The Braque du Bourbonnais dog is an ancient purebred pointing dog. It is affectionate, calm and intelligent. These pups have some of the best qualities of any dog breed out there today. It is also known as Bourbonnais Pointer, French Pointing Dog, French Pointer, Braques Francaises, Braque Bourbonnais and Bourbonnais Pointing Dog.
The Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed was originated from France. And the history of the breed can be dated back all the way to the 1500s in the province of Bourbonnais in France.
The Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are considered one of the most ancient pointers of the pointing breeds in Europe. From their name, “Braque”, in French, means “to aim or point”. Italian naturalist, Ulisse Aldrovandi, during the Renaissance, created early illustrations of this breed who still exists today.
The breed was almost disappeared during the World War I. Breeders banded together to bring this breed back, after the war, as they were a beloved hunting companion. The breed was almost fully recovered, towards World War II. And the first breed club was founded in 1925.
The UKC (United Kennel Club) recognized and entered the breed into the Gun Dog Group in 2006. And the AKC (American Kennel Club) inducted the breed into their Foundation Stock Service in 2011.[1]
Braque du Bourbonnais Dog Characteristics
The Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are medium in size and are very beautiful. They are generally a good companion, and their coat is short and fine.
The main colors of the Braque du Bourbonnais dog are brown, white, fawn and spotted. Sometimes their colors are solid, and sometimes they will have a mix of these colors with spots.
Head of these dogs is rounded in every direction, with lateral sides rounded, with parietal bones and zygomatic arches well developed. The axes of the skull and muzzle are parallel, or slightly divergent towards the front.
Average body height of the mature dog is between 20 and 22 inches at the withers for males, and between 19 and 22 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature dog is between 16 and 25 kg.
Temperament
The Braque du Bourbonnais dog is a high energy dog which is generally bred to hunt with their human counterparts. So, daily exercise and affection is needed to keep them happy. Mainly because of their energy, they would rather be outside running around the yard than inside cuddling with their pet parents.
These dogs are very intelligent and are willing to please their owners, so it is fairly easy to train them. They won’t be much as far as watchdogs or guard dogs, as they have a friendly disposition toward everyone they encounter.
The Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed has a very strong prey drive and should be leashed most of the time, as their natural hunting instincts might kick in. They generally don’t bark often and are fairly gentle and quiet dogs.
The pups do best with early training to curb any unwanted barking habits. They are easy to house train and need consistency and affection from their owner when trying to train them.
Lifespan
Average lifespan of the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed is between 12 and 15 years.
Feeding
How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.
The Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are medium in size and are very active. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with high exercise needs. You can also consult with a vet in your area for better feeding recommendations.
Caring
Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Braque du Bourbonnais dogs. Ensure they get at least one good half-hour to hour long walk daily with few, good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
They are prone to roll in the dirt once in a while and should be bathed as needed. Check their ears regularly for debris and pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim their nails before they get too long.
Another concern when it comes to your Braque du Bourbonnais’s care will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as medium breeds can be prone to dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.[2]
Health
The Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
Their common health problems include entropion/ectropion, hip dysplasia and pulmonic stenosis of the heart. Always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
| Breed Name | Ariege Pointer |
| Other Names | Also known as Braque de l’Ariège and Ariege Pointer |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | Between 24 and 26 inches at the withers for males, and between 22 and 26 inches for females |
| Weight | Between 25 and 30 kg |
| Good as pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Color | Primarily white, speckled with larger patches of colors described as orange, liver, or chestnut on the head and ears |
| Lifespan | Between 12 and 15 years |
| Good for children | Yes |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | France |
