Braque du Bourbonnais
Breed Rating
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| Watch/guard dog: |
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| Tendency to bark: |
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| Aggressiveness: | |
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| Tendency to bark: | |
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Breed Attributes
General
Breed group: Sporting Type: Pure Breed Talent: Agility, Hunting, Jogging, Obedience, Retrieving, Watchdog
Physical
Size: Medium Weight: 35 - 55 years Fur length: Short Ears: Flappy Fur type: Straight Fur Color: Brown & White, Merle / Spotted / Brindle / Speckled, White / Cream
ATTRIBUTES
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years Rarity: Common Availability: Easily available Climate: Not good for cold climate.
Breed Details
General
The Braque du Bourbonnier originated in the Bourbonnais region of France in the 16th century, bred by hunters for hunting quail. It was small and agile, with a pear-shaped head and a distinctively marked coat, heavily ticked and sometimes with spots, varying between faded lilac and fawn. The tail was naturally short, and sometimes the Bourbonnais was born without a tail at all. It was a setter/pointer, and tamed up naturally with its master on the hunt. The Braque du Bourbonnais appeared to have thinned out during World War I, and to have completely died out after the second World War. A Frenchman, Michel Comte, was responsible for reviving the breed by looking for similar characteristics in mixed breeds. He then bred and strained these according to documented physical traits of the Braque du Bourbonnais. After selective inbreeding and contributions from other interested dog owners, the revived Braque du Bourbonnais was registered in the 1970's, and a club was subsequently founded that helped the breed grow again.
Color
The Braque du Bourbonnais is easily identified by two coat colors: brown with white patches and ticking, giving the overall impression of a faded lilac or "wine dregs," and fawn with white patching and ticking, known as "peach blossom."
Coat
The single coat is short and close to the skin, hard but fine in texture, although coarser and a bit longer along the back area.
Personality
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle dog of sweet temperament that is absolutely devoted and loyal to its owner. It is used to living close to people, and will not thrive if kept separate from the family. In the field, it is a graceful yet cautious and well-balanced. It readily heeds its owner and works well in tandem with him. When at a distance, its intelligence enables it to make independent decisions and still be effective as a pointer and setter, steady and precise until its owner arrives for the prey. Being amiable and tolerant, it is very good with children, and will cohabit peacefully with other dogs. Other pets it has been raised with will be alright, but its hunting instinct will drive it to chase after strange animals.
Care
The Braque du Bourbonnais' short coat is easily kept clean with a soft brush once or twice a week. Bathing once a month is recommended to take care of any doggy smell.
Training
Socialization will ensure that the Braque du Bourbonnais is more tolerant of other animals, and not timid around other people. The Braque du Bourbonnais is a smart and biddable dog, and will manage with basic and more advanced commands. It is a sensitive dog, however, and harsh correction can be counter-productive.
Activity
An inherently active breed, the Braque du Bourbonnais needs to be exercised daily, for at least an hour, to make sure it is rid of excess energy and well-stimulated. Urban dwelling or small living spaces are not recommended for this breed, due to its size and activity requirements.
