Names
Braque du Bourbonnais
Bourbonnais Pointer
Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Origin
The Braque du Bourbonnais originated in the Province of Bourbon, France. This breed can be traced back as far as 1598. The breeders, for a long time, wanted to impose that the puppies being born, had to naturally have a short tail. Due to the reduced gene pool, such a strict selection on secondary points resulted in no registrations between 1963 and 1973. In 1970 a team of breeders gave themselves the task of helping towards the survival of the Braque du Bourbonnais. Thanks to a careful and effective selection, they have succeeded.

Use
Companion, Gundog

Life Expectancy
This breed can live as long as 13 -15 years of age

Weight & Height
Males: 39.5 - 55 pounds (18-25 cm) Bitches: 35 - 48.5 pounds (16-22 cm)
Males: 20 - 22.5 inches (51-57 cm) Bitches: 18.5 - 22 inches (47-56 cm)

Known Health Problems
This breed is typically healthy. A couple of health concerns that have appeared sparingly are: hip dysplasia, entropion or ectropion eyes and pulmonic stenosis of the heart

Physical Description
The Braque du Bourbonnais is an elegant, short haired, muscular, medium sized pointing dog. HEAD: Rounded in every direction. The axes of the skull and muzzle are parallel, or slightly divergent towards the front. The stop is slightly marked. FACIAL REGION: Nose is the same color as the coat, nostrils well open. Muzzle, strong and wide at its base, truncated cone in shape. Bridge of the nose is straight or very slightly convex. Upper lips hiding lower lips, not too thick. Eyes are big, hazel or dark amber according to the color of the coat. Ears are set at eye line level or slightly above and may extend slightly below the throat in their natural position. NECK: Muscled and solidly set into the shoulders. BODY: Withers are muscular and protruding. Their loin has slight convexity at loin level. Short, solid, wide and muscular, very firm. Chest is wide, long and deep, reaching or extending slightly below the level of the elbow. The Braque du Bourbonnais have well-sprung and rounded ribs. Their underline is slightly raised towards the back; flanks are flat and slightly raised. TAIL: Tail set is rather low. The tail is short or naturally absent. LIMBS: Forequarters are straight, well constructed and muscular. Shoulders are oblique, strong, long with apparent musculature. Feet have lean pads with tight and arched toes. Hindquarters have good bone structure with very apparent muscular masses. A vertical line from the point of the buttock falls in front of the point of the hock. Stifle is well angulated.

Temperament
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a clam, affectionate family companion. When hunting they are full of passion, cautious, balanced, cooperative and intelligent. They have a remarkable ease of adaptation to the most varied terrain's and game. A distinct difference, with this intense pointing dog, is their ability to train easily and quickly. They are people oriented and not happy if isolated from the family. When exercised sufficiently, at least once a day, they make a very agreeable family companion. The Braque du Bourbonnais typically gets along with all other canines.

Training
***

Living Conditions
The Braque du Bourbonnais are not recommended for apartment life. This breed does best with a large yard and hunting family. These dogs need daily exercise. Due to this breed being people oriented, they prefer to reside in the home with their owner and family, rather than be kenneled outside

Grooming
These dogs are wrapped up in a medium sized package that is easily maintained with their short, minimal shedding, "Wash-and-wear" coats. As with all breeds, ear cleaning, nail clipping and bathing should be done when necessary

Exercise
Daily exercise is important. This breed is bred to hunt, sot they prefer an active outdoor life. Without family companionship and daily exercise, they can become destructive or depressed.

Coat Texture
Fine, short and dense hair

Coat Colors

Puppies
3 -6 puppies are usually born per litter

Recognition
Continental Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Pet Registry
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Canadian Kennel Club
National Kennel Club

Thank you to Shari Stueck of Rufnit Kennels Braque du Bourbonnais
for providing us with photos and information for this breed.