The gentle Braque du Bourbonnais temperament makes this dog an amiable companion dog and a reliable gun dog.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient French hunting breed with distinctive markings. French hunters refer to the breed as “the tailless pointer.”
In America, the breed is called the Bourbonnais pointing dog or the Bourbonnais pointer.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is quickly gaining popularity in the United States.
If you think this breed might be a good fit for your lifestyle, do as much research as you can to learn about common Braque du Bourbonnais behaviors.
This article will provide a starting point to learn more about this interesting breed.
Braque du Bourbonnais Traits and Characteristics
Below you will find some common characteristics of the Braque du Bourbonnais temperament.
Keep in mind that all dogs are individuals, so there will be some variability within the breed.
Not all specimens of the same breed will display the same traits.
However, here are some common attributes that you may encounter.
Even-tempered
The Braque du Bourbonnais is often described as calm, gentle, mellow and/or even-tempered.
These dogs are said to have wonderful, easy-going temperaments.
This makes them extremely popular pets as well as reliable working dogs.
Many families with children find them to be tolerant and affectionate with the children.
However, it is important to socialize your Braque du Bourbonnais with children and always supervise their interactions. Never leave young kids alone with a dog of any breed.
Likewise, it is your responsibility to monitor the children and make sure they are kind to the animals in the household.
Eager to Please
The Braque du Bourbonnais is loyal to his master and eager to please.
This dog is highly attuned to his owner and will seek out eye contact at all times.
The Braque du Bourbonnais is willing, attentive and easy to train.
If you crave a constant canine companion, a Braque du Bourbonnais will be your adoring shadow.
Can Suffer from Separation Anxiety
Because these dogs become so attached to their guardians, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety will panic when they are left alone in the house. They will bark, pace, howl and become destructive.
There are some steps that you can take to reduce your dog’s separation anxiety.
For example, try increasing your dog’s exercise and mental enrichment.
A tired dog is a good dog. A dog that is exhausted is more likely to sleep when left alone.
You can also try playing calming music or plugging in a pheromone diffuser (like Dog Appeasing Pheromone) when you leave your dog unattended.
If your dog suffers from severe separation anxiety, you may have to bring your dog to a doggie daycare while you are at work.
You should also speak with your veterinarian, who may want to try a course of anti-anxiety medications.
Athletic
The Braque du Bourbonnais was bred to hunt with his master for hours on end.
Therefore, if you are going to keep this breed as a house pet, you need to have a plan to provide him with sufficient exercise.
An occasional stroll around the block is not going to be adequate activity for this working breed.
Braque du Bourbonnais exercise can take the form of jogging, hiking, or long walks. It can also include playtime with other dogs such as time at the dog park.
You can also get involved in canine sports such as agility, rally obedience, flyball, tracking, field trials, and/or nosework.
Make sure you can set aside at least an hour a day to exercise your Braque du Bourbonnais.
If you do not have the time or inclination to provide a lot of physical activity for a dog, than the Braque du Bourbonnais may not be the right fit for your lifestyle.
Social with Other Animals
Historically, the Braque du Bourbonnais was often kept by hunters who would hunt with more than one dog.
Therefore, this breed has a history of getting along with other canines.
However, it is still crucial to socialize your Braque du Bourbonnais with other dogs from an early age.
If you can find a class in your area, sign your puppy up for a puppy kindergarten class. These classes are a great way to teach your puppy valuable social skills with other dogs.
If you adopt your Braque du Bourbonnais as an adult, you can still use positive reinforcement methods to acclimate your dog to other pets.
As with all breeds, make sure you do dog introductions slowly and carefully. Always supervise your Braque du Bourbonnais when he is interacting with other animals.
Braque du Bourbonnais History
The Braque du Bourbonnais is one of the oldest pointing breeds in France. The breed traces its origins back to the 15th century.
As its name implies, the breed originated in the province of Bourbonnais.
The word “Braque” translates to “pointer.” So the name of the breed literally means “pointer from the province of Bourbonnais.”
Like all pointing breeds, the Braque du Bourbonnais was bred to stand as still as a statue and “point” with its nose when it detects game.
Braque du Bourbonnais Size and Appearance
The Braque du Bourbonnais has a very distinctive appearance.
He is a medium-sized pointing dog with speckled markings and a naturally bobbed tail.
The average Braque du Bourbonnais weight is between 35 and 53 pounds. Males are heavier than females.
The typical Braque du Bourbonnais height is between 19 and 22.5 inches.
Braque du Bourbonnais colors are very beautiful and striking. The Braque du Bourbonnais is always white with speckles called “ticking.” The ticking can be brown (this coloration is called wine dregs). Alternatively, the ticking can be fawn (this coloration is called peach blossom).
Braque du Bourbonnais Training
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a highly intelligent and trainable breed.
The trainable nature of this breed is what has made it such a successful hunting dog for so many centuries.
It is always best to start training and socializing your puppy at an early age.
However, if you adopt your dog as an adult, you can still successfully teach him many new things.
If there are obedience classes in your area, sign up for a class with a positive reinforcement trainer.
Obedience classes are a fun way to bond with your dog.
Just make sure you find an instructor that uses positive, force-free methods.
Avoid any trainer that uses harsh corrections or painful tools such as shock collars, pinch collars and choke chains. Such methods are not advisable with this sensitive breed. If you use rough tactics with the Braque du Bourbonnais, you may permanently damage your relationship with your pet.
Keep training sessions short and fun. Remember that dogs have a short attention span, so divide training into small, manageable sessions throughout the day.
Once you and your Braque du Bourbonnais have mastered basic training, you can get involved in more advanced activities such as tracking, search and rescue work, nosework, or therapy work.
The possibilities are endless with this eager and intelligent dog!
Helpful Dog Training Resource:
For help with training your Braque du Bourbonnais dog, you should take a look at The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan. Doggy Dan is an expert Dog Trainer based in New Zealand. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog.
Braque du Bourbonnais Grooming
The Braque du Bourbonnais has a short, dense coat that is easy to maintain.
You should brush your Braque du Bourbonnais about once per week. You should bathe him every few weeks to keep his coat healthy and shiny.
Professional grooming is not usually necessary for this breed. Most owners can maintain the coat by themselves.
It is also recommended to trim your dog’s nails as needed and inspect his ears for debris on a regular basis.
Is the Braque du Bourbonnais hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, the Braque du Bourbonnais breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, this breed may not be the best choice for you.
Staying Healthy: Braque du Bourbonnais Health Issues
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a breed that has relatively few health problems. However, as with all purebred dogs, there are some genetic conditions that are common in the breed. If you acquire your dog from a breeder, be sure to discuss these health issues with the breeder and ask about genetic testing. High quality breeders will conduct genetic testing to make sure that genetic conditions are not passed down from generation to generation.
Discuss these conditions with your veterinarian so that you can be on the watch for early warning signs:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion (Eye Issue)
- Ectropion (Eye Issue)
- Heart Problems
Like all dogs, your Braque du Bourbonnais should visit a veterinarian at least once per year for an annual checkup and vaccinations.
Your Braque du Bourbonnais should also be on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention at all times. Talk with your vet about the right preventative medications for your dog.
Spaying and neutering is highly recommended for health reasons, behavior reasons, and to prevent the further spread of the pet overpopulation problem in this country. Speak with your veterinarian about scheduling this procedure that the appropriate time for your dog.
With good care, the Braque du Bourbonnais lifespan is generally between 10 and 12 years.
Note: if you agree that your health and your dog's health should be a top priority then get a copy of The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health. Your Braque du Bourbonnais friend will love you for it. This guide will help save you money, time and most of all help you keep your dog healthy.
Braque du Bourbonnais Rescue and Adoption
If you feel that a Braque du Bourbonnais is a good match for your household, you have many options for finding your perfect Braque du Bourbonnais.
One option is to adopt a Braque du Bourbonnais that is in need of a new home.
Dogs may end up in shelters or rescue groups for many different reasons. Often, it is because the owner is going through a difficult time such as an eviction, divorce, illness or financial crisis.
Facebook and Google are good resources for finding a Braque du Bourbonnais for adoption.
You can also search adoption websites such as Petfinder and Adoptapet.
Also, be sure to visit your local animal shelter or humane society. Even though it is rare to find a Braque du Bourbonnais in an American animal shelter, you never know what you might find. Shelters often receive purebred dogs, including rare breeds.
You can ask to leave your name on file and ask to be contacted if there is a Braque du Bourbonnais or a Braque du Bourbonnais mix available for adoption.
The staff might also contact you about other similar dogs, such as other pointer mixes. Try to keep an open mind. One of those dogs could be your new best friend!
Finding a Braque du Bourbonnais for Sale from a Reputable Breeder
Another option is to work with an ethical breeder to acquire a Braque du Bourbonnais puppy.
Just be careful, because there are unscrupulous breeders out there who are trying to make money at the expense of the dogs and the buyers.
Never purchase Braque du Bourbonnais puppies over the internet or through a pet shop.
Always insist on meeting the breeder in person and visiting the premises. This way you will avoid accidentally buying a puppy from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder.
You can also contact the Braque du Bourbonnais club and ask the club members for a list of high quality Braque du Bourbonnais breeders.
Remember that this is still a fairly rare breed in the United States, so you may have to travel to meet with the breeder. Good breeders do not overbreed their dogs, so there may not be a puppy available for you right away. You may have to be placed on a waiting list.
Due to their scarcity, the Braque du Bourbonnais price can be steep. The cost varies depending on the breeder, but be prepared to spend over $1000.
If you opt to adopt from a rescue group or animal shelter, the price will be considerably lower.
Conclusion: Why the Braque du Bourbonnais?
There is no doubt that the Braque du Bourbonnais temperament is exceptional in many ways.
Devotees of this breed absolutely adore its loyalty and trustworthiness.
If you are thinking about adding one of these dogs to your family, just be sure you have the time to give it the attention and exercise that it needs for its whole life.
The Braque du Bourbonnais lives to be with its family. If you are looking for a faithful and loving soul to join your household, look no further than the Braque du Bourbonnais.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.