Is the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français) better for families with children?

The French Pointer (Braque Français) tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.

Which sheds more, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français)?

The Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français)?

The French Pointer (Braque Français) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français) bigger?

Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français)?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français)?

For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are an even match — either can work well.

Curly-Coated Retriever vs French Pointer (Braque Français)

Curly-Coated Retriever vs French Pointer (Braque Français): full comparison

Trait	Curly-Coated Retriever	French Pointer (Braque Français)
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a garden. By comparison, the French Pointer (Braque Français) is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a garden. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Curly-Coated Retriever needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The French Pointer (Braque Français) needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Curly-Coated Retriever needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The French Pointer (Braque Français) needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Curly-Coated Retriever trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The French Pointer (Braque Français) learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Curly-Coated Retriever will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas French Pointer (Braque Français) will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, French Pointer (Braque Français) has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, French Pointer (Braque Français) has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the French Pointer (Braque Français) on temperament, size and care.

Choose the French Pointer (Braque Français) if you want the more child-friendly companion or you want an easier dog to train.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français) better for families with children?: The French Pointer (Braque Français) tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialisation.
Which sheds more, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français)?: The Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Curly-Coated Retriever or the French Pointer (Braque Français)?: The French Pointer (Braque Français) is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français) bigger?: Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français)?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Curly-Coated Retriever or French Pointer (Braque Français)?: For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever and French Pointer (Braque Français) are an even match — either can work well.