Braque du Bourbonnais Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Braque du Bourbonnais?

The exact history of this dog is unknown, but it's known to originate from the Bourbonnais Province in France. It is one of the oldest breeds of short-haired point dogs and can likely be traced back to Spain and Southern France.

The Braque du Bourbonnais breed and most other pointing breeds were mostly unknown outside of France until after World War I, when the first Braque du Bourbonnais Club was founded in 1925.

Following World War II, the breed club ceased functioning and remained out of action until breeder Michel Comte achieved a specimen worthy of registration in the French studbook in 1970.

This rare breed is currently part of the Foundation Stock Service, which is in the pre-approval stage for the American Kennel Club and will be accepted properly once sufficient numbers are met.

Who are Braque du Bourbonnais dogs best for?

Pointing dogs are called so as they are used by hunters to spot prey and then 'point' the hunter in the right direction both with their nose and with their loud, sharp bark.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is used to hunting in packs, so it will thrive in a family and alongside other dogs, so having children or other pets won't be an issue.

They can become incredibly attached to family members if given the chance and, as such, can suffer from severe separation anxiety if regularly left alone for extended periods, so they are best suited to homes where someone is regularly present in the house, so they don't get stressed.

They're energetic dogs, requiring space to roam around, and shouldn't be kept in a kennel or cage.

They have high energy levels, so they will do best in an active family or at least one willing to engage in the right amount of exercise to keep them satisfied.

How much grooming does a Braque du Bourbonnais need?

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a dense short coat and is a moderate shedder that is relatively easy to groom. They should be brushed 1-3 times a week and bathed every 4-6 weeks or whenever you feel they need a wash.

Bathing doesn't just keep them clean; it's also a great time to check for any bumps, scratches, or other anomalies.

Their eyes and ears should be regularly cleaned to avoid infections as these infections are much harder to treat than they are to prevent.

Do Braque du Bourbonnais bark much?

The Braque du Bourbonnais was bred to bark to alert French hunters to nearby game, so this dog can have a tendency to bark. They have good control over their vocals and will vary their bark depending on the reason.

Some of the main reasons they will bark are protection, boredom, fear, attention-seeking, and separation anxiety. They are bred to bark for a particular job, so they are not prone to barking compulsively.

They are fantastic guard dogs and will always be vocal if they are trying to alert you to a change in their territory.

Do Braque du Bourbonnais bite?

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a very powerful bite, owing to its history of getting into scrapes with wild animals; however, they have a very low aggression instinct, and they will rarely bite.

They're not used as herding animals, so they don't have the instinct to nip to try and boss their family around. That being said, it's always important to behave sensibly around a dog with a strong jaw and be sure younger family members don't provoke them.

They are trustworthy dogs and, with the right degree of socialising, won't pose any threat to anyone once they are familiar with them.

What is the temperament & personality of a Braque du Bourbonnais?

The Braque du Bourbonnais is an affectionate and friendly dog that thrives on interaction. They want nothing more to be around their family and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

They are bred as working dogs, so they are highly intelligent and have a high amount of energy that needs to be used up properly.

If you have the sort of family that enjoys going out on hikes, hunting, or fishing, they make the perfect companion for this kind of mental stimulation and will be more than happy just to be with you in the wilderness.

What is the weight & size of a Braque du Bourbonnais?

A male Braque du Bourbonnais will be between 50-57 cm at the withers and weigh between 18-25 kg while a female will grow up to 55 cm and weigh between 16-22 kg.

How much training does a Braque du Bourbonnais need?

The Braque du Bourbonnais responds excellently to training. They require daily exercise to cater to their active nature, so their high energy levels don't show as antisocial behaviours.

They love any sort of outdoor activity, so if you want to branch out from walks, they love swimming and agility exercises or a simple indoor game like hide-and-seek to supplement their daily walk.

They are best treated with a fair, even hand and respond well to positive reinforcement. Remember, this is a fairly ancient breed that has been taking instructions from humans for hundreds of years, so responding to the correct kind of instruction is in their blood.

As with any dog, beginning training and socialising at a young age is important to get on top of any problem behaviour before they become ingrained habits. It's important to not let their adorable puppy dog eyes get in the way of the proper training.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Braque du Bourbonnais?

Braque du Bourbonnais are healthy dogs that are not prone to any health problems in particular. Though due to inbreeding during the 70s, there are some health problems that may be recurrent in certain dogs, including -

• Hip dysplasia

• Pulmonic stenosis of the heart

• Entropion/ectropion

What is the lifespan of a Braque du Bourbonnais?

With the correct exercise and diet, a Braque du Bourbonnais has a life expectancy of between 13-15 years.

How much should you feed a Braque du Bourbonnais?

When you purchase a Braque du Bourbonnais from a breeder, they will supply you with a feeding plan that it is important to stick to as they develop to avoid upsetting their stomachs.

Once they develop, you should move them onto two and a half cups of adult kibble every day. Their high energy levels require high quality, nutritious diet.

What is the price of a Braque du Bourbonnais in Australia?

These ancient pointers are still a very rare, specialised breed, so you can expect to pay a minimum of $1500 once you find a breeder.