Braque d‘Auvergne: The Rare and Talented French Pointing Breed

If you‘re looking for an affectionate, intelligent hunting companion with boundless energy, the Braque d‘Auvergne may be your perfect match. This rare French pointing breed has flying under the radar outside its homeland, but those who discover them quickly become enamored by their friendly personalities, trainability, and undeniable skill in the field.

While you may have to search a bit to find a Braque d‘Auvergne, the effort will be well worth it to welcome one of these versatile gundogs into your life. Let‘s take a closer look at what makes this breed so special.

History and Origins of the Braque d‘Auvergne

As their name suggests, the Braque d‘Auvergne was developed in the Auvergne region of south-central France as a pointing breed adept at hunting a variety of game birds and small game over rugged terrain. Their ancestry likely includes crosses of local pointing breeds with the Braque Français and English Pointer.

The breed became popular with French hunters in the 1800s for their keen nose, obedience, and ability to perform well in a wide range of temperatures and landscapes. However, their numbers dwindled significantly during the World Wars.

In the 1970s, dedicated breeders made efforts to preserve the Braque d‘Auvergne and raise their profile. While still uncommon outside France, the breed gained full recognition from the United Kennel Club in 1996 and was accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock Service in 2011.

Physical Characteristics and Grooming

The Braque d‘Auvergne is a medium-sized, muscular breed with males standing 22-27 inches and weighing 48-62 pounds, while females stand 20-26 inches and weigh 40-50 pounds. They have an athletic, powerful build suitable for a full day‘s hunt.

The short, sleek coat is a mottling of black and white, either in a ticked or roan pattern. The skin should be mostly white, with solid black patches on the head and sometimes the body. Brown and fawn Braques d‘Auvergne historically existed but are now very rare.

One of the breed‘s most distinguishing features is its elegant, slightly rounded head with drop ears and soulful brown or hazel eyes. The muzzle is of medium length, and the nose is always black.

The Braque d‘Auvergne‘s easy-care coat requires only weekly brushing to remove loose fur and prevent matting. They are average shedders and are not known for drooling. Regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental care will keep them looking and feeling their best.

Temperament and Training

The Braque d‘Auvergne is cherished for its gentle, affectionate nature and trainability. They bond very closely with their owners and hate to be left alone for long periods. With their sensitive personalities, these dogs do best with reward-based training and lots of positive feedback.

Mental stimulation is key for this intelligent breed, as they bore easily and can become destructive if their active minds aren‘t engaged. Fortunately, they take well to obedience training, field work, agility, scent work, and other canine activities that challenge them physically and mentally.

Early socialization is important to build confidence, especially since some Braques d‘Auvergne can be a bit timid or submissive by nature. They usually get along well with children and other dogs but may view cats and small furry pets as prey to chase given their strong hunting instincts.

Exercise and Living Needs

As a high-energy hunting breed, Braques d‘Auvergne require ample daily exercise to stay fit and content. At minimum, expect to provide an hour or more of vigorous walking, running, hiking, swimming, or other activities, plus plenty of outdoor play time.

While they can adapt to apartment life if given enough outdoor exercise, a fenced yard where they can run and explore is ideal. Access to wooded areas, fields, or bodies of water nearby for regular adventures is a huge plus.

These rugged dogs enjoy being outdoors in most weather, but should sleep indoors with their humans at night. Their short coats don‘t provide much insulation, so they may need jackets or sweaters in very cold temperatures.

Overall, Braques d‘Auvergne do best in active households with someone home during the day to keep them company. Their exercise needs and potential for separation anxiety if left alone too much can make them challenging for novice owners or those who work long hours.

Health and Lifespan

The Braque d‘Auvergne is generally a robust, healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. However, like many purebred dogs, they can be prone to certain hereditary health issues that responsible breeders screen for, such as:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism
• Epilepsy
• Allergies and skin problems

Selecting a puppy from health-tested parents and maintaining preventive care throughout your dog‘s life can help reduce the risk of many issues. Keeping these active dogs at a healthy weight and providing joint supplements can ease stress on the hips and joints, especially as they age.

Fun Facts About the Braque d‘Auvergne

• In 2015, a Braque d‘Auvergne named Eliot became the first of his breed to win Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show since the club began allowing FSS breeds to compete in 2012.

• The breed name is pronounced "brock doh-vairn" in French. In France, it‘s common to shorten it to just "Auvergne."

• Braque d‘Auvergne puppies are born pure white and develop their black markings as they mature. Their coats may continue to change for up to 2 years.

• Many Braque d‘Auvergne owners say their dogs are the perfect "Velcro dogs" because they always want to be close to their favorite humans. Some jokingly call them "Braque d‘Auvergne Pointers" for the way they point to the exact spot they want you to pet them.

Braque d‘Auvergne Breed Resources

If the Braque d‘Auvergne sounds like the ideal dog for you, be prepared to do your research to find a well-bred puppy or rescue dog. This rare breed is still establishing itself outside France, so patience is key.

Start by visiting the breed clubs and rescues that can provide breeder referrals, health information, and opportunities to meet Braques d‘Auvergne in person:

• Club du Braque d‘Auvergne (France)
• Braque d‘Auvergne Club of America
• North American Braque d‘Auvergne Society
• Braque d‘Auvergne Rescue and Rehoming

When seeking a breeder, look for one who performs health testing on their breeding dogs, provides a written contract and health guarantee, and welcomes questions and visits to meet their dogs. Expect to be questioned in return about your dog knowledge, lifestyle, and ability to provide a suitable home.

Braque d‘Auvergne puppies typically cost $1000-2500 depending on the breeder, location, and pedigree. Started or fully trained gun dog prospects can cost upwards of $5000. Adopting an adult rescue may cost $200-500.

No matter which path you choose, taking the time to find a well-bred, well-socialized Braque d‘Auvergne from a responsible source will set you and your new dog up for many happy, healthy years together. These talented French pointers may fly under the radar for now, but one look into their soulful eyes and you‘ll be hooked for life.