Gundog Large size 25-32 kg
French Gascony Short Haired Pointer
A rangy French pointer bred for the field, great with family but needing serious daily exercise and a working outlet.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
25-32 kg, 56-69 cm
High
Activity
High; needs real daily exercise and a job
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; struggles with long days alone
Easy
Trainability
Eager and quick to learn
Low
Coat care
Low upkeep; occasional brushing
Very good
Fit with kids
Good family dog with children
Very good
Other pets
Generally good with other dogs and pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia
The French Gascony Short Haired Pointer typically weighs 25-32 kg, stands 56-69 cm, and lives 10-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you are active and want a versatile pointing gundog,
you hunt, run or hike and want a tireless field partner,
you want a gentle, family-friendly large dog,
someone is usually home; it bonds closely and dislikes solitude.
Do not consider this breed if…
the dog would regularly be alone 8 or more hours,
you want a calm, low-energy house dog,
you cannot give it 1-2 hours of real daily exercise,
you live in a small apartment with no easy outdoor access.
A typical day with a French Gascony Short Haired Pointer
- 6:00 · MorningLong run or off-leash exercise in a safe area
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest after exercise, a chew
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk, scent and retrieve games
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining session, 15-20 min
- 18:30 · EveningFieldwork or a long ramble
- 21:00 · NightA worked dog settles calmly indoors
Family and environment
Kids Very good
Gentle and friendly with children.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive; best raised together.
Apartment Conditional
Only with a lot of daily exercise.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but does not replace real exercise.
City Manages
Workable with plenty of activity.
Countryside Ideal
Space and fieldwork suit its origins.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited retinal disease; DNA test available
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Closely related smaller French pointer
French Pyrenean Short Haired Pointer
A fast, sensitive French pointer that bonds closely and works hard, best for an active owner who can meet its exercise needs.
View profile →
Another French pointing gundog
Saint Germain Short Haired Pointer
A gentle, elegant French pointer that is affectionate and biddable - it needs an active owner who can give it real daily exercise and closeness.
View profile →
More available versatile pointer
German Short Haired Pointer
A versatile, athletic gundog that shines with a very active owner, but it needs serious daily exercise and company or it grows restless and destructive.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a French Gascony Short Haired Pointer cost in the US?
This is a rare regional French pointer, very seldom seen in the US, so availability is limited and most buyers would face a waitlist or importing from Europe, which adds substantially to the cost. Where puppies are available, they commonly run $1,000-$2,000 plus any import and travel. Across a 10-14 year life, food, exercise gear and routine vet care typically add $13,000-$20,000 or more for a large dog.
Is a French Gascony Pointer a good family dog?
Yes, for an active family. They are gentle, affectionate and generally very good with children and other dogs. The catch is exercise: this is a working gundog that needs one to two hours of real activity daily and a job to keep its mind busy.
How much exercise does this breed need?
A lot. As a field-bred pointer it is built for stamina and needs long daily runs, hikes or fieldwork, plus mental stimulation. Without enough outlet it can become restless and destructive, so it is a poor match for a sedentary home.
Is the French Gascony Pointer easy to train?
Generally yes. They are eager to please and biddable, responding well to positive, consistent training. Prey drive means recall needs proofing around game, but they are one of the more trainable pointing breeds.