Braque d'Auvergne
A French pointing gundog with a striking black-and-white ticked coat. Gentle, affectionate and biddable, making a friendly family companion and worker that needs plenty of exercise and a job to do.
Braque d'Auvergne scorecard
Overview
The Braque d'Auvergne is a French pointing gundog, named after the Auvergne region of central France. A medium-to-large breed, it stands around 53–63 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 22–28 kg, with an athletic, balanced build and a striking short coat of black ticking and roan on white, often with a solid black head. Bred to point and retrieve game, it is a versatile working dog that combines drive in the field with a gentle, affectionate nature at home.
It is a rare breed in the United Kingdom and is not separately recognised by the Kennel Club, so it is kept mainly by gundog enthusiasts and active owners rather than in the show ring. Easy-going and trainable, it suits homes that can meet its considerable exercise needs. Its typical lifespan is around 12–14 years.
Good to know — a Braque d'Auvergne needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Braque d'Auvergne developed in the Auvergne and Cantal regions of central France as a pointing gundog used by local hunters over varied terrain. Like other French braques, it descends from old continental pointing types, and its distinctive black-and-white ticked coat became a hallmark of the breed.
The breed suffered serious decline around the Second World War, and at one point its numbers fell dangerously low; dedicated breeders worked to recover and stabilise it in the decades that followed. It is recognised by the FCI and has a steady following in France, but remains uncommon elsewhere; given its partly disrupted history, detailed lineage claims should be treated with some caution.
Temperament & family fit
Braques d'Auvergne are typically gentle, affectionate and biddable, with a friendly, people-oriented nature that makes them pleasant family companions as well as capable gundogs. They tend to be good with children and sociable with other dogs, reflecting their cooperative working background, and they are generally calm and steady indoors when their exercise needs are met.
This is a sensitive, bonded breed that thrives on company and involvement in family life and does not do well left alone for long periods. Their amiable, willing temperament is one of the breed's most appealing features, but it goes hand in hand with a real need for activity and engagement.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
As a biddable pointing breed that works closely with a handler, the Braque d'Auvergne is generally responsive and enjoyable to train using patient, reward-based methods. Its natural pointing and retrieving instincts can be developed through gundog work, and it also takes well to obedience and scent-based activities. Early socialisation and basic training set it up to be a well-mannered companion.
Because it is sensitive, gentle and consistent handling works far better than harsh correction. As with any gundog, recall and steadiness should be practised carefully, since a keen nose and prey drive can otherwise lead the dog astray.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Braque d'Auvergne typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The short, dense coat is low-maintenance and needs only occasional brushing, around once a week, to remove loose hair and keep it in good condition. More important is routine care of the pendulous ears, which should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, along with standard nail trimming and dental care. After working in cover, the dog should be checked over for grass seeds and minor injuries.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, balanced diet matched to this active medium-to-large gundog's energy needs, in measured meals that maintain a lean, fit condition. A hard-working dog may need more calories during the season, while a less active companion should be fed more modestly. Dividing the daily ration into two meals is sensible for an active, deeper-chested breed.
Braque d'Auvergne health & costs
Before bringing a Braque d'Auvergne home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Braque d'Auvergne is generally considered a healthy, hardy gundog, but because it is numerically rare there is limited formal, breed-specific health data and no large UK health surveys. Owners should therefore rely on general pointing-breed and medium-to-large-breed health guidance and choose breeders who health-test their stock and are open about their lines.
As with other active, larger breeds, joint conditions such as hip dysplasia are the most sensible areas to monitor, and the long, hanging ears make routine ear care important to prevent infection. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise and arranging routine veterinary checks all support a long, active life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental joint condition seen in many active medium and larger breeds; ask breeders about hip scoring.
- Ear infections (otitis externa) — long, pendulous ears trap moisture and debris and benefit from routine cleaning and drying.
- Eye conditions — gundog breeds can be affected by inherited eye disorders, so eye-tested stock is preferable, though breed-specific data is limited.
- Grass-seed and skin injuries — active dogs working in cover can pick up grass seeds and minor wounds that need checking after exercise.
- Weight gain — a food-motivated, sometimes under-exercised companion can become overweight, which strains the joints and overall health.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Braque d'Auvergne; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Braque d'Auvergne puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Braque d'Auvergne
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, affectionate and trainable
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- High exercise needs as a working pointer
- Needs space and an active home
Compare the Braque d'Auvergne
See how the Braque d'Auvergne measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How big does a Braque d'Auvergne get?
The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-to-large gundog, standing around 53–63 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 22–28 kg. It has an athletic, balanced build with a short coat of black ticking and roan on white, often with a solid black head.
What is the average lifespan of a Braque d'Auvergne?
A Braque d'Auvergne typically lives around 12–14 years. As a generally hardy gundog, sensible preventive care, a healthy weight, regular exercise and routine veterinary checks all help support a long, active life.
Are Braque d'Auvergnes good family dogs?
Yes. They are typically gentle, affectionate and people-oriented, tend to be good with children and are sociable with other dogs, reflecting their cooperative working background. They suit active families but bond closely and dislike being left alone for long periods.
How much exercise does a Braque d'Auvergne need?
This is an active working gundog with high exercise needs, requiring well over an hour of varied activity each day. Long off-lead walks, retrieving games, gundog work and scent activities all suit it. Without enough physical and mental outlet it can become restless.
Does a Braque d'Auvergne need a lot of grooming?
No. The short, dense coat is low-maintenance and needs only a weekly brush to remove loose hair. More important is routine care of the pendulous ears, which should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, along with nail trimming and dental care.
What health problems affect the Braque d'Auvergne?
It is generally considered a healthy, hardy gundog, but as a rare breed there is limited formal health data. As with other active larger breeds, joint conditions such as hip dysplasia are sensible to monitor, and the long ears make routine ear care important. Choose breeders who health-test.
Is the Braque d'Auvergne suited to apartment living?
Not really. Despite its calm indoor manner, this is not a low-activity or apartment dog. It thrives in active homes that can provide plenty of exercise and ideally some work or structured activity, and prefers a household where someone is around for much of the day.
Are Braque d'Auvergnes good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Braque d'Auvergnes tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Braque d'Auvergne need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Braque d'Auvergne needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Braque d'Auvergnes shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Braque d'Auvergnes easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Braque d'Auvergnes are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Braque d'Auvergnes bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Braque d'Auvergnes good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Braque d'Auvergnes suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Braque d'Auvergne really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Braque d'Auvergne breed standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/BRAQUE-DAUVERGNE-180.html
- The Kennel Club (UK) — breed information and health resources: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- PDSA — dog care and health advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — dog breed and care guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.