Do you want to adopt this magnificent breed called the Braque du Bourbonnais? If yes, then this is the right place for you because we have everything you need to know about them.
When bringing a dog home, it’s essential to know about their nutritional needs, appearance, personality, and everyday needs. So, without further ado, let’s begin and figure out whether Braque du Bourbonnais dogs are a match for you or not!
Overview
| Height | 19-23 inches |
| Weight | 35-55 lbs |
| Life span | 12 years |
| Exercise needs | 1 hour daily |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Protective, Intelligent |
| Grooming | Low maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | France |
Origin of the Braque du Bourbonnais
The Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed has an impressive history that traces back to the 16th century. As you must have guessed by their name, these dogs originated from France and are one of the most ancient breeds that still carry the novelty. Talking about their origin, you should know that these dogs were primarily bred for their exceptional hunting skills and versatility.
And when we say hunting skills, we mean one of the best in town! In fact, these working dogs played an important role in the hunting expeditions of French aristocrats. It’s their keen sense of smell and pointing instincts that made them so admirable to the natives and, well, dog enthusiasts around the world.
Moreover, unfortunately, this breed had its own challenges revolving around its popularity, which is why dog enthusiasts came up to preserve them. Even though it is still a comparatively rare breed, these dogs are known and loved for their personality and as well their distinctive appearance. In today’s world, Braque du Bourbonnais are not only cherished as hunting dogs but also wonder companions to humans!
Appearance of the Braque du Bourbonnais
Every dog has certain physical characteristics and attributes that set it apart from other breeds. In the case of the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed, here are their unique physical features:
1. Size and body
Starting with their size, these medium-sized dogs stand at a height of about 19-23 inches while weighing 35-55 pounds. Well, yes, they do look bigger in pictures, but in reality, they can pretty much fit in your couch. In addition to that, these dogs indeed have a well-balanced and muscular build that reflects their athleticism. Not to mention- these dogs can be super intimidating to a stranger!
2. Coat
The Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed has a short and dense coat that is super soft to the touch. When we talk of their coat, one cannot ignore the fact that these dogs have some of the prettiest coats that come in white. Also, let’s not forget their beautiful freckle-like markings that make combinations of white with liver or fawn markings.
3. Other features
Moreover, these dogs have droopy, triangular ears that make them look super cute! The ears are often greyish-brown in color, which adds an interesting contrast to their freckles and coat color. And hey! No one can unsee their long, slightly raised tail that looks super sharp.
Personality and Temperament
Here is all that you need to know about the temperament and personality traits of the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed:
1. Affectionate
If you are actively searching for a dog who is not only a great pet or a guard dog but also super affectionate, then this is where your search ends! This furry buddy is one of the most affectionate breeds that never shy away from bonding with families and, in fact, love being a part of family activities.
2. Adaptable
With their strong hunting background comes discipline and adaptability skills, which really make Braque du Bourbonnais unique in their own way. These dogs can adapt to any environment, be it a wild forest or a cozy room- they are fine with anything and everything!
3. Protective
Besides being intelligent and highly trainable, these dogs are also known for their protective instincts. As far as we can see, it is probably coming from their hunting and guarding instincts that make them effective watchdogs. But hey! Don’t worry! They are not aggressive unless they sense a severe threat; at max- they’ll warn you with excessive barking.
4. Social dogs
Another personality trait of these hunting dogs is that they are sociable if you give them proper socialization training. In fact, they are one of the dog breeds who tend to get along well with children and other pets, as they are very gentle, making them THE perfect family dog.
Don’t sleep next to braque du Bourbonnais, because believe us—their snores won’t let you sleep!
Grooming Needs of the Braque du Bourbonnais
Being a low-maintenance dog breed, grooming the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed will be an easy peasy job for a newbie owner as well. Check it out yourself:
1. Brushing
Congratulations! You would be glad to know that even though these dogs are not hypoallergenic, they have pretty basic brushing needs. It means that you only need to brush them about 1-2 times a week to remove any loose fur and keep their coat sleek!
2. Bathing
As for bathing them, it will be another breath of relief for you as these dogs require occasional bathing. So, if you find your dog dirty or smelly, go ahead and give them a bath. Also, remember that excessive bathing and using the wrong supplies can damage your dog’s natural oils and skin—so be extra careful with that.
3. Overall hygiene
When we say hygiene, we include bathing, dental cleaning, eye boogers or infections, skin infections, ear wax or debris buildups, etc. These things can make your dog sick and not give them a healthy lifestyle, so maintaining overall hygiene is super crucial!
Exercise and Training Needs
One of the most interesting parts of owning a dog is their training! For training the Braque du Bourbonnais, you will need to assign at least 1 hour a day. Here is what you can include:
1. Early socialization
As these dogs are known for being sincere and social, it is essential that you encourage them in social settings. By this, we mean that you should begin their socialization training at an early age so that they can interact with humans and other pets.
2. Daily walks
Be it a hunting dog like Braque du Bourbonnais or a lap dog like a chihuahua, each of them requires walks at least 20-30 minutes a day. In fact, while walking, you can teach your commands and positive reinforcement and also train them for leash training. And do not forget that dog walking is excellent not only for dogs but also for walkers!
3. Agility training
As a responsible dog owner, you should focus on giving your dog proper physical and mental stimulation. And for this, you should enroll your dog in agility courses so they can stay busy playing interactive games.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Braque du Bourbonnais is a great pet but not an easy one to deal with. Especially if you are a first-time dog owner, bringing this dog breed home can be a tough ride. It is because even though these hunting dogs have low grooming needs, it is challenging to keep up with the training routine. The good part is that because of their calm temperament, a good trainer can help you understand these dogs better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common health problems with the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed include hip Dysplasia, ear infections, elbow Dysplasia, eye Conditions, and Skin Allergies.
The life expectancy of the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed is 12-15 years. However, this depends on a lot of factors, such as proper veterinary care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy living environment, which contribute to their overall well-being and longevity.
Yes, the Braque du Bourbonnais dog breed is relatively rare, as they are not as widely known as other pointing dog breeds. They are majorly popular among the hunting enthusiasts and dog lovers.
Unfortunately, no! This dog breed is not considered hypoallergenic. They do not require a lot of grooming as they have easy-to-maintain coats. Rest, if you are highly allergic to danders and loose hair, these dogs might not be the best choice.
