Description: Braque D'auvergne
The Braque d'Auvergne is a versatile and elegant French pointing dog, renowned for its adaptability both as a hunting companion and a loving family pet. Originating from the Auvergne region of France, this breed combines intelligence, stamina, and a gentle disposition. Its distinctive appearance—characterized by a black and white ticked coat, long ears, and soulful eyes—adds to its appeal. The Braque d'Auvergne is energetic but not hyperactive, requiring regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Loyal and affectionate, these dogs are known for being gentle with children and sociable with other animals. They are eager to please, making them highly trainable and suitable for first-time owners who can provide consistent guidance and physical activity. Overall, the Braque d'Auvergne makes a wonderful companion for both active individuals and families.
Braque D'auvergne ratings
Properties
The Braque d'Auvergne is a distinguished French pointing dog breed that embodies both beauty and utility, combining classic looks with a strong working ethic. Originating from the region of Auvergne in central France, this breed has a history tracing back over two centuries and is recognized for its adaptability and versatility in the field. The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 48 and 62 pounds (22-28 kg) and standing about 22 to 25 inches (56-63 cm) at the withers. It sports a smooth, short-haired coat that is predominantly white with distinctive black mottling, creating a striking blue-black roan appearance. This coat not only adds to its allure but also offers practical benefits, shedding dirt and resisting the elements during outdoor pursuits.
In terms of temperament, the Braque d'Auvergne is known for its gentle, affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion for families and children. It is deeply loyal, generally sociable with other dogs, and forms strong bonds with its owners. Despite its working dog roots, it is not overly boisterous or aggressive and is valued for its calm demeanor. However, due to its origins as a hunting and pointing dog, the breed is highly energetic and requires regular physical activity and mental stimulation. Daily walks, training sessions, and opportunities to run or engage in scent work are essential to keep it healthy and content.
The breed's intelligence and eagerness to please also make it relatively easy to train, although a gentle, consistent approach works best, as harsh methods can be counterproductive. The Braque d'Auvergne is prized for its remarkable sense of smell, natural pointing instinct, and adaptability to various terrains and game. Its moderate grooming needs (primarily weekly brushing and the usual cleaning of ears and nails) make it comparatively low-maintenance.
Health-wise, the breed is considered robust with relatively few breed-specific inherited conditions. However, as with all medium to large breeds, regular veterinary care and monitoring for issues such as hip dysplasia are important. Overall, the Braque d'Auvergne is a charming, intelligent, and devoted breed well-suited to active households and hunting enthusiasts.
Appearance
The Braque d'Auvergne is a distinctive and elegant pointing dog breed originating from the Auvergne region in central France, and its appearance reflects both its working heritage and striking beauty. This breed is medium-sized, generally standing between 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55 to 62 cm) at the shoulder for males, with females only slightly smaller. The Braque d'Auvergne is characterized by a strong yet refined physique, built for stamina, agility, and endurance, which is essential for its use as a versatile hunting companion.
The head of the Braque d'Auvergne is noble and slightly rounded, exhibiting a clear stop and a moderately long, straight muzzle. Their eyes are usually oval, of medium size, and dark in color, offering an expressive, intelligent gaze. Ears are set at eye level, medium in length, somewhat rounded at the tips, and hang close to the cheeks, often covered in fine, velvety hair. The breed’s nose is typically black, broad, and features wide-open nostrils, indicating their well-developed sense of smell.
The body is athletic without heaviness—ribs are well-sprung and the chest deep, while the back is firm, straight, and not overly long. Their tail is of medium length, set rather low, and usually carried horizontally or slightly curved, giving the dog a balanced silhouette when in motion.
One of the most striking features of the Braque d'Auvergne is its coat and coloration. The coat itself is short, dense, and fine, lying close to the body. The breed’s hallmark color is a distinctive black and white, known as 'black mottled with white' or 'bleu' in French. The overall effect often appears bluish due to the intermingling of black and white hairs. Large black patches can be found on the body and ears, sometimes joined by smaller 'ticked' spots that give the coat a speckled, almost marbled look. A solid black head, with or without a narrow blaze, is common, adding to their refined appearance.
In summary, the Braque d'Auvergne is a harmonious blend of power, balance, and traditional beauty, with a unique coloration and noble head that make it immediately recognizable among pointing dog breeds.
History
The Braque d'Auvergne is a distinguished and ancient pointing dog breed that hails from the mountainous Auvergne region in south-central France. Its history stretches back to at least the 18th century, with some enthusiasts suggesting origins as early as the 16th century. This breed is believed to be a direct descendant of the old French Braques, particularly the Braque Français, which were prized for their excellent hunting capabilities.
The development of the Braque d'Auvergne is closely intertwined with the practices of local hunters and noble families in the Cantal region. During the 1800s, selective breeding aimed to produce a versatile, hardy dog capable of navigating the rocky, challenging terrain of the Massif Central. These dogs needed both stamina and a strong sense of smell to locate and point out hares, partridges, pheasants, and other game in dense forests and open fields alike.
One theory about the breed's foundation is that it was developed by crossing native French pointing dogs, such as the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, with local blue-spotted or black-and-white pointing dogs. The result was a medium-sized, athletic, and highly trainable gun dog with a unique blue-ticked (roan) coat—a feature that remains the Braque d'Auvergne's hallmark today.
Although the breed enjoyed regional popularity for centuries, it faced a significant decline after the two World Wars. Numbers dwindled so alarmingly that, at times, extinction seemed likely. Fortunately, dedicated breeders and hunters rallied to preserve the Braque d'Auvergne, forming clubs and emphasizing its historical and hunting significance. The French national kennel club, Société Centrale Canine, officially recognized the breed in 1913, helping standardize its type and characteristics.
The Braque d'Auvergne was introduced to other countries, especially during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, where its reputation as a reliable and affectionate family companion flourished alongside its hunting prowess. Today, although relatively rare outside France, the Braque d'Auvergne continues to be highly valued for its gentle temperament, strong bond with owners, and natural instincts in both fieldwork and show rings.
The breed's survival against historical odds demonstrates both its adaptability and the ongoing passion of those who cherish France’s living canine heritage.