The BraqueFrançais, in general, descends from an old type of gun dog used to point the location of game birds, specifically the Old Spanish Pointer and the now extinct Southern Hound. They have existed since the 15th century.
At the end of the 19th century, a search began to find the original dogs and two separate varieties were found. The Gascony type was the heavier, larger size and was considered truer to their classic gun dog fathers and grandfathers. The Pyrenean type dogs were bred by hunters wanting a leaner, faster version of the classic Braque Français.
Interest grew in these rustic hunting dogs, so by the early 20th century, the first breed club formed. They decided to support both varieties of BraqueFrançais with separate standards for each.
Today, the Pyrenean Type is the most popular French Pointing Dog in its native country of France, with small, devoted followings in Canada and the US as well. He is recognized by the French Kennel Club at home and the FCI internationally.