Braque Du Bourbonnais

35-49 lbs
19-22"
France
Bourbonnais Pointer, Pointer of Bourbonnais, French Pointer, El Braco Du Bourbonnais

The Braque Du Bourbonnais (pronounced Brock-do-Bor-bon-nay) is an ancient hunting dog from France. He is one of the oldest pointing breeds known to man, yet he is considered a rare breed because he is not a popular companion dog. He is an extremely affectionate and loyal companion and easy to train. Since he has been bred exclusively to be a hunting dog, he does have a very high prey drive and is not recommended for homes with small pets or cats. The Braque Du Bourbonnais does well with children but he is a very rambunctious puppy and adolescent dog and can easily overwhelm young children.

purpose Purpose
hunting
history Date of Origin
1500s
ancestry Ancestry
pointer

Braque Du Bourbonnais Health

Average Size
Male Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats
Height: 20-23 inches Weight: 40-55 lbs
Female Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats
Height: 19-22 inches Weight: 35-49 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Pulmonic Stenosis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
  • Cleft Palate
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Demodectic Mange
Occasional Tests
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Heart
  • Skeletal
  • Skin Scraping
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination

Braque Du Bourbonnais Breed History

The Braque Du Bourbonnais is a pointing dog that dates back to at least the 1500s. He has been in existence since before 1598 when he began appearing in French literature and art. The Braque Du Bourbonnais was described as having a hardy and healthy appearance and being an agreeable companion for the hunter. He has a naturally short tail and is white in color with brown or fawn ticking throughout his coat. It is impossible to determine the exact origins of the Braque Du Bourbonnais because his existence dates back to before written records were kept for dog breeding. His bloodlines cannot be traced all the way back but researchers have agreed that the Braque Du Bourbonnais was developed by crossing the Braque Francais (Gascogne) or Large French Pointer with hunting breeds that were native to Bourbonnais. He experienced an increase in popularity until the beginning of World War I. By the end of World War II, the Braque Du Bourbonnais was almost extinct because of the lack of breeding activity during the wars. Stringent breeding practices caused the number of remaining Braque Du Bourbonnais to decrease and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) dropped him as an official breed. From 1963 to 1973 there were no purebred Braque Du Bourbonnais registered. In 1970, a French hunter began working towards saving the Braque Du Bourbonnais. He started by gathering together other interested breeders. These breeders searched through the France for any surviving Braque Du Bourbonnais. There was no more purebred Braque Du Bourbonnais to be found so dogs that were Braque Du Bourbonnais mixes were brought in and used in a breeding program to rebuild the breed. The Club du Braque Du Bourbonnais was founded by Michel Comte and other Braque Du Bourbonnais breeders in 1982. In 1985 the breed was officially re-registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale’s French affiliate, the Society Central Canine (SCC). In 2011, the Braque Du Bourbonnais was allowed into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service. 

Braque Du Bourbonnais Breed Appearance

The Braque Du Bourbonnais is a medium sized hunting dog that has short hair. He is not an overly muscled dog, but has enough muscle to give the impression of power and strength. He is robust and stocky in build. His skin is supple without being thin or having folds. His coat is dense and short, being a fine in texture except on his back where the hair is a little coarser and longer. His head and ears have shorter and finer hair. The Braque Du Bourbonnais has a base color of white and then has either brown ticking or fawn ticking throughout. Brown ticking used to be called wine dregs and fawn ticking was once called peach blossom. His ears are generally the same color as the ticking on his body and have less ticking. He can only have small colored patches of the same color that is on his body. A mix of white and colored hairs throughout his body giving the overall appearance of being a roan in color is acceptable.

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Braque Du Bourbonnais eyes
Hazel
amber Braque Du Bourbonnais eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Braque Du Bourbonnais nose
Black
brown Braque Du Bourbonnais nose
Brown
isabella Braque Du Bourbonnais nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
fawn Braque Du Bourbonnais coat
Fawn
brown Braque Du Bourbonnais coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Braque Du Bourbonnais straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Braque Du Bourbonnais Breed Maintenance

The Braque Du Bourbonnais is a pretty low maintenance dog when it comes to grooming requirements. He should be brushed weekly or at the very least every other week. Brushing him often will remove any loose or dead hairs and dirt that have accumulated on the dog. He is a moderate shedder, grooming regularly will minimize the amount of loose hairs that float around the house. Use a natural bristle brush when grooming. He does not need to be bathed often, usually only when he gets into something that makes him really dirty. His nails should be trimmed as needed, usually every two to three weeks. Check his ears weekly for dirt or foul smell. Clean them as needed using a cotton ball and hydrogen peroxide to prevent infections from occurring. Set up a routine dental plan to ensure that he has healthy teeth and gums. Brush his teeth weekly and if necessary, set up a professional teeth cleaning once a year.

Brushes for Braque Du Bourbonnais
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Braque Du Bourbonnais requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Braque Du Bourbonnais Temperament

The Braque Du Bourbonnais is a tenacious hunter, he is passionate about searching out game and will adapt easily to most terrains. At home with his family he is affectionate and even-tempered. Since he has been almost bred exclusively to be a working gun dog, he has a typical working dog temperament. He wants to be constantly with his owners and will follow them anywhere. He does not thrive in a kennel environment and can develop severe separation anxiety. He can also develop separation anxiety when his family is away from him for long periods of time each day. He does not do best in a home where he is alone and can become destructive and very vocal. The Braque Du Bourbonnais does need to be socialized from an early age and they are generally accepting of everyone, even strangers. He loves children; however, he can be too overwhelming for young children when he is young and untrained. Other dogs make good companions for him, but small pets such as rabbits, cats and ferrets should never be left alone with him.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Braque Du Bourbonnais Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Braque Du Bourbonnais Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at six months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 12.5 lbs
Female Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at six months
Height: 12.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 22.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at 18 months
Height: 21.5 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs
Female Braque Du Bourbonnais size stats at 18 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs

Braque Du Bourbonnais Owner Experiences

Spot
4 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Creeking
Catch treats
Fetch
My Braque Du Bourbonnais Is A Loyal Companion and Enjoys Exploration The Braque Du Bourbonnais, a breed with a rich history and a unique charm, has found a special place in my heart. My canine companion, Spot, embodies all the qualities that make this breed so beloved – a playful spirit, an unwavering loyalty, and an insatiable curiosity that never fails to bring a smile to my face. Originating in the Bourbonnais region of central France, the Braque Du Bourbonnais has a long-standing tradition as a versatile hunting dog. These intelligent and agile canines were prized for their exceptional tracking abilities, their keen sense of smell, and their unwavering dedication to their human partners. Over the centuries, the breed has evolved, but its core essence – a deep-rooted connection with its human companions – remains steadfast. Spot, my beloved Braque Du Bourbonnais, is the embodiment of this enduring legacy. From the moment I first laid eyes on him, I knew he was destined to be more than just a pet; he would become a cherished member of my family, a loyal companion, and a constant source of joy and laughter. One of the most endearing qualities of Spot is his boundless energy and enthusiasm for play. Whether it's chasing after a tennis ball, engaging in a game of tug-of-war, or simply running alongside me during our daily walks, Spot's zest for life is truly infectious. His playful antics never fail to lift my spirits, and I find myself laughing uncontrollably at his silly antics and endearing quirks. But Spot's charm extends far beyond his playful nature. He is a true explorer, constantly sniffing out new adventures and discovering the wonders of the world around him. Whether it's following the scent of a squirrel through the park or investigating the intriguing smells in our backyard, Spot's insatiable curiosity never ceases to amaze me. His ability to find joy in the simplest of things is a testament to the pure and uncomplicated nature of the Braque Du Bourbonnais breed. As I reflect on the impact Spot has had on my life, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. He has not only brought laughter and joy into my daily routine but has also taught me valuable lessons about the importance of living in the moment and embracing the simple pleasures that life has to offer. In a world that can often feel overwhelming and fast-paced, Spot's unwavering presence serves as a constant reminder to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find happiness in the everyday. While the Braque Du Bourbonnais may not be as widely known as some other breeds, their impact on the lives of their human companions is undeniable. Through their unwavering loyalty, their boundless energy, and their infectious joie de vivre, these remarkable dogs have the power to enrich our lives in ways we never could have imagined. As I continue to navigate the journey of life with Spot by my side, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed appreciation for the simple joys that our canine companions can bring. Whether it's the way Spot's tail wags with unbridled excitement when I walk through the door or the way he snuggles up next to me on the couch, his presence is a constant reminder that the best things in life are often the ones that we can't put a price tag on
3 months, 1 week ago
4 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Play
Agility training
Chase
Nose work
This is an absolutely beautiful dog and very smart to boot. He is very physical and wants nothing more than a large space to run. Although I done use the full range of the leash very often, I try to get a chance to find an unoccupied park in which to take advantage of his extension leash. He will run at a fast clip in immense circles and will do so far longer than his body can physically allow. He's born to work. His focus, motivation, and high energy are complimented by his incredibly personable nature. He has heartily greeted me from the first time that I visited and would extend this delightful greeting to anyone who had an interest in interacting with him. He's a really fantastic dog an a great walking companion.
6 years, 12 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
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