Braque du Bourbonnais
Also known as Braque bourbonnais
- Height at the withers
- 48 to 57 cm
- Weight
- 16 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 7 · Pointing dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A compact, rustic, medium-sized pointer, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a white coat finely speckled with brown (wine-lees) or flecked with fawn (peach blossom), and some dogs are born without a tail. Gentle and affectionate at home, it is passionate, intelligent and precise on point in the field. Easy to train, it makes an excellent companion for an active family that hunts.
History and origins
Already described in 1598 by the Italian naturalist Aldrovandi, the Braque du Bourbonnais is a pointing dog from central France, known for its ruggedness. In the 1930s, breeders tried to impose a “faded lilac” color and a requirement to be born with a short tail, a selection so strict that it put the breed at risk. A team of breeders revived it from the 1970s onward, and the FCI recognizes it under no. 179. It remains rare, with around sixty registrations with the French Kennel Club (LOF) a year.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion or ectropion
- Ear infections
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: white speckled with brown (wine-lees), white flecked with fawn (peach blossom), roan.
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
- Good fit, 4 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
- Never, 1 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 du Bourbonnais FAQ
How big does the Braque du Bourbonnais get?
The Braque du Bourbonnais stands 48 to 57 cm at the withers and weighs 16 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Braque du Bourbonnais shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Braque du Bourbonnais 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 du Bourbonnais need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Braque du Bourbonnais 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 du Bourbonnais live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and entropion or ectropion.
