Braque du Bourbonnais – The Gentle Hunter

Hunting dogs are usually large-sized breeds. However, it does not go the same with the Braque du Bourbonnais. This dog is an efficient hunter despite its relatively small size. Its incredible hunting skills and small body makes it perfect, not just for a hunting companion, but also as a family dog.

Besides its outstanding performance in the field, the Braque also manifests an exciting characteristic. Like many dogs, it is highly affectionate towards its family. Furthermore, it has a calm and gentle nature, which is ideal for homes with children. These features make this breed an excellent choice for dog lovers, even for new fur parents.

Origins of the Braque du Bourbonnais

We can trace back the origins of the Braque to hundreds of years ago. Experts consider it as ancient and one of the oldest pointing breeds in France. Its name came from a French noun that could be roughly translated as ‘pointing.’ Ever since its early years of existence, people have already recognized this breed as a keen hunter.

Moreover, several pointer breeds originated in various regions in France. That is why most names of pointer dogs include the region where they were developed. The same thing goes with the Braque du Bourbonnais since it originated from the province of Bourbon in central France.

However, the Braque du Bourbonnais’ population significantly declined after World War I. This situation is similar to several other breeds, which sparked the interests of different dog breeders. It led to the formation of the first Club du Braque du Bourbonnais in 1925. This group of devoted breeders focused on restoring the Braque du Bourbonnais to its former glory.

The club succeeded in reviving the breed, which later on published the breed standard in 1930. Its population started to increase at a remarkable pace. However, it came to the brink of extinction after World War II. This event led to a drastic decline in its population; wherein there were no records of any registered puppy of the Braque du Bourbonnais for several years.

Interestingly, various dog breeders established a second Club du Braque du Bourbonnais to revive the breed once again. Michel Comte was the founder of the club in 1982, which led the restoration project. Thankfully, they succeeded in restoring the Braque du Bourbonnais, along with its breed standard. The Society Central Canine recognized the new breed standard of the Braque du Bourbonnais in 1991.

Characteristics of the Braque du Bourbonnais

Height: 19 – 22.5 inches

Weight: 35 – 53 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years

Hypoallergenic: No

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a small dog breed that is native to France. It could stand up to more than twenty-two inches tall and weighs about fifty-three pounds. Despite its relatively small size, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a strong and athletic body. This feature makes it an excellent hunter – allowing it to chase small animals quickly and effectively.

Moreover, the Braque du Bourbonnais is more than just a keen hunter. They are also known for their highly affectionate and gentle nature. This breed is an excellent family dog, which also goes well with children. Besides their superb behavior, they are also intelligent, which they use for hunting.

Caring for the Braque du Bourbonnais

Like many other pointing dogs, the Braque du Bourbonnais is a breed that only requires less maintenance. They can do well with high-quality dog food but are also okay with homemade meals – provided that your local veterinarian approves it. One thing to make sure when feeding them is the quantity of food you are going to serve. Always be cautious in giving them food and treats, in avoiding overfeeding – which could lead to obesity, or worse, severe medical conditions.

Since they have a fine and short coat, it wouldn’t be difficult to brush them regularly. Make it a habit to groom the Braque du Bourbonnais weekly to remove any dead hair. Along with regular grooming, you should also bathe them occasionally to remove dirt from their body. However, if they got into something messy, giving them a nice bath would be fine. Lastly, nails should always be trimmed to prevent them from harming your dog whenever they are walking or running.