Braque du Bourbonnais

Braque du Bourbonnais Dog Breed Characteristics

Discover the endearing qualities and unique characteristics of the rare Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed. Learn about this breed’s origins, appearance, temperament, health issues, grooming needs, exercise requirements, and more. Get the full scoop on whether the lively and affectionate Braque du Bourbonnais would make the perfect pet for your family.

Brief History: The Ancient Roots of the Braque du Bourbonnais

With a history dating back to the 15th century, the Braque du Bourbonnais (also called the Bourbonnais Pointer) is an ancient French breed. These dogs originated in the historic province of Bourbonnais in central France.

The Braque du Bourbonnais was bred as a versatile gun dog and skilled hunter. Their excellent scenting ability, intelligence, and eager-to-please temperament made them highly-valued hunting companions. They were popular among French nobility who used them for hunting small game like birds, rabbits, and foxes.

By the 20th century, the Braque du Bourbonnais had become quite rare outside of its native France. But thanks to dedicated breeders, these charming dogs have made a resurgence in recent decades. While still uncommon, the Braque du Bourbonnais is slowly gaining more fans internationally.

Appearance: Taking in the Good Looks of the Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog standing between 19 to 23 inches tall and weighing 35 to 40 pounds. They have a sturdy and well-proportioned build.

This breed sports a short, dense coat that comes in various shades of fawn, ranging from light tan to dark reddish-brown. They may have white markings on the chest, feet, neck, and tail tip. The Braque du Bourbonnais has trademark long, droopy ears covered in wavy hair. Their expressive eyes are amber or dark brown.

These handsome pups have a noble appearance owing to their upright posture and dignified bearing. When alert, they carry their long tail upcurling over their back. The Braque du Bourbonnais moves with an extended, effortless trot suited to a hard-working gundog.

Fun fact: The Braque du Bourbonnais closely resembles its cousin, the Braque Francais. But the Bourbonnais variety has a darker coat and more prominent flews (upper lips).

Temperament: Lively, Loyal, and Affectionate

The typical Braque du Bourbonnais personality can be described as:

• Lively – This breed is energetic, upbeat, and always on the move.
• Loyal – They form extremely strong bonds with their family.
• Affectionate – Braque du Bourbonnais dogs thrive on human companionship. They crave attention and affection.
• Intelligent – These quick learners excel at training and dog sports. Their hunting backgrounds make them highly trainable.
• Even-tempered – They have a steady, gentle disposition and get along with everyone.
• Playful – Fun and silly, these dogs stay puppy-like their whole lives. They need interactive playtime.

With proper socialization and training, the Braque du Bourbonnais develops into a polite, well-mannered house dog. They make delightful family pets with their friendly attitude towards people and other animals.

Care and Grooming: Easy-Maintenance for the Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is an easy-care breed when it comes to grooming. Their short, dense coat simply needs weekly brushing to remove dead hair and dirt. An occasional bath when dirty keeps their coat in great shape.

This dog sheds moderately year-round but more heavily during shedding seasons. Extra brushing will help control loose hair around the house. Their ears also need regular cleaning to prevent infections.

Other grooming needs include:

• Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
• Brushing teeth 2-3 times per week
• Checking and cleaning eyes daily

Thanks to their wash-and-wear coat, the Braque du Bourbonnais hardly requires any fancy grooming. Just the occasional brushing and bathing keeps them looking dapper.

Exercise & Training: An Active Breed That Loves to Learn

The sporty Braque du Bourbonnais thrives on daily activity and exercise. True to their hunting lineage, they have lots of energy and stamina. Plan on providing this breed with at least 60-90 minutes of exercise per day.

The ideal activities for the Braque du Bourbonnais include:

• Brisk walking
• Hiking
• Running beside a bike
• Playing fetch
• Swimming
• Agility training
• Nose work games

Mental stimulation is equally important for this bright, trainable breed. The Braque du Bourbonnais excels at canine sports like obedience, rally, agility, dock diving, and hunting tests. Training activities will help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Positive reinforcement combined with consistency and patience works best when training this sensitive breed. The Braque du Bourbonnais responds eagerly to praise, treats, and fun training games.

Early socialization and puppy classes ensure these dogs grow into well-adjusted companions. Their natural tractability makes training this breed a delight.

Health Issues: A Generally Robust Breed

Reputable breeders focus on producing healthy Braque du Bourbonnais dogs through genetic testing. Overall, this breed enjoys excellent health with a lifespan of 12-14 years.

Like all purebred dogs, however, the Braque du Bourbonnais is prone to certain hereditary conditions. Potential health issues to be aware of include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia – Malformed joints that can lead to osteoarthritis. Careful screening of breeding dogs helps reduce risk.
• Hereditary Eye Diseases – Conditions like cataracts, retinal atrophy, or glaucoma. Veterinary eye exams detect problems early.
• Ear Infections – Floppy ears trap moisture, increasing the risk of painful infections. Regular ear cleaning is a must.
• Bloat – A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding smaller meals helps prevent bloat.

With early health screening, a nutritious diet, regular vet care, and proper exercise, the Braque du Bourbonnais can enjoy excellent wellness throughout their lifespan.

Nutrition: Feed a High-Quality Diet

The Braque du Bourbonnais has high energy needs. Feed a balanced diet formulated for active medium-sized breed dogs. Split meals into two or three smaller portions rather than one large daily serving.

Quality protein sources like chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, and lean red meats should make up at least 18% of their diet. Avoid fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products.

These dogs do well on both dry kibble and canned wet foods. Adding some raw meaty bones, veggies, and fruit provides extra nutrition. Always provide fresh water available at all times.

Monitor treat consumption and avoid overfeeding, which can quickly lead to obesity. Check with your vet if you have any questions about your Braque du Bourbonnais dog’s nutritional needs.

Finding a Braque du Bourbonnais: Breeders, Rescues, and More

Interested in making a Braque du Bourbonnais part of your family? Here are some tips for finding and adopting one of these fantastic French pups:

• AKC Breeder Directory – Search for reputable breeders affiliated with the American Kennel Club. Screen breeders carefully and ask lots of questions.
• Breed Clubs – Contact the National Braque du Bourbonnais Club or regional breed clubs for breeder referrals.
• Importing from France – Work with a reputable French breeder to import a Braque du Bourbonnais puppy overseas. Prepare for added paperwork and expenses.
• Shelters and Rescues – Consider adoption! Check with local shelters and rescues as well as national rescue groups for adoptable Braque du Bourbonnais dogs needing homes.
• Waiting Lists – Quality breeders often have long waitlists. Get your name on a list and expect to wait several months to a year for a puppy.
• Patience Pays Off – Take your time to find the right breeder and pup for your family. It’s worth the wait to get a happy, healthy Braque du Bourbonnais!

Is the Braque du Bourbonnais the Right Breed for You?

The friendly and energetic Braque du Bourbonnais makes a delightful family companion for active owners. Consider if this breed is well-suited to your lifestyle:

Good for active singles and families who:

• Enjoy participating in dog sports and outdoor activities
• Have time for daily walks, playtime, and training
• Want an affectionate, loyal sidekick
• Appreciate a smart and trainable dog
• Have access to a securely fenced yard

Not ideal for:

• Sedentary owners unable to provide adequate exercise
• Families who frequently leave dogs home alone all day
• Those looking for a laid-back lapdog
• Novice pet owners unfamiliar with training dogs
• Homes without secure fencing that keeps dogs safely contained

The bouncy, people-pleasing Braque du Bourbonnais thrives in an active home where they get plenty of attention, playtime, and training. If this sounds like your lifestyle, the Braque could make the ultimate canine companion for you!

Conclusion: Why the Braque du Bourbonnais Shines as a Loyal Companion

For an affectionate, lively, and trainable canine companion, the Braque du Bourbonnais dog has it all. Their sporting spirit combined with their total devotion to their people make them a dog unlike any other.

While still a rare find, those lucky enough to share their lives with a Braque du Bourbonnais will discover what a remarkable breed they truly are. Their happy nature and enthusiastic zest for life bring smiles to all who meet them.

If you seek a faithful four-legged best friend who will share fun adventures and snuggles, then look no further than the charming Braque du Bourbonnais!

FAQs

Do you still have some questions about the darling Braque du Bourbonnais? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions about this breed.