The Braque du Bourbonnais come in brown, white, and fawn colors, with spots on them. The easy-to-groom dogs have short coats and are non-hypoallergenic.
They are suited for large households without smaller pets or children.
The Braque du Bourbonnais tend to come out of their space when there are older children they could play with.
They are intelligent, which makes training them an easy task. They are very affectionate and eager to please.
They are hunting dogs but do not take aggressive stances toward strangers. They need at least half an hour of exercise a day and would love some playtime.
Their affection toward the family is without par, and this can cause separation anxiety on being separated even for a short while.
It is suggested that they are never left alone and are always left in the company of one or another member of the family.
About The Breed
Originally from France, the Braque Du Bourbonnais is a hunting dog that has been in vogue since ancient times.
The Braque Du Bourbonnais is considered a very rare dog breed despite being the oldest pointing dog we know.
This might be partly because of their not being popular because of them not being the best companion dog.
Despite their not being a good option for a companion dog, these dogs are known to be very affectionate and extremely loyal.
They are also easily trainable and have been brought solely for hunting. This also answers their not being good companion dogs.
They have a high prey drive and therefore are not a safe option if you have smaller pets like dogs or cats in the house.
They, however, are good with a bigger child and will bring out their playful puppy personality when in the company of children.
Braque Du Bourbonnais Dog Breed History
A pointer dog that has been known to man since the 1500s, the Braque du Bourbonnais has appeared in French art and literature dating back to 1598.
They have a muscular and healthy countenance and are very affectionate dogs. They are usually white with spots of brown or fawn splashed throughout their mane.
One of the unique features of these dogs is their short tails. Since they have been here since ancient times, it is hard to determine their ancestry and origin.
Studies have shown that these breeds were the result of crossbreeding the Brque Francais, a big French pointing dog, with native hunting dogs of Bourbonnais.
The Braque du Bourbonnais was in high popularity during the World Wars, such that by the end of both wars, these breeds had almost been extinct.
The strict breeding practices adopted after the war led to the small number of these breeds dwindling further.
It was in the 1970s when French hunters began work on bringing back the original Braque du Bourbonnais, which ended up not being an easy task.
Michel Comte founded the Club du Braque du Bourbonnais in 1982, and the breeds gained back their position in the Federation Cynologique Internationale list, from which they were dropped when they were endangered.
Braque Du Bourbonnais Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
| Breed Name | Braque Du Bourbonnais |
| Other Name | Bourbonnais Pointer; Bourbonnais Pointing Dog; French Pointing Dog; French Pointer; Braques Francaises; and Braque Bourbonnais |
| Dog Breed Type | Purebred; pointer dog |
| Origin | France |
| Parent Breeds | Braque Du Bourbonnais |
| Height | 18 – 23 inches |
| Weight | 35 – 55 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Type | Short and dense coat |
| Common Colors | Fawn and Brown |
| Grooming Needs | Does not require much grooming |
| Shedding | Shedding is moderate |
| Temperament | Low; 30 minutes of daily activity |
| Apartment Living | Not ideal for apartment living |
| Pet Friendly | No, usually don’t get along with other pets |
| Health Concerns | Patellar Luxation; Pulmonic Stenosis; Progressive Retinal; Atrophy Hip; Elbow Dysplasia; Cleft Palate; Entropion; Ectropion; Demodectic Mange |
| Overall Health | Healthy breed |
| Intelligence Level | Average intelligence |
| Trainability | Easy to train |
| Energy Level | High |
| Activity | Low ; 30 minutes of daily activity |
| Litter Size | 1 – 6 puppies |
What To Know
• One of the unique features of this breed is its striking coat coloration. The Braque du Bourbonnais typically showcases a chestnut or fawn coat with distinct, often irregular white ticking, creating an eye-catching and distinctive appearance.
• This breed is characterized by its medium-sized frame, which offers a balanced combination of strength and agility. They are known for their nimbleness and endurance, ideal for navigating rugged terrain during hunts.
• Despite their strong hunting instincts, Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They form deep bonds with their owners and families, often displaying a strong desire to please.
• Beyond their hunting skills, these dogs make excellent companions in the home. They are adaptable to family life and are generally good with children and other pets, making them a well-rounded breed suitable for a variety of lifestyles.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Braque du Bourbonnais, with its adaptable nature and charming personality, makes an ideal pet for a wide range of lifestyles.
These dogs are known for seamlessly transitioning from hunting companion to family friend, showcasing their remarkable versatility.
Their adaptability shines in various environments, be it in the bustling city or the tranquil countryside.
They easily switch between playfulness with children and serene moments with adults. Their trainable disposition allows them to learn and adjust quickly to new situations.
This adaptability, coupled with their loving temperament, makes Braque du Bourbonnais dogs the perfect addition to any household, ensuring a harmonious bond with their human companions. ❤️
Adaptability
Adapts Well To Apartment Living
Good For Novice Owners
Sensitivity Level
Tolerates Being Alone
Review 6
Tolerates Cold Weather
Friendliness
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a breed renowned for its friendliness and warm nature.
These dogs have an inherent desire to bond with their human families, making them loyal and affectionate companions.
They often greet their loved ones with a wagging tail and a cheerful smile, symbolized by the emoji.
This breed’s friendliness extends beyond the home, as they usually get along well with other dogs and pets, showcasing a harmonious social nature.
Their easygoing temperament and affectionate personality make them not only excellent hunting partners but also wonderful furry friends, filling your life with love and joy. ❤️
All About Friendliness
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Braque du Bourbonnais is arguably one of the best hunting dogs known to man.
They are tenacious in their task and passionate when it comes to hunting and other related activities.
They are also known to adapt to their areas very fast and can work well in almost all terrains.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is not a perfect fit for you if you are an apartment dweller and live individually.
These dogs, with their hunting ancestry, would love to run about and chase or hunt smaller animals.
They are also known to build an affectionate relationship with their family and will develop separation anxiety if they are left without one or another family member, which makes them even more suited in a large household where there is no scarcity of members to give the Braque du Bourbonnais all the love they deserve.
They are not to be separated from the household and made to live in kennels or anywhere they aren’t close to a family member.
This separation anxiety can come to morph into destructive behaviors and heavy barking or whining.
The Braque du Bourbonnais, even with their hunter ancestry and intimidating figure, do not need socialization; they are naturally friendly towards everyone, even a stranger.
He is known to tire out children with his hyperactive self and his playful nature. But keep the smaller animals away from them.
Temperament
Friendly with Children
The Braque du Bourbonnais is not only a skilled hunting dog but also a loving family pet.
This breed’s friendly and affectionate nature makes it an ideal companion for children.
They are known for their patience and protective instincts, ensuring a safe and playful environment for kids.
This unique combination of hunting prowess and child-friendliness makes the Braque du Bourbonnais a well-rounded and reliable addition to family life.
Amicable to Other Pets
The Braque du Bourbonnais is not just a skilled hunter but also an amicable companion to other pets.
Their friendly and affable nature makes them well-suited for multi-pet households. They tend to get along with other dogs and pets, fostering a harmonious environment.
However, early socialization is key to ensure that this breed becomes accustomed to various animals, creating a peaceful coexistence among all your furry friends.
Barking Tendencies
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a breed known for its moderate barking tendencies.
These dogs tend to bark when they sense something unusual or feel the need to alert their owners.
While not excessively vocal, early socialization can help manage their barking habits.
Their loyalty and protective instincts often translate into occasional barks, making them reliable watchdogs.
With proper training and positive reinforcement, you can strike a balance between their alertness and a peaceful home environment.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Staying alone can be manageable for a Braque Du Bourbonnais, but it’s important to consider their social nature.
These dogs thrive on human companionship, so providing them with interactive toys and mental stimulation is essential.
Regular exercise and short separations can help ease their solitude.
Training for independence and gradual alone-time increases can ensure a happy, well-adjusted pup , even when left alone for short periods.
Remember, they’ll eagerly welcome you home with wagging tails!
Pros And Cons Of The Braque Du Bourbonnais Dog Breed
Pros
- Gentle family companion dog.
- Excellent hunting and pointing skills.
- Low grooming requirements.
- Adapts well to active lifestyles.
- Versatile and trainable breed.
Cons
- Requires regular exercise and stimulation.
- Prone to separation anxiety.
- Limited availability in some regions.
- May not do well with small pets.
- Potential for stubborn behavior.
Male Vs. Female Attitude
There is no difference personality-wise when it comes to a female and male Braque du Bourbonnais.
However, female dogs are known to be slightly leaner and more elegant looking than male Braque du Bourbonnais.
The male Bourbonnais can be as tall as 23 inches, and the heaviest can weigh up to 55 lbs.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Braque du Bourbonnais, known for its unique appearance, is a medium-sized dog breed with a distinct and eye-catching coat.
These dogs possess a well-balanced physique that combines strength and agility.
Their most notable feature is their chestnut or fawn-colored coat, adorned with prominent white ticking that resembles a starry night sky.
With expressive eyes, a well-proportioned head, and a short, square muzzle, they exude an intelligent and friendly disposition.
Their short, dense coat requires minimal grooming, making them a practical and charming choice for both hunting and family companionship. ✨
Coat Color
The Braque du Bourbonnais has a short and soft coat. They come in shades of white, brown, or fawn.
The base color is generally white, which are small spots of brown or fawn. Their ears are also brown.
The Braque du Bourbonnais are low maintenance dogs that would require only weekly brushing and occasional baths.
Shedding
The Braque du Bourbonnais is not hypoallergenic and tends to shed moderately. However, regular brushing and a balanced diet would help to keep the shedding to a minimum.
Size
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog. These hunting dogs that served as pointers during hunting expeditions have a short mane.
They are not heavily muscled despite their active living but do appear well-built and strong.
They are sturdy and highly energetic. Their supple yet thin skin is covered with a dense and short layer of fur which is most often spotted.
The hair on their back, head, and the area about their ears have a fine texture.
These dogs are mainly white, with splashes of brown or other shades of brown sprinkled throughout. Their ears are the same color as the spots on their bodies.
Vital Statistics
| DOG BREED GROUP | POINTER DOGS |
| HEIGHT | 18 – 23 INCHES |
| WEIGHT | 35 – 55 POUNDS |
| LIFE SPAN | 12 – 15 YEARS |
Health
Some of the health conditions that your Braque du Bourbonnais are at risk for include – Patellar Luxation; Pulmonic Stenosis; Progressive Retinal; Atrophy Hip; Elbow Dysplasia; Cleft Palate; Entropion; Ectropion; Demodectic Mange. These breeds are also susceptible to separation anxiety if left alone for a long time.
Health And Grooming Requirements
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
Maintenance And Care
The Braque du Bourbonnais is very easy to groom and is, therefore, low maintenance.
Their short hair, especially the coarse ones on the rear, is known to accumulate dead hair and dirt.
To remove this and prevent it, it is advised that you brush through your Brque du Bourbonnais’s mane every week.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is not hypoallergenic and is known to shed only moderately. To minimize the shedding rate, use a natural bristled brush when you groom them.
Braque du Bourbonnais don’t need to be bathed often. Trim their nails every three weeks and check their ears for dirt or foul smell.
It is better to cleanse their ears weekly. Make sure to brush their teeth weekly.
Grooming
Grooming your Braque Du Bourbonnais is a breeze, thanks to their short, low-maintenance coat. A quick weekly brush will help keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding.
Regular ear cleaning is vital to prevent infections, while nail trimming should be done as needed to maintain paw health.
Bathing can be done as necessary, but don’t overdo it, as their skin can be sensitive. Lastly, remember to brush their teeth regularly for fresh breath and dental health.
This breed’s easy grooming routine ensures your furry friend looks and feels their best, with more time for play and cuddles! ❤️
Food And Nutrition
Feed your Braque du Bourbonnais four times a day when they are a puppy. Include 25 % protein and 18% of fat in their diet.
Slip one meal into two sections in a day if you have a grown-up Braque du Bourbonnais.
The maximum calorie intake recommended for a young Braque du Bourbonnais is 1400 cal; exceeding this will lead to obesity.
Food Cost
For your dog, 2-3 cups of dog food is recommended daily. Just divide them into 2-3 meals.
Don’t make your dogs overeat. The average daily cost would be around $1.1-$1.5. The monthly costs come to be around $33-$50.
Exercise And Activity Level
Being a hunting dog, this exercise is not something that can be avoided when it comes to the well-being of the Braque du Bourbonnais.
They need at least 30 minutes of walking and an additional hour or more of playtime.
Don’t let your Braque du Bourbonnais grow ideal; besides obesity, these dogs would grow destructive and will express their frustration through vocal means.
Physical Requirements
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential for Playfulness
Trainability
The Braque du Bourbonnais, with its intelligent and eager-to-please nature, is highly trainable.
They grasp commands swiftly and thrive on positive reinforcement methods, responding well to praise and treats.
Their natural hunting instincts, combined with their willingness to learn, make them adept at various tasks.
Whether it’s honing their hunting skills or mastering obedience commands, these dogs are quick learners.
Their loyalty and strong bond with their owners also contribute to their trainability, making them a fantastic choice for those seeking a well-trained and devoted canine companion.
Trainability
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Conclusion
The Braque du Bourbonnais was seen in French literature and artworks dating back to the 1590s. They were a very popular breed during the World War but became endangered by the end of the war.
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FAQs On Braque du Bourbonnais Dog Breed…
Why are the Braque du Bourbonnais a rare breed?
The Braque du Bourbonnais became a rare breed after the world war because of strict breeding.
Are the Braque du Bourbonnais aggressive because of their hunting ancestry?
No, they are a very friendly breed.
Are small animals safe with a Braque du Bourbonnais?
No, with smaller animals, their hunting streak comes out.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.