Braque d'Auvergne
Also known as Braque bleu d’Auvergne
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 63 cm
- Weight
- 22 to 28 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A powerful, elegant pointer, the Braque d’Auvergne is recognized by its black head and its white coat speckled or grizzled with black, which gives it a bluish sheen. Gentle, very affectionate, intelligent and docile, it has a powerful nose and a firm point. It adapts well to family life, as long as it can hunt or burn off energy every day.
History and origins
A very old breed, the Braque d’Auvergne has been found in the Cantal for more than two centuries. Descended from the stock shared by all braques (continental pointing dogs), it is said to have been selected with the help of the Knights of Malta, a tradition its standard repeats. Created by and for hunters, it has kept a strong identity, which its black and white coat has helped preserve. Recognized by the FCI under no. 180, it had about 160 registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion or ectropion
- Ear infections
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care. Coat colors: black with white patches and speckling (blue sheen), black with white patches and grizzling, black head.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Braque d'Auvergne FAQ
How big does the Braque d'Auvergne get?
The Braque d'Auvergne stands 53 to 63 cm at the withers and weighs 22 to 28 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Braque d'Auvergne shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Braque d'Auvergne live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Braque d'Auvergne need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Braque d'Auvergne good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Braque d'Auvergne live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and entropion or ectropion.
