Braque d’Auvergne

The Braque d’Auvergne originated in the mountainous regions of Cantal, which is in the province of Auvergne, mid-south of France. These dogs are well known for their talents as gundogs and pointers. These dogs are believed to have descended from indigenous breeds of hunting dogs that have been found in France since ancient times. Another theory about the origin of these dogs is that they were brought into France from Malta, at a time when Malta was being governed by a group called the Sovereign Order of the Horsemen. Many men from this group were French and so introduced the breed into France.

Also known as the Auvergne Pointer, these dogs were developed by hunters who needed a dog with great energy and stamina, so that they could hunt without feeling tired. These dogs are sturdy and have short coats that are black and white in color. These medium sized dogs exhibit many of the characteristics common to Braque breeds, such as the ability to work continuously through the day without tiring. They can cover large areas during hunts without losing their stamina. These dogs have a very well developed sense of smell and hunting comes naturally to them.

The head of this dog is proportionate to the rest of the body. The muzzle is straight, defined by a straight nasal bone. The upper lips usually overlap the lower ones, giving the end of a muzzle a square shape. The eyes are somewhat large and deep set. They are typically hazel in color and have the keen, intelligent expression that is typically found in hunting breeds. The whites of the eyes are not seen. The nose is large and has well developed nostrils. It protrudes slightly from the muzzle and is usually black and shiny. The ears are set towards the back of the skull and somewhat low. They have a tendency to fold inward and are rounded at the tip.

These dogs can grow anywhere between 22-25 inches. Their coats, short and glossy, have a white base with black markings and from a distance, give the impression of being blue in color. The color of the ears and the head is, however, typically black. Some dogs could have white color heads with roaning or ticking. The tail is thick at the base and set somewhat high on the back. Traditionally, the tail is docked to a length of 6-8 inches.

By temperament, these dogs make excellent hunters, pointers and working dogs. Their keen sense of smell makes them invaluable companions to hunters. However, these dogs are also well suited to being family pets. They are generally friendly and affectionate towards children and adults in the family, but due to their hunting instincts, may be dangerous to other small animals in and around the house. With proper training, however, these tendencies can be overcome. If not properly trained, these dogs may become excessively shy or excessively aggressive. They respond best to training that is positive and firm, without being harsh.