Bourbon Braque

Bourbon Braque The French Hound is a breed of hunting gundog bred in France since the late 16th century. It is one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe and one of the best pointing dogs in the world.

History of origin

Bourbon Braques are considered descendants of ancient French hunting dogs. The first written mention of them appears in a hunting encyclopedia dating back to 1585. Furthermore, the pointers depicted in engravings and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries closely resemble modern dogs.

The French Revolution and two world wars caused serious damage to the breed. However, enthusiasts managed to save the Braque de Bourbon. (French: Braque du Bourbonnais) in virtually unchanged form. Currently, it is considered one of the best continental pointersIn 1955, the breed was recognized by the International Cynological Association.

Usage

French Braques were originally used as falconry dogs. With the advent of guns, they were retrained as gundogs. They are primarily used for hunting birds, and less commonly, small game. Like other pointing dogs, they have an excellent nose and will stand when game is spotted. This stand is genetically determined and requires no special training, sometimes only slight adjustments.

The Bourbonnais Braque is a sociable and obedient dog. It especially enjoys hunting birds and shows a knack for retrieving from an early age.

Appearance of the Bourbon Braque

A large, elegant, muscular dog with a beautiful white coat adorned with dense burgundy speckles and spots. A characteristic feature is the bobtail. Sexual dimorphism is well-defined.

• Height at withers: 50-58 cm;
• Weight: 18-26 kg.

The head is smooth and pear-shaped. The ears are drooping, triangular, and fairly thin, with a fold at the base. The neck is muscular, very wide, and often dewlap.

The body is massive and square. The withers rise above the topline. The chest is broad and deep. The loin is strong, short, and wide. The belly is slightly tucked up. The limbs are strong, muscular, and well-boned. The paws are tightly knit. The tail is set low, short from birth (up to 15 cm), or absent altogether.

Another name for the Bourbon Braque is the short-tailed pointer.

The hair on the head is short and soft, while on the back it is longer and denser. Colors:

• Chestnut-piebald with speckles (with a bluish-lilac tint).
• Grey-beige-piebald with speckles (with a peach tint).

Colored markings on the head are allowed, as long as their color is not obtrusive and there are no identical spots around the eyes.

Character and behavior

Bourbon Braques are calm dogs with a balanced temperament. They are generally not aggressive toward people or other dogs. They become very attached to their owners and other family members. They enjoy attention and company, but are not intrusive. They are active and energetic in their work.

The Bourbonnais Braque has a good, docile nature. He can be a family dog ​​and companion, but first and foremost he is a hunter and should be treated as such.

Tailless pointers are trainable in a variety of ways, but training requires considerable time. It's important for the owner to be consistent and patient. Puppies can be easily distracted if undermotivated. Other characteristic traits include stubbornness and a tendency to be easily offended. These strong-willed hunting dogs won't let you walk all over them or fetch your slippers. However, they are willing to be loyal friends and equal companions.

Content Features

The Bourbon Braque is suitable for life in an apartment or a private house. Perhaps aviary Maintenance. Needs regular exercise. It's a good idea to take him out into the field from time to time and let him run around to his heart's content.

Health and life expectancy

Most Bourbon Braques are healthy and robust dogs. Potential hereditary health problems include hip dysplasia and ophthalmological diseases. Other health issues are usually caused by lack of exercise, poor nutrition, or poor living conditions. Life expectancy is 12-14 years.

Buying a puppy

Bourbon Braques are very popular and widespread among hunters in France. The second largest number of these dogs is in the United States. In Russia, the breed is considered rare and uncommon. The population is primarily made up of dogs imported from France and other European countries. The average cost of a puppy is $400.

Photos and videos

More photos of the Bourbonnais breed of dogs can be seen in the gallery.

Video about the Bourbonnais dog breed:

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