The Braque Du Bourbonnais Dog Breed Guide

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Posted Oct 29, 2024

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Ile du Grand Rouveau, France
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The Braque du Bourbonnais is a small to medium-sized hunting dog originating from France.

They are known for their distinctive mustache and beard, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

This breed is an excellent companion for active families and hunters due to their high energy levels and strong instinct to follow scents.

Their intelligence and trainability make them relatively easy to train, but consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

Breed Characteristics

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a muscular pointing dog developed in the Bourbonnais province in France.

Their rounded heads and large noses match their coat color, which can include chestnut and fawn with ticking and/or spotting. Their eyes are big and either hazel or amber, giving them an intelligent and kind expression.

Braques du Bourbonnais have a distinctive pear-shaped head, with medium-length ears that hang naturally against their cheeks and can be flat or slightly curled inwards. Their build is compact and muscular, giving the impression of strength and power.

Size

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The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog, with most weighing in at 35 to 55 pounds.

They range in height from 18 to 23 inches at the shoulder, giving them a compact and muscular build.

This compact build gives the breed an impression of strength and power, exuding a certain elegance.

Many Braque du Bourbonnais can be smaller or larger than this average range, so keep in mind that individual dogs may vary.

Traits

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a muscular build, giving the impression of strength and power. They exude a certain elegance.

Their heads are rounded, matching their coat color, and their large noses are a distinctive feature. Their eyes are big and expressive, with a range of colors including hazel and amber.

Braques du Bourbonnais have medium-length ears that hang naturally against their cheeks, and may be flat or slightly curled inwards. Ears can also extend beyond the throat.

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Credit: youtube.com, Breeding for Specific Traits

Their tails are set low, and some individuals may be born with a short tail or no tail at all. Arched toes and a short coat with fine or coarse hair are also characteristic of the breed.

Coat colors include chestnut and fawn with ticking and/or spotting, and the color of their eyes is often related to their coat color.

Temperament and Personality

The Braque du Bourbonnais is an intelligent breed that's easy to train, thanks to their willingness to please their humans. They're highly motivated and attentive, making them a great hunting companion.

Their high energy levels require daily exercise, which they'd rather get by running around the yard than cuddling indoors. They're natural athletes, with a gallop as their natural pace.

Braques du Bourbonnais are friendly and affectionate, loving to be around people, but they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They tend to latch onto their human family and can become anxious if separated.

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With early training, they can be house-trained and learn to curb unwanted barking habits. Consistency and affection from their owner are key to successful training.

As a family dog, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a gentle disposition, making them a great addition to families with children. They're generally calm and easy-going, as long as they get enough physical and mental exercise.

Health and Care

The Braque du Bourbonnais is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any concerns early on.

Some common health problems that may affect your Braque du Bourbonnais include hip dysplasia, which can cause instability and pain in the hip joint. Pulmonic stenosis is another congenital heart defect that can restrict blood flow from the heart to the lungs.

To maintain your Braque du Bourbonnais's health, make sure to keep up with regular veterinary checkups and develop a care routine with your vet. Your dog should get at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day, with a few active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.

A good care routine also includes regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care. Brush your Braque du Bourbonnais's teeth daily to prevent dental issues, and trim their nails before they get too long.

On a similar theme: Yorkshire Terrier Care

Weight

Braque du Bourbonnais
Credit: wikimedia.org, Braque du Bourbonnais

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for overall well-being. Aiming for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is ideal.

For adults, a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 0.5 to 1 kg per week. This may seem slow, but it's a more reliable and maintainable pace than trying to lose weight quickly.

Carbohydrates should make up 45-65% of your daily calorie intake, with a focus on whole, unprocessed sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Care

Regular veterinary checkups are a must for your Braque du Bourbonnais. This will help detect any health concerns early on.

To keep your dog healthy, your vet can help you develop a care routine that's tailored to their needs. Make sure to keep up with these checkups.

Braque du Bourbonnais are prone to rolling in the dirt, so they'll need to be bathed as needed. This will help keep them clean and prevent any skin issues.

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Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Man Wearing Camouflage Clothing Hunting in a Terrain with a Dog

Daily walks and playtime are essential for your Braque du Bourbonnais. Aim for at least one 30-minute to hour-long walk per day, with some shorter walks and play sessions mixed in.

Your Braque du Bourbonnais' ears need regular checking for debris and pests. Clean them as recommended by your vet to prevent any infections.

Trimming your dog's nails is a must – usually once or twice a month. This will prevent them from getting too long and clicking against the floor.

Brushing your Braque du Bourbonnais' teeth daily is crucial for their oral health. Medium breeds like this one can be prone to dental issues, so make sure to brush their teeth properly as instructed by your vet.

Here's a quick rundown of your Braque du Bourbonnais' care needs:

  • Bathing: as needed
  • Daily walks: at least 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Playtime: several shorter sessions
  • Ear cleaning: regularly
  • Nail trimming: once or twice a month
  • Teeth brushing: daily

Feeding

Feeding your Braque du Bourbonnais requires attention to their high energy needs and medium-sized breed requirements.

A regular feeding schedule is essential to maintain your dog's energy levels throughout the day.

A Hunter with a Hunting Dog
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Limit treats to avoid overfeeding, as this can affect their overall health and well-being.

Their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and continue to change into their senior years.

Consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as individual dogs have unique needs that vary in weight, energy, and health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Braque du Bourbonnais?

A Braque du Bourbonnais typically costs between $900 to $1,200 from a reputable breeder. If you're considering bringing one home, keep in mind that this is a significant upfront investment.

What does the name Braque du Bourbonnais mean?

The name Braque du Bourbonnais comes from the French verb "braque," meaning "to aim or point," and the Bourbonnais region in France where the breed originated. This ancient breed's name reflects its original purpose as a pointing breed.

How do you pronounce Braque du Bourbonnais?

The correct pronunciation of Braque du Bourbonnais is "Brock-do-Bor-bon-nay". This ancient French breed's unique name is just one aspect of its fascinating history and characteristics.

What are the health issues with Braque du Bourbonnais?

Braque du Bourbonnais are prone to several health issues, including Hip Dysplasia, Entropian Eyes, Ectropian Eyes, and Pulmonic Stenosis. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary care can help minimize the risk of these conditions.

Ada Goodwin

Lead Writer

Ada Goodwin is a versatile writer with a passion for uncovering the hidden stories of our world. With a keen eye for detail and a love for the unusual, she has explored a wide range of topics, from the cultural history of Japan to the fascinating world of taxidermy exhibits. Her writing often delves into the lives of individual dogs, monuments, and statues, revealing the unique stories and histories behind each one.