Braque du Bourbonnais

A medium-sized breed with a rustic appearance, the Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient gun dog originating in France. Having a sturdy, robust and muscular built these dogs are further characterized by a round, pear-shaped head which is in perfect proportion to their body, strong muzzle that is broad at the base, round, hazel-shaped eyes, medium length ears, and a short, low set tail. Though a working dog, this breed has a calm, gentle disposition, which makes it a good family dog.

Braque du Bourbonnais Pictures

History

Being an ancient breed, these dogs evolved in the 15^th century in the French province of Bourbonnais. In fact, descriptions of these dogs go back to the times of the Renaissance, when Ulisse Aldrovandi, an Italian naturalist, presented an illustration which depicted a spotted canine having a close resemblance to the present day Braque du Bourbonnais. Till the 19th-century tailless pointing dogs were unknown in any other areas outside France. Post the First World War; certain breeders collaborated to form the first club for this breed in 1925. Though the standards for this breed had been developed in 1930, their numbers were even affected during the Second World War, with these dogs being on the verge of extinction. Between 1963 and 1973 there was no registration of this breed in the French studbook. One Mr. Michael Comte took initiatives and searched for the last canine having some amount of the Bourbonnais genes. His endeavors were not too successful as he only found the mixed variants, having some of the breed’s trait. After some inbreeding, the first litters of this breed were registered with the Club du Braque du Bourbonnais formed in 1981 with Comte remaining its president till 2001. They were introduced in the United States of America in 1988 gaining recognition in AKC’S FSS in 2011.

Temperament and Personality

Having a high energy and stamina levels, they are out-and-out gun dogs. However, they form good companions as well, all because of their affectionate, loyal and devoted nature.

They are not well-suited to be kept in kennels but love to remain among its family members always. Leaving them alone for prolonged periods could trigger separation anxiety in these dogs.

In spite of being working breeds, they are not that good at watching and guarding, with these skills differing from one dog to other. Some might intimate you immediately at the sight of an intruder, while a few may even engage in a friendly rapport with the new guest.

They love to be around with children, but may not be too appropriate with young ones who cannot deal with them gently. These dogs even have an amicable disposition towards other canines, but should be kept away from smaller pets owing to their instinct to chase.

Training

Though obedient, they may at times be headstrong needing a firm taskmaster to handle them well.

Socialization
Though they are good at dealing with unknown people, socialization training is needed to be given to teach the puppies to differentiate between the good and the bad. This will help them distinguish a friend from a foe so that they would not embrace every stranger with a warm heart.

Obedience
Training them in obedience as well as teaching them to follow commands would help in developing their overall personality, also preventing them from being destructive.

Crate training
Since they are prone to separation anxiety, teaching them to live without you at least for some point of time is essential. Crate train your pet since their puppy days so that they may be accustomed to spending some time on their own at least for a while.

Feeding

Good quality dry dog food alongside a nutritious homemade diet in measured amounts is all that your Bourbonnais Pointer need to maintain good health.