Temperament: Affectionate, Adaptable, Gentle
- Height: 19-22.5 inches
- Weight: 35-53 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
- Group: Foundation Stock Service
Pronounced brock-do-bor-bon-NAY, this pointer has a calm, gentle demeanor that is ideally suited for the foot hunter. The breed's relatively small size and short coat well suits them as an ideal home companion for the family that hunts.
About the Braque du Bourbonnais
The Bourbonnais is an ancient breed that evolved in France during the 15th century in the historic province of Bourbonnais. By the 1800s, the breed was known amongst French hunters as a tailless pointer with distinctive fawn and liver ticking. The Braque du Bourbonnais has now gained a strong foothold in North America; some years there are more pups registered in the United States than its homeland of France. In English, he is the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog. He is kind and affectionate in the home and a serious, adaptable, intelligent hunter in the field.
NUTRITION The Braque du Bourbonnais should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
GROOMING The Braque du Bourbonnais has a fine, dense, short coat. It is a little coarser, and sometimes longer, on the back. On the head and ears, the hair is finer and shorter.
Beyond periodic brushing, the occasional bath will keep your Braque du Bourbonnais clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The breed’s strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
EXERCISE Options for exercise could include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or being taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. Certain outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
TRAINING The Braque du Bourbonnais requires relatively gentle handling. He has the ability to sense the mood of the handler, seeking eye contact at all times.
HEALTH Most Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs are healthy dogs. Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Braque du Bourbonnais can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilise health screening and genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies