Breeding Philosophy- At Chenil de Grand Ciel, our philosopy is based on a desire to maintain the Braque francais-Pyrenees as it is. The French have done an exceptional job developing and maintaining the breed, and the many desirable traits that make them wonderful companion dogs and tremendous hunters need to be preserved. We utilize software that yeilds a numerical co-efficient that reflects how closely the dogs are related. In order to maintain reasonable genetic diversity, we do not breed dogs that are too closely related.	There are 2 primary traits that make Bf-Pyrenees highly desirable in the home, their calm, quiet easy going temperament and their size. For 365 days a year, a dog is a companion dog, for a few short months they help us hunt. Most hunters and hunting families prefer quiet calm easy going pets. Within the hunting breeds, many people find a 40- 55 lb. moderately sized dog preferrable to a dog weighing 60- 70 lbs or more.	In the field, what makes a Bf-P desirable is their fluid, efficient stride, that along with their smaller stature, allows them to cover a lot of ground over long periods of time without becoming exhausted. Combined with their extraordinary sense of smell and their superior intellegence, which allows them to be trained easily as well as quickly figure out different game species and different cover types, you have an amazing hunting dog. Add their natural retrieve instinct and love of water and you have a truely versatile hunting dog unlike anything else currently available on the North American hunting scene.
At Chenil de Grand Ciel, breeding dogs are selected based on several criteria. How the dog looks on paper and how closely it is related to our other dogs is the first step. With dogs in Europe, we consult with representatves of the Club du Braque francais. Once a pup/dog is selected, it isn't bred unless it demonstrates representative conformation, as well as representative temperament in the home and superior accumen in the field. Puppies that are purchased must pass CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye testing and OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) elbow and hip testing. OFA testing cannot be done until the dog has reached 2 years of age.	A female dogs estrus or heat cycle lasts approximately 21 days. Ovulation occurs towards the end of the cycle at approximately day 17. 62-64 days is the length of the gestation process. When the puppies are born, their eyes and ears are closed. Except for their primary brown spots and head, when Braques are born, their base coats are white. The minor and major ticking begins to show up after about 1 week and darkens in time. After the eyes open, the pups begin to walk. At first they are very unsteady. Weeks 4-5 are when the pups begin to get stronger and more active. This is also when alternative food is introduced and the weining process occurs.	From weeks 4 to 7, when the pups are ready for their new homes,is when the individual personalities are revealed. We feel it is very important to socialize the puppies and get them used to people and being handled. It is important never to rough house with the pups, and playing tug of war leads to posessiveness and hard mouth. We like to get the pups outside as much as we can and let them begin to explore the environment. Pointing a pheasant wing attached to a fishing line is fun as well as educational for the pups. Towards the end of 7 weeks, we like to introduce the puppies to restrained birds. It help to develop their natural interest in birds and the sooner the process begins, the better the pups develop.
Chenil de Grand Ciel is planning on 2 litters in the spring/summer of '08. E-mail or call Brad to discuss the upcoming litters.	Perle is for sale. She has given us 3 very nice litters and has been retired from breeding. She is an excellent hunter and is a wonderful companion dog. Call Brad for details.	Due to the re-tooling of our breeding program, we are also making Savvy available for sale. Savvy is the epitome of a Bf-Pyrenees and would be a great fit for someone wanting a complete dog ready to go. Call Brad for details.