Braque Du Puy Dog Breed History Origin and Facts

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Posted Nov 2, 2024

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

The Braque Du Puy is an ancient breed with a rich history. It originated in the southern region of France, specifically in the Puy-de-Dôme department.

This breed has been around since the 16th century, making it one of the oldest French pointer breeds. The Braque Du Puy was originally bred for hunting small game.

The breed's name "Braque" is French for "broad" or "wide", which refers to the dog's broad head. This name is fitting, given the breed's distinctive facial features.

The Braque Du Puy is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds.

Breed Characteristics

The Braque du Puy is a loyal and affectionate breed with a calm and gentle personality. They are highly intelligent and agile, making them perfect companions for active families.

Their strong scenting ability allows them to track and follow trails for a long time, making them excellent hunting dogs. They are also highly energetic, requiring a lot of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Braque du Puy dogs are social and get along well with children, but can be difficult in the company of cats and other small animals. They are also highly intelligent, but can be stubborn and headstrong, requiring patience and a friendly approach to train.

Size

Credit: youtube.com, Breeding for Specific Traits

Braque du Puy dogs are a medium to large breed, weighing in at around 50-60 pounds. Their height is similarly substantial, ranging from 26-28 inches.

Their compact build makes them well-suited for active families who want a dog that can keep up with their lifestyle.

Temperament

The Braque du Puy has a loyal and affectionate temperament, making them perfect companions. They are also very social with children and rarely cause problems with other dogs.

This breed is highly intelligent and attentive, but can be difficult to train due to their stubborn and headstrong nature. With the right approach and patience, however, they can learn and thrive.

Braque du Puy dogs have a keen sense of smell and sharp eyes that allow them to spot small animals from a distance. They also have a good sense of hearing, enabling them to hear high-pitched voices from a distance.

They are a lively and energetic breed that requires a lot of exercise, making them more suited to country life or families with a lot of space to run around.

Care and Maintenance

Man with Dogs Standing near Flock of Sheep
Credit: pexels.com, Man with Dogs Standing near Flock of Sheep

Braque du Puys are an active breed that thrives outdoors, so they need plenty of space to run around and exercise.

Their grooming needs are relatively low maintenance, requiring only daily brushes with a stiff brush to keep their coat clean.

Braque du Puys can get dirty, but wiping them down with a damp towel is often enough to keep them clean between baths. Use dry shampoo when giving them baths to keep their coat healthy.

To prevent health problems, it's essential to keep their nails trimmed and dirt-free at all times to prevent toenail infections.

Their long ears are also prone to infections, so make sure to keep them dry and dirt-free.

Some common health issues in Braque du Puys include hip and elbow dysplasia, joint problems, eye issues like cherry eye, gastrointestinal problems like bloat, and skin allergies.

General Health

Braque du Puys are a hardy and healthy breed, but like any dog, they're not immune to health issues. They're prone to toenail infections, so keep their nails trimmed and dirt-free at all times.

Daily brushes with a stiff brush are sufficient for their coats, and baths can be taken only when needed. Wiping off the dirt with a damp towel is enough, but use dry shampoo when giving them baths.

To prevent health problems, keep their long ears dry and dirt-free.

Exercise & Training

Herd of Sheep
Credit: pexels.com, Herd of Sheep

Braque du Puy dogs are known for their speed, agility and flexibility, making them well-suited for country life.

They require a lot of exercise due to their high spirited nature.

Their excellent scenting skills are a result of their ability to detect subtle scents in low lying marshlands and bushy areas.

They are not powerful swimmers and do not work well in water, so it's best to avoid water-based activities with them.

Regular exercise will help keep your Braque du Puy happy and healthy, so make sure to provide them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.

Puppies

A mother Braque du Puy typically gives birth to 3-6 puppies at a time.

This litter size can be a challenge for new dog owners, so it's essential to prepare for the arrival of multiple puppies.

The mother's care and attention are crucial during this period, and she needs time to bond with her puppies.

A well-balanced diet is vital for the puppies' growth and development, so make sure to provide high-quality food from an early age.

Puppies need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy.

Breed History and Extinction

Credit: youtube.com, Braque Du Puy

The Braque du Puy originated in the early 19th century in France by the French natives for hunting purposes.

One theory is that the breed was created by crossing a sighthound and a Braque Francais, while another theory suggests that two brothers named Dupuy or Du Puy first created the breed by crossing their female Braque Francais with a male Sloughi.

The Braque du Puy was bred for hunting in the lowlands of Poitou, a province in west-central France, where marshlands were abundant.

Unfortunately, the Braque du Puy went extinct by the 1970s due to a lack of conservation efforts and excessive crossbreeding.

Origin and History

The Braque du Puy has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century in France. It was bred by the French natives for hunting purposes.

One theory is that the breed originated by crossing a sighthound and a Braque Francais. This crossbreeding likely took place in the region of Poitou, a province in west-central France.

If this caught your attention, see: Dogs from France

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Extinct Dog Breeds

The Braque du Puy was also thought to have originated from the crossbreeding of a Braque Francais and a Sloughi, with the latter being obtained from a soldier. This unique combination of breeds likely gave the Braque du Puy its distinctive characteristics.

Two brothers named Dupuy or Du Puy are credited with creating the breed, using a female liver and white-colored Braque Francais and a male Sloughi. Their contributions to the breed's development are still remembered today.

The Braque du Puy was specifically bred for hunting in the lowlands of France, where the province of Poitou was famous for its marshlands.

Additional reading: Sloughi

The Breed's Extinction

The Braque du Puy's extinction was a tragic loss for dog enthusiasts. They went extinct by the 1970s due to a lack of conservation efforts.

The breed's decline was largely driven by excessive crossbreeding. People chose other French dogs over Braque du Puy dogs because they didn't know much about them.

Credit: youtube.com, 12 Extinct Dog Breeds And 9 New You Haven't Heard About

The first and second world wars had a devastating impact on the breed's population. The wars contributed to the Braque du Puy's eventual extinction.

The breed's original form began to disappear as people crossed them with other breeds. This loss of genetic purity ultimately led to the Braque du Puy's extinction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a braque dog in English?

The Braque Francais Pyrenean is also known as the French Pointing Dog Pyrenean Type. This breed is a rustic French dog with a rich heritage.

Are French pointers good family dogs?

Yes, French Pointers are suitable for families with children due to their gentle and calm nature. They are also highly social and obedient, making them a great choice for families.

Becky Murray

Writer

Becky Murray is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal-related subjects, where she has developed a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in canine herding breeds, Becky has produced a series of informative articles that delve into the characteristics, behaviors, and histories of these fascinating dogs.