Originally from France, the Braque du Bourbonnais is a long-lived purebred pointing dog. These pups have some of the best characteristics of any dog breed today, including being affectionate, quiet, and clever.
In addition to the Bourbonnais pointer, this breed is also known as a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog, a French Pointing Dog, a French Pointer, and Braques Francaises.
If you live in an apartment, you may want to look elsewhere for a dog like this. They have a strong desire to be around people, which makes them ideal for families or households with multiple individuals. The Braque du Bourbonnais is a good choice if you want a dog that is both calm and lively.
Find out more about Braque du Bourbonnais dogs and their characteristics below!
Highlights
- Brown, white, fawn, and spotted are the primary hues of Braques du Bourbonnais. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, some of which are uniform and some of which are patterned.
- They don't have hypoallergenic pups, but their short coats make them easy to groom and they shed very little.
- Children and adults who know how to play delicately may find the Braque du Bourbonnais to be more suitable than others.
- Training is extremely simple because these dogs are bright and eager to please their owners. They aren't very good watchdogs or security dogs because of their outgoing nature and willingness to befriend anybody they meet.
- Keep your dog on a daily walk for at least 30 minutes, with a couple nice play sessions and shorter walks thrown in for good measure.
- Because of their tendency to become attached to their owners, Braque du Bourbonnais dogs can develop significant separation anxiety when left alone at home. If possible, they should live in a large family or group of people where someone will be around most of the time.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a de-shedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
35 to 55 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
18 to 23 inches.
History
This historic French pointing breed is known as the Braque du Bourbonnais. "Braque" is a French verb that means "to aim or point" and the Bourbonnais region of France, where it was first developed during the Renaissance.
After the founding of their first club in 1925, the Bourbonnais enjoyed a brief era of success. Although the number of club members declined after World War II, the club remained active until the 1970s. Rather than selecting for a dog's inherent hunting abilities and general form, breeders relied on secondary qualities like coat colour and short tail length during this time period. As a result of these decisions, the Bourbonnais became less popular as a hunting dog and nearly went extinct.
Comte travelled to France in search of a Bourbonnais who had not yet been tampered with. No purebred dogs were to be found; only hybrids having traits of the purebreds were detected. In 1973, he registered a new breed of dog that closely resembled the original Bourbonnais after numerous inbred litters.
It was in 1981 that the Club du Braque du Bourbonnais was re-established, and the breed started participating in field trials. They arrived in the United States seven years later. Only France now has more registered Bourbonnais than the United States, thanks to the breed's growing popularity.
The breed is known for its pointing intensity, retrieving instinct, intelligence, and love for its family today.
Personality & Temperament
Despite the fact that this breed is friendly and amiable, it is important to remember that they are mostly working dogs. Recently, more Braque du Bourbonnais dogs have been purchased as companion animals, a sign of their versatility and proof that they are well-rounded pets. They form close relationships with their family members and can become overly attached to them. Separation anxiety can be a major problem for certain people due to their high level of dependence on them.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a dog that appreciates the companionship of other canines and is capable of working in a pack. Fortunately, dog aggression can be prevented via proper socialisation and gradual encounters. The Braque du Bourbonnais is inclined to chase smaller animals, such as cats, birds, and rodents.
The Braque du Bourbonnais's mild demeanour makes them an ineffective guard dog, since they either welcome or shy away from strangers. As a watchdog, though, they are able to adjust to their new position with ease.
Braque du Bourbonnais owners shouldn't have any problems serving their meat to their children, as the two are almost always friendly. However, young puppies can be a bit boisterous, so keep that in mind.
Braque du Bourbonnais' versatility and responsiveness are highly regarded by hunters. This breed is well-suited to hunting a wide range of prey in a variety of habitats and conditions.
Care
One of the most intellectual quadrupeds in the world is the Braque du Bourbonnais. As a rule, he is a good student. The dog is a bit of a whirlwind. A lot of physical activity is therefore required every day. Behavioral issues will not arise as a result of this. Puppy socialisation and training should begin as early as possible with all breeds. Using positive reinforcement with the Braque Du Bourbonnais is a fantastic way to train it.
Brushing your dog at least once a month is recommended. Maintaining the coat's lustre and softness will help maintain it that way. Dogs should not be washed with powerful detergents like shampoo or similar. These can cause your dog's skin to become infected.
Health
The vast majority of breed members are healthy and live into their teens with little health issues. However, there are a few conditions to keep in mind:
Ear Infections
It is more likely that the Braque du Bourbonnais's ears will become infected because they dangle down. The best approach to avoid these infections is to have your ears cleaned on a regular basis.
Entropion and Ectropion
Entropion and ectropion are two terms used to describe the inward or outward slanting of the eyelids, which can cause irritation, infection, and even ulcers. The eyelids of most dogs can be improved surgically, even if they are just marginally impaired.
Hip Dysplasia
If a dog has malformed hips, they will be in constant pain for the rest of their lives. In order to avoid hip dysplasia, it is best to only breed dogs from parents with healthy hips.
Pulmonic Stenosis
Insufficient blood flow to the lungs is a result of this inherited cardiac defect. It's critical that animals with the disease aren't used for breeding.
Bloat
As a term of endearment, "bloat" refers to gastrointestinal dilatation. Abdominal bloating can be seen in animals who have been infected with the disease. At this point, the issue is potentially life-threatening.
Recommended Health Test
- Hip
- Elbow
- Heart
- Skeletal
- Skin Scraping
- X-Rays
- Eye Examination
Nutrition
As a medium-sized dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais consumes about two and a half cups of food each day. In order to maintain his stamina throughout the day and ensure that his diet has all the necessary nutrients, he needs high-quality food.
Look for a kibble that is appropriate for his age and stage of life. Depending on the age of your pet, you can feed him puppy kibble, for example. He needs different nutrients at different points in his life, therefore it's critical that he obtains all of them. At least 22% protein is recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. A minimum of 18 percent of the diet's protein has to be consumed by adults.
Grooming
Grooming the Braque du Bourbonnais is a breeze. Compared to many other dog breeds, his coat is short and glossy, requiring only a small amount of care. His coat will remain lustrous and healthy with a weekly brushing.
Never bathe him more frequently than once every 8 to 12 weeks since you risk harming his coat's natural oils. Because some Braque du Bourbonnais have sensitive skin, it's a good idea to use an oatmeal-based gentle dog shampoo. Keep an eye on his nails, since they tend to grow quickly due to the continual grinding he does when working out.
Because of its long, drooping ears, the Braque du Bourbonnais is prone to infection. As a result, cleaning them once a week is critical to preventing the growth of bacteria. If he has a lot of ear infections, you'll want to up this.
Exercise
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a high-intensity dog that requires at least 60 minutes of daily intensive exercise to keep it happy and healthy. Not just a quick jaunt around the neighbourhood will suffice. Running, hiking, and fetching in and out of the water are just a few examples of what this entails.
Be sure to include a trip to the local dog park in your calendar, as he is a friendly pup who enjoys romping around. To keep him from growing bored, it's a good idea to vary his activities due to his high level of intelligence. Also, in case you missed it, this dog's high prey drive necessitates that you keep him on a leash.
Training
The Braque du Bourbonnais, the dog we all know and adore, needs to be taught how to behave in a respectful manner. When puppies first learn to walk, a reputable breeder will begin socialising them. As soon as you have him back at your house, you should carry on with this plan in full force.
Include situations that you expect him to encounter on a daily basis when preparing him for life's challenges. If he's out in public, he may be surrounded by other dogs and animals, and he may also come into contact with strangers. All of this contributes to his poise and self-assurance by helping him maintain his pleasant demeanour.
It's a good idea to crate train him because he is a needy dog who doesn't like to be left alone. Crate training him will not only provide him his own personal space, but it will also give you some much-needed peace of mind. No matter how well-behaved they are when you are around, anxious dogs are destructive dogs.
Children and Other Pets
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy, therefore it should be socialised with children of all ages. An older youngster or an adult who knows how to play softly would prefer Braque du Bourbonnais. However, the Braque du Bourbonnais can be an excellent playmate for children who are taught how to approach and play with an active dog from an early age.
Braque du Bourbonnais gets along with other pets if introduced to them gradually and calmly, and early socialisation is helpful in this regard. If you can, introduce them to other animals as early as possible. Due to their innate hunting instincts, Braque du Bourbonnais aren't particularly fond of smaller animals or birds.
Training and socialisation are key factors in Braque du Bourbonnais' compatibility with other animals, but it's also a matter of chance.
Puppies
Braque du Bourbonnais is an active breed. If you can't give him 60 minutes of daily exercise, you should get a different breed. He's a super-intelligent live wire with working dog energy.
Without it, he'll act destructively and make you feel bad for failing him. He's worth the effort, though.
He craves human contact and dislikes being alone. This dog won't leave you alone to go about your day. He's your constant company.
He's a good Pointer. Pointers are highly motivated hunters. Once he smells anything, he won't listen no matter how well you train him. If you let him go, you may not see him for hours.
Depending on one's perspective, it's heaven or hell. The Braque du Bourbonnais is some people's ideal dog. You must decide if he's what you want or if he wants you.
A Braque du Bourbonnais puppy from a reputable breeder can cost $1,500. Few American Braque du Bourbonnais breeders are respectable. Check a breeder's history to make sure they breed healthy dogs and care for their puppies well.
Puppy mills may offer a cheaper dog, but they're dangerous. Unhealthy dogs will be bred, and the puppies will be neglected. If you want a healthy dog, avoid them.
Dog Breeds Similar to Braque du Bourbonnais
- Brittany
- Braque Francais Pyrenean
- Pudelpointer
- German shorthaired pointer
- Pointer
