The Braque Du Bourbon (sounds Brock-do-Bor-bon-nay) is a historic French hunting dog. He is one of the oldest pointing breeds known to man, however he is classified as a rare breed due to his lack of popularity as a companion dog. He is a very caring and devoted companion who is also very easy to train. He has a very high prey drive because he was developed solely to be a hunting dog and is not suggested for homes with small pets or cats. The Bourbonnais gets along well with youngsters, although he is a lively puppy and teenage dog who can easily overwhelm little children.
History
The Braque du Bourbonnais is an antique dog breed that emerged in the 15th century in France’s ancient province of Bourbonnais. By the 1800s, the breed was known as a tailless pointer with unique fawn and liver ticking among French hunters. The Bourbonnais has now established a considerable presence in North America, with more pups registered in the United States than in France. He is known as the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog in English. In the house, he is gentle and friendly, but in the field, he is a serious, adaptable, and intelligent hunter.
Size
Because the Braque du Bourbonnais is a historic pointing breed, and one of the oldest in its category, you may expect it to be on the medium side. Most weigh between 35 and 55 pounds and stand between 18 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Having said that, many can be modest or enormous. Brown, white, fawn, and spotted are the main hues of a Braque du Bourbonnais. Their hues are sometimes solid, and other times they are a blend of various colors with dots. It is an extremely healthy dog, especially when compared to other pure breeds, with a 12 to 15-year life expectancy.
Personality
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a bright, good-natured, and friendly dog who enjoys being around humans. On the other hand, the breed does poorly when left alone for extended periods of time. Bourbonnais are often easy to train and adapt well to a range of living settings if they receive adequate mental and physical activity.
Food
You should feed your four-legged companion high-quality dog food. You can buy it in stores or prepare it yourself with the help of your veterinarian. Always adjust the diet to the age of the dog. Puppies and adult dogs have quite different demands and eating habits. Obesity is a problem for some dogs. As a result, keep track of your dog’s calorie intake and weight. Treats can assist you in educating your dog. However, too much of them might cause significant obesity in the dog, which can be harmful. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of your dog’s ideal weight. It’s also a good idea to seek dietary advice. You should also have fresh water available for your dog at all times.
Grooming
The coat of the Braque du Bourbonnais is fine, thick, and short. On the back, it is a little coarser and occasionally longer. The hair on the head and ears is finer and shorter. Aside from brushing, a bath every now and then will keep your Braque du Bourbonnais dog clean and looking his best. Grooming your dog may be a fantastic bonding experience for both of you. To avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking, the breed’s nails should be clipped on a regular basis with a nail clipper or grinder. Ears should be checked on a frequent basis to eliminate wax and debris buildup, which can lead to infection. Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis.
Training
The Braque du Bourbonnais is an extremely trainable dog that not only lives to please their owner but is also incredibly intelligent and obedient. They are normally content to obey, and owners rarely have problems with them questioning their authority since they want human leadership. They are instinctual hunters who require little training to execute the job for which they were bred. Positive reinforcement training strategies including rewarding desired behaviors with vocal praise, toys, play time, and delectable treats will yield the best outcomes for owners.
Health
The majority of Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs are healthy. Those interested in owning a Braque du Bourbonnais can learn about unique health risks within the breed by working with a responsible breeder. To lessen the likelihood of sickness in their puppies, good breeders use health screening and genetic testing on their breeding stock. You should be aware of specific conditions and work to avoid their occurrence by offering frequent vet check-ups. Take out pet insurance to help with the vet bills.
Bottom Line
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a rare and neglected dog breed. With his own family, he is fun, vibrant, and incredibly nice; with outsiders, he is polite and friendly. However, in order for him to be the fantastic dog that we have described, you must be certain that he is the perfect dog for you.
You may have to seek out a trustworthy breeder, and you may also have to join a waiting list. But as long as you can ensure that he has lots of company and exercise, you and your Braque du Bourbonnais will be OK.