Un Chien, C’est Pour La Vie, Pas Que Pour Noël !

As an online French teacher, one of the greatest joys of my work is not just helping my students advance in their linguistic journeys, but also meeting the adorable animaux de compagnie (pets) who love to make surprise appearances in our lessons !

Today, let’s take a paws (pun intended!) to talk about our beloved four-legged companions en français !

12 Popular Dog Breeds In French

Adding a touch of French flair to your canine conversations, here are 12 common races de chien:

• un berger allemand – German Shepherd

• un caniche – Poodle

• un carlin – Pug

• un bouledogue anglais/français – English/French Bulldog

• un dalmatien – Dalmatian

• un teckel – Dachshund

• un labrador – Labrador Retriever

• un yorkshire – Yorkie

• un cocker – Cocker Spaniel

• un golden – Golden Retriever

• un épagneul breton – Brittany Spaniel

• un berger/bouvier australien – Australian Shepherd

Want to get even more descriptive? Add details about your dog’s coat! For instance:

• Short-haired: à poil court

• Long-haired: à poil long

• Wire-haired: à poil dur

• Smooth-haired: à poil lisse

Talking About Dogs In French

The general word for a dog (or a male dog) is “un chien”, but if you have a female dog, it’s common to use the feminine term, “une chienne”.

For puppies, the word is “un chiot”. However, here’s a friendly warning – do not pronounce the final “T”! The correct pronunciation is SH-YOH. Accidentally pronouncing the “T” transforms the word into “chiottes”, a slang term for toilets (think “the loo” or something far less polite!). Oh là là, quelle confusion !

On a lighter note, if you want to be affectionate, you can call your dog “toutou”. It’s the French equivalent of “pup” or “doggy” – sweet and endearing, isn’t it?  

Practise French With Your Pup

Looking for a non-judgemental audience to practise your French? Your toutou is the perfect candidate! Try speaking to them in French – they won’t correct your accent but will surely enjoy the attention.

Why not take it a step further and teach them French commands? It’s a fun and practical way to immerse yourself in the language. To help, I’ve created a free PDF guide with common French commands for your furry friends. 🐾📚 [Click here to download]. 

A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas

As the festive season approaches, it’s worth remembering: “Un chien, c’est pour la vie pas que pour Noël”. Let’s cherish the loyalty and joy these wonderful companions bring into our lives, every day of the year.