many beautiful dog breeds for a companion in this country, they are the ones that stand out due to their traits, skills, and personalities. Among these dog breeds, which one would you like to have as a pet soon?