Braque du Bourbonnais
A versatile French pointing gundog, often born with a naturally short tail and a fawn or liver ticked coat. Affectionate, biddable and eager to please, making a friendly companion and worker that needs ample exercise.
Braque du Bourbonnais scorecard
Overview
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized French pointing gundog, instantly recognised by its fine, ticked coat in shades of fawn (“faded lilac”) or liver, and by the fact that many puppies are born with a naturally short tail or no tail at all. Standing roughly 48–57 cm and weighing about 16–25 kg, it is a versatile hunting dog bred to point and retrieve game across varied terrain, and it carries that working heritage into a friendly, affectionate companion.
Owners are drawn to the breed for its blend of biddable temperament and easy-care coat, but it is not a low-energy choice. As a true working pointer it needs a great deal of daily exercise and mental engagement, and it tends to bond very closely with its people, disliking long periods left alone. It suits an active, outdoorsy household far better than a sedentary one.
Good to know — a Braque du Bourbonnais 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 Bourbonnais takes its name from the historic Bourbonnais region of central France, where pointing dogs of this type were recorded as far back as the 16th century. The breed was formalised in the early 20th century, but its numbers collapsed after the Second World War and it was considered functionally extinct by the 1960s.
A determined revival effort led by French breeders, notably Michel Comte, from the early 1970s rebuilt the breed from surviving working stock, and it was re-recognised by the Société Centrale Canine and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI Group 7). It remains uncommon in the United Kingdom and is not separately recognised by The Kennel Club, so prospective owners here usually source dogs through specialist hunting and gundog circles.
Temperament & family fit
Braques du Bourbonnais are typically affectionate, gentle and strongly people-oriented. They are described in the breed standard as enthusiastic workers who are also calm and easy to live with at home, and they generally get on well with children and with other dogs when raised and socialised appropriately.
The flip side of that devotion is sensitivity. The breed can be soft-natured and responds poorly to harsh handling, and it is prone to separation-related distress if regularly left for long stretches. It is best suited to a home where someone is around for much of the day and where its strong hunting nose and drive can be channelled constructively.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
This is a biddable, eager-to-please breed that learns quickly with reward-based, positive methods. Early socialisation and a gundog-style focus on recall and steadiness pay dividends, because the dog's instinct to range, point and follow scent is powerful and can pull a poorly trained dog away on a chase.
Because the breed is sensitive, consistency and patience work far better than corrections. Channelling its energy into structured activities such as gundog work, scent games, tracking or canine sports keeps the mind occupied and reduces the boredom-driven behaviours that an under-stimulated working dog can develop.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Braque du Bourbonnais 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, fine coat is genuinely low-maintenance. A weekly brush to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is usually sufficient, with more frequent attention during seasonal moults. As with all drop-eared gundogs, the ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to reduce the risk of infection, and nails kept trimmed.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Braque du Bourbonnais
Feed a complete, good-quality diet formulated for an active medium-sized dog, divided across two meals and adjusted to the dog's workload and body condition. Working dogs in season may need more calories, while a less active companion can gain weight easily, so monitor body condition rather than feeding to a fixed amount. As a deep-chested breed, avoid heavy exercise immediately before or after eating to reduce bloat risk.
A medium breed
An adult Braque du Bourbonnais typically weighs 16–25 kg, so a healthy Braque du Bourbonnais eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Braque du Bourbonnaiss sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Braque du Bourbonnais weigh?
Adult 16–25 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.5–3.8 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 4–6.3 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 8–12.5 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 16–25 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Braque du Bourbonnais
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Braque du Bourbonnais's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Braque du Bourbonnais health & costs
Before bringing a Braque du Bourbonnais 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
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / 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 du Bourbonnais is generally considered a robust, healthy breed with relatively few breed-specific disorders, partly a legacy of the working-dog focus of its modern revival. Reputable breeders screen breeding stock for hip dysplasia, and responsible health testing is the best safeguard given the breed's small population and limited gene pool.
Because the breed is rare, large-scale breed-specific health data is sparse compared with popular breeds, and much guidance is extrapolated from gundogs in general. Buyers should ask to see hip scores and, where relevant, eye testing, and should be alert to the conditions common to medium-sized, deep-chested, drop-eared sporting dogs.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental hip joint disorder seen across many gundog breeds; choose breeders who hip-score their stock.
- Ear infections — the pendulous ears trap moisture and debris, so routine checking and cleaning is important.
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) — a risk in deeper-chested dogs; avoid vigorous activity around mealtimes and learn the warning signs.
- Eye conditions — occasional reports of hereditary eye disorders; eye screening of breeding dogs is advisable.
- Soft-tissue and exercise injuries — as an athletic working dog it can pick up strains, cuts and footpad injuries in the field.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Braque du Bourbonnais; 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 du Bourbonnais 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 du Bourbonnais
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.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, biddable and people-loving
- Easy-care short coat
Things to consider
- High exercise needs as a working pointer
- Can be sensitive and dislikes being left alone
Compare the Braque du Bourbonnais
See how the Braque du Bourbonnais measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How big is a Braque du Bourbonnais?
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized French pointing gundog, standing roughly 48–57 cm and weighing about 16–25 kg. It has a fine, ticked coat in shades of fawn or liver, and many puppies are born with a naturally short tail or no tail at all.
How long do Braque du Bourbonnais dogs live?
They typically live around 12–15 years. The breed is generally considered robust and healthy, and sensible preventive care, weight management and regular exercise all help support a long, active life.
What is the temperament of a Braque du Bourbonnais?
They are typically affectionate, gentle and strongly people-oriented — enthusiastic workers who are also calm and easy to live with at home. They generally get on well with children and other dogs when socialised, but are sensitive and prone to separation-related distress if left alone too long.
How much exercise does a Braque du Bourbonnais need?
A great deal. Expect to provide well over an hour, and ideally two or more hours, of vigorous daily exercise, including free running in safe areas plus mental work. As a versatile pointer it thrives on having a job to do; long walks alone are rarely enough.
Is the Braque du Bourbonnais easy to groom?
Yes. The short, fine coat is genuinely low-maintenance. A weekly brush to remove loose hair is usually sufficient, with more frequent attention during seasonal moults. As with all drop-eared gundogs, the ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and nails kept trimmed.
Are Braque du Bourbonnais dogs healthy?
The breed is generally considered robust with relatively few breed-specific disorders. Reputable breeders screen for hip dysplasia, and responsible health testing is the best safeguard given the small gene pool. Ask to see hip scores and, where relevant, eye testing.
Is a Braque du Bourbonnais a good first dog?
It is best suited to active, outdoorsy households rather than first-time or sedentary owners. It can be a delightful family dog, gentle with children and sociable with other dogs, but it is poorly suited to apartment living or long days left alone.
Are Braque du Bourbonnaises good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Braque du Bourbonnaiss 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 du Bourbonnais need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Braque du Bourbonnais 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 du Bourbonnaises shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Braque du Bourbonnaises easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Braque du Bourbonnaiss 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 du Bourbonnaises bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Braque du Bourbonnaises good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Braque du Bourbonnaises suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Braque du Bourbonnais really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) – breed information and health resources: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standard, Braque du Bourbonnais: https://www.fci.org/
- PDSA – dog health and care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross – dog breeds and ownership guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
Recommended for your Braque du Bourbonnais
Matched to a Braque du Bourbonnais's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation.
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Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
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£23.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
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Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball
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Duck Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toy
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Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
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Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual 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.