The Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient purebred pointing dog originally from the country of France. Affectionate, calm, and intelligent, these pups have some of the best qualities of any dog breed out there today.
This breed goes by several other names, including Bourbonnais Pointer, Bourbonnais Pointing Dog, French Pointing Dog, French Pointer, Braques Francaises, and Braque Bourbonnais. Despite being a rare breed, you may still sometimes find these adorable pups in your local shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These affectionate pups are best suited for homes with yards and would not be recommended for apartment life. They are people-oriented and need to be around their humans, which makes them well suited for families or large households with more than one person at home. If you want a gentle and energetic pup, then the Braque du Bourbonnais may be the right dog for you!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Working DogsHeight:18 to 23 inches.Weight:35 to 55 pounds.Life Span:12 to 15 years.
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The main colors of a Braque du Bourbonnais are brown, white, fawn, and spotted. Sometimes their colors are solid, and sometimes they will have a mix of these colors with spots.
- They are not hypoallergenic pups, but they’re very easy to groom with their short coats, and they hardly shed.
- Braque du Bourbonnais might be better suited for older children and adults who know how to play gently.
- Training is fairly easy as these dogs are intelligent and willing to please their humans. They won’t be much as far as watchdogs or guard dogs, as they have a friendly disposition toward everyone they encounter.
- Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour- long walk per day with a few, good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- Braque du Bourbonnais dogs tend to latch on to their human family and can have severe separation anxiety if left alone in the house. It’s best for them to be with a family or large household where someone is most often home than not.
History
The history of the Braque du Bourbonnais can be dated back all the way to the 1500s in the province of Bourbonnais in France. They 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 dog who still exists today.
However, during World War I, the Braque du Bourbonnais were almost pushed to the brink of extinction. After the war, breeders banded together to bring this breed back, as they were a beloved hunting companion. The first breed club was founded in 1925. Towards World War II, the breed was almost fully recovered.
Though they were almost pushed to extinction yet again during World War II, French hunters and breeders decided to try and save them once again from becoming extinct in 1970. They succeeded, and by 1982, they founded a new Braque du Bourbonnais club.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized and entered the breed into the Gun Dog Group in 2006. The American Kennel Club (AKC) inducted the breed into their Foundation Stock Service in 2011.
Even though the Braque du Bourbonnais was almost extinct, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of breed specific rescues. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog breed for you.
Size
As the Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient pointing breed, and one of the oldest in their group, you can expect the Braque du Bourbonnais to be on the medium side.
Most weigh in at 35 to 55 pounds and range in height from 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger.
Personality
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a high energy pup who used to be bred to hunt with their human counterparts. Thus, daily exercise and affection is needed to keep them happy. Because of their energy, they would rather be outside running around the yard than inside cuddling with their pet parents.
Training is fairly easy as they are intelligent and willing to please their humans. 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 has a very strong prey drive and should be leashed most of the time, as their natural hunting instincts might kick in. They do not bark often and are fairly gentle and quiet dogs.
These 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.
They also tend to latch on to their human family and can have severe separation anxiety if left alone in the house. It’s best for them to be with a family or large household where someone is most often home than not.
Health
The Braque du Bourbonnais breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that most breeds of the pointing type also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems Braque du Bourbonnais suffer from include:
- hip dysplasia
- pulmonic stenosis of the heart
- entropion/ectropion
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Braque du Bourbonnais’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Braque du Bourbonnais are prone to roll in the dirt once in a while and should be bathed as needed. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour- long walk per day with a few, good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
Check their ears regularly for debris and pests and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long—usually once or twice a month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
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.
Feeding
An ideal Braque du Bourbonnais diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy. Make sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their number of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the Braque du Bourbonnais’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Braque du Bourbonnais’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs—including weight, energy, and health—to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
The main colors of a Braque du Bourbonnais are brown, white, fawn, and spotted. Sometimes their colors are solid, and sometimes they will have a mix of these colors with spots.
They usually have short, dense coats with a fine texture all over their body except for the back, which has slightly longer and coarser hair. They are not hypoallergenic pups, but they’re very easy to groom with their short coats, and they hardly shed. A good brushing per week will help.
Because they tend to have shorter coats, the Braque du Bourbonnais breed isn’t particularly suited for any extreme weather. Make sure to plan accordingly for them if you are in a very cold or very hot area.
Children And Other Pets
Because the Braque du Bourbonnais is a rather energetic and medium sized dog, they should be trained to be around younger and smaller children. Braque du Bourbonnais might be better suited for older children and adults who know how to play gently. That said, for children who learn early how to properly approach and play with an energetic dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais can make a great companion.
When it comes to other pets, the Braque du Bourbonnais can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. It’s best if they get used to other pets early. That said, Braque du Bourbonnais aren’t naturally fond of smaller animals or birds due to their natural hunting instincts.
Still, many Braque du Bourbonnais get along just fine with other dogs and cats, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Because the Braque du Bourbonnais is a somewhat rare breed, it may be difficult to find a breed-specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all types of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
