Braque du Bourbonnais

Originating in France’s Bourbonnais region (central France), the breed appears in texts and art from the 16th century onward. Hunters valued a compact, close-working pointing dog with a keen nose, cooperative temperament, and distinctive faded roan coat. Numbers declined after the World Wars; dedicated breeders restored the population in the late 20th century, preserving its classic look and easygoing field style. Today the Braque du Bourbonnais competes in field trials and thrives as an active family companion across Europe and North America.

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A balanced, athletic gun dog with a sculpted head and smooth, efficient trot.

• Weight: 35–55 lb (16–25 kg)
• Height: Males 20–22.5 in (51–57 cm); females 18.5–21 in (47–53 cm)
• Coat Type: Short, fine, dense single coat
• Coat Colors: White heavily ticked (“faded roan”) in peach/fawn or lilac/liver, with patches possible; nose harmonizes with coat
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Pear-shaped head with soft stop, long ears set low, amber to hazel eyes, deep chest, level topline, strong loin, natural bobtail (some born short) or full tail, catlike feet

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Low-maintenance coat; prioritize ears and skin after field days.

• Brushing: Weekly rubber mitt or bristle brush; quick wipe-down after runs
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed; rinse after muddy/swim days
• Ear Care: Clean/dry weekly (long, low-set ears hold moisture/debris)
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Skin/Coat Checks: Post-hunt burr/seed inspection; treat minor nicks promptly
• Shedding: Light to moderate; seasonal uptick in spring/fall

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A purposeful athlete built for sustained, efficient movement.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes (split brisk walks, field drills, off-leash runs in secure areas)
• Great Activities: Field/pointing foundations, retrieving, hiking, canicross, nose work, swimming
• Suitability: Houses or apartments with robust daily outlets; happiest with trail/water access

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Soft-natured, eager to please, and scent-driven—keep it positive and structured.

• Method: Reward-based training; short, varied sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Field Skills: Patterning/quartering, reliable recall, steadiness to flush/shot, delivery to hand
• Manners: Loose-leash walking, impulse control at doors/guests, calm “place/settle”
• Socialization: Early, gentle exposure to people/dogs/surfaces; cooperative care (ears, paws, mouth)

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Fuel lean muscle and sustained energy without extra bulk.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2–3.5 cups/day, split into two meals (adjust to workload/season)
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily; use part of meals for training rewards
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for joints/skin; avoid intense exercise 60–90 min before/after meals

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Uncommon in Canada—plan ahead and verify health/testing.

• Breeders: Seek preservation breeders (France/North America) who provide hip/eye results, field aptitude, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Sporting-breed rescues; breed clubs sometimes rehome adults
• Canadian Resources: CKC listings are limited; connect with provincial field/obedience clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for community and referrals; consider reputable U.S./EU breeders experienced with export

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Generally robust; responsible screening and thoughtful breeding matter.

• Orthopedic: Hip dysplasia (screen), occasional elbow dysplasia
• Ears/Skin: Otitis from moisture/debris; minor field cuts/foxtails—do post-hunt checks
• Eyes: Cataracts/PRA reported in some lines—ask for eye exams
• Tail Note: Some lines carry a natural bobtail gene; ethical breeders manage matings to avoid spinal anomalies (do not mate NBT × NBT)
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips (and elbows where available), ophthalmologist exams (CAER); discuss tail genetics and any family history of eye/orthopedic issues

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Are Braque du Bourbonnais good apartment dogs?
Yes—if you provide 60–90 minutes of daily exercise, training, and enrichment.

Do Braque du Bourbonnais shed?
Light to moderate; a weekly brush controls hair and dander.

Are Braque du Bourbonnais hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Braque du Bourbonnais need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, ideally with field drills or nose work.

What does “peach” or “lilac” coat mean?
Traditional terms for fawn (peach) or liver (lilac) roan—both with a “faded” ticked look.

Do they have natural short tails?
Some are born with a natural bobtail; others have full tails. Both occur in the breed.

Braque du Bourbonnais vs German Shorthaired Pointer—what’s different?
Bourbonnais are typically more compact, trot-focused, and soft-natured; GSPs are often rangier, faster gallopers. Individual lines vary—meet breeders’ dogs.

Are they good with kids and other pets?
Generally affectionate and gentle with early socialization; supervise around small pets due to prey drive.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips (and elbows where applicable) and CAER eye exams; discuss tail genetics and family history of orthopedic/eye issues.

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