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 considerations
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.
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/
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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.