The Braque d'Auvergne: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

The Braque d'Auvergne is a French hunting breed that originated in the Auvergne region, where it was bred to hunt small game such as rabbits and hares.

This breed is known for its distinctive mustache-like facial hair, which gives it a unique appearance.

The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

They typically weigh between 25-35 kg and stand between 45-55 cm tall at the shoulder.

Readers also liked: Braque Du Bourbonnais

The Braque d'Auvergne is a robust and strongly boned breed, heavier in build than most pointing breeds.

They have a medium size, with males reaching 57-63 cm in height and females reaching 53-59 cm. The ideal height is 60 cm for males and 56 cm for females, with a tolerance of 3 cm either way.

Their coat is short and glossy, displaying a mix of black and white markings with black flecks throughout, creating a blue tinge illusion.

The Braque d'Auvergne is a robust and strongly boned dog, with a heavier build and slightly stronger head than most pointing breeds. This sturdy build allows them to cover long distances with ease.

Their short, glossy coat is one of their defining features, and it's softer than many other pointers. This coat is perfectly suited for a dog that's meant to be out and about in the field.

The ideal height for males is 57-63 cm (23-25 in), while females reach 53-59 cm (21-23 in). This compact size makes them agile and easy to move around, even in difficult terrain.

Their strong, upright limbs give them an easy, light gait that they can maintain all day. This is essential for a dog that's meant to cover long distances, and it's a testament to their endurance.

A unique perspective: Are Labradors Easy to Train

The size of this breed is quite specific, with males ranging from 57 to 63 cms in height at the withers, and an ideal height of 60 cm.

For both males and females, a tolerance of 3 cms either way is acceptable. This means that a male can be as short as 54 cm or as tall as 66 cm and still be considered within the breed standard.

Females, on the other hand, are slightly shorter, measuring between 53 to 59 cms in height at the withers, with an ideal height of 56 cm.

The Braque d'Auvergne is a breed that's known for being gentle and affectionate, making them a great fit for families with children. They're extremely patient and gentle with kids, which is a testament to their calm nature.

One thing to keep in mind is that they can be sensitive, so they need patient owners who understand their needs. They're slow to mature, but with the right motivation and engagement, they'll work hard for their owners.

Braque d'Auvergne are highly trainable, thanks to their exceptional intelligence. They can learn to do just about anything with patience and dedication, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Curious to learn more? Check out: French Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer

They're also very social and love to be around people, which means they'll often follow you around the house and refuse to be in a different room than you. This can be a bit much for some people, but for those who enjoy having a constant companion, it's a definite plus.

In terms of their temperament, Braque d'Auvergne are almost completely non-aggressive, which makes them a poor choice for guard dogs. They're more likely to raise the alarm if they hear something strange than to defend their territory from intruders.

They're also highly prone to separation anxiety, so they don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. This means they're best suited for owners who have a flexible schedule and can spend plenty of time with their dog.

Overall, the Braque d'Auvergne is a breed that's all about affection, intelligence, and loyalty. With the right owner, they'll make a wonderful companion that's always by your side.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Auvergne Pointer

The Braque d'Auvergne's coat is easily maintained with a good brush through once a week using a stiff bristle brush.

You'll also want to check their ears, lips, and paws daily for detritus, grass seeds, and other foreign bodies that might get stuck in their fur.

A short brushing session once a week will be plenty to keep the Braque's short coat in good condition.

Unless you're walking them on hard surfaces, their strong nails will need to be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks with strong clippers.

Cleaning their waxy ears around once a fortnight will prevent a build-up of wax and keep them healthy.

For another approach, see: Can Shiba Inu Reach 1 Dollar

The Braque d'Auvergne is a breed that requires careful and thoughtful handling and training, responding well to positive reinforcement and the use of food and scent-based activities.

They're a large breed that takes three years to mature, making them a great fit for families with older children or teens who can understand and respect their size and energy level.

Braque d'Auvergne dogs are highly intelligent and versatile, excelling in scent-based sports like man-trailing and scent discrimination, as well as traditional gundog competitions and working trials.

With their non-aggressive nature, they make wonderful family pets, but they do need plenty of extra hands on deck to satisfy their need for attention and companionship.

As an active breed bred to spend all day chasing after birds, they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Given their slow pace, they may not excel in competitive tracking, but they'll certainly enjoy participating in canine sports and activities with their owners.

Here's an interesting read: How Much Exercise Do Labrador Retrievers Need

The Braque d'Auvergne is a wonderful breed for families who are already familiar with gundogs and enjoy gundog sports. However, they're best suited for families with older children or teens, as they take around three years to mature.

They're loving and loyal, making them great with kids, and their non-aggressive nature means there's little worry about mishaps. Adults should still supervise interactions between dogs and young children, though.

You'll need plenty of extra hands on deck to satisfy their need for attention, as they're constantly looking for companionship. They're not codependent, though, so they won't fixate on a single person in the family.

A large yard is a must for this breed, as they're extremely active and need plenty of space to burn off energy. A single walk won't do much for their energy levels, so be prepared to get creative with exercise routines.

Additional reading: Why Are Labrador Retrievers so Popular

The Braque d'Auvergne is an energetic breed.

They're suitable for hunters and those who want a rare and active pet.

Their temperament is a big part of their charm, making them easygoing, affectionate, and intelligent.

The Braque d'Auvergne breed almost disappeared during WWII due to a lack of demand for hunting dogs.

The war led to a decline in hunting activities, causing the breed's popularity to plummet.

As a result, the breed's population dwindled significantly.

In fact, the Braque d'Auvergne was so rare that it nearly went extinct.

Fortunately, breeders made a concerted effort to revive the breed after the war.

Their efforts paid off, and the Braque d'Auvergne was saved from extinction.

However, the breed never fully recovered and remains relatively rare today.

Consider reading: Roman War Dog Cane Corso

The Braque D'Auvergne is a unique breed, and there are some interesting facts about it.

They come in two main colors: black and white, with different patterns.

You might be surprised to learn that the breed standard allows for two types of black and white Braque D'Auvergnes.

The first type is a white dog with a black head and ears, and black ticking across the body, legs, and tail.

The second type is the 'Charbonne', a black dog with white ticking across the body, legs, and tail.

Both types meet the French breed standard, and as the saying goes, 'a good dog is never a bad color'.

Discover more: Braque Du Bourbonnais Breeders