Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Other name: Braque du Bourbonnais

Let’s get one thing out of the way : this French pointing dog’s name is pronounced brack-do-bor-bon-NAY. Originally bred in the historic French region from which the Bourbonnais takes his name (the first part, ‘Braque,’ means ‘pointer’), the brand was recreated from scratch in the 1970s using his finest descendents and a stable of comparable breeds.
He remains popular in France and figures strongly on the North American canine scene, but is not recognized by the UK Kennel Club. A sensible, upstanding dog, the Bourbonnais is well-suited to family life, particularly if the family are the sort of keen outdoors types you read about in books.

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Life expectancy	The Bourbonnais Pointing Dog has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years
Temperament	Calm Intelligent High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 19 and 22 in Male Between 20 and 22 in
Adult weight	Female Between 35 and 49 lb Male Between 40 and 55 lb
Coat colour	White
Type of coat	Short
Eye colour	Brown

Good to know

This breed is not yet recognised by the UK Kennel Club. But he is a terribly good swimmer.

More details about the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Origins and history

We know the Braque du Bourbonnais, in his original form, from French paintings and literature stretching back to the 1500s. He is believed to be one of oldest pointing dog varieties to have served human hunters. There were various pointer breeds across France, hailing from the same ancestors; each offshoot breed took the name of the region in which he was developed. And so the Bourbonnais is from Bourbonnais, although neither the region nor the dog exists in its original form today.
The region is now made up of parts of the departments of Allier and Cher. And despite his proficiency at indicating the whereabouts of partridges to his human comrades, the original Braque du Bourbonnais nearly died out. Continued breeding of the original B-de-B dog began to focus on his looks (breeders had a more lilac colour in mind) to the detriment of his skills. Naturally, serious hunters lost interest, and so breeding waned, the creature became increasingly rare, and his good name was removed from the registry of the Societe Centrale Canine (SCC).
In 1925, a group of breeders decided to do something about the plight of the Bourbonnais, and formed the Club du Braque du Bourbonnais – but much of their good work was undone by the advent of World War II. It is also claimed that these breeders continued to emphasize looks over ability. So it is understandable that the Bourbonnais’ post-war fortunes were not good. By 1973, a ten-year gap had passed since the last Bourbonnais pup had been registered.
Up stepped a human, Michel Comte, who was determined to lead the Bourbonnais back to glory. Through dedicated interbreeding of surviving B-de-B’s and similar breeds, he was able to create a new standard, although the FCI wouldn’t stamp its approval until 1991. Meanwhile, several of the creatures had been relocated to the United States, where their continued breeding has received popular, if not official, acclaim. Today, he is both handsome and talented:
"I shot a woodcock, and he ran out pick it up," says of Connecticut hunter Dan Larose. "He picked it up and immediately dropped it. He seemed to say, 'You want these things?' … We didn't lose a woodcock on the whole trip, and we shot quite a few.”
You might not want to hit the killing trail with your Bourbonnais, but be assured he’ll look picturesque as you photograph him snuffling for truffles or casually pointing out the location of an errant golf ball.

Physical characteristics of the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

This mid-sized dog doesn’t go back as far as you might expect a dog of his height to reach ; but his build is robust and muscular, which strength does not preclude an elegant, even delicate gait. The female is more elegant still. The colour specks on the fur would previously have been referred to as wine dregs or peach blossom ; depending how distributed the coloured fur is among his white coat, and indeed the strength of the beholder’s vision, he may give the impression of being ‘roan’-coloured like a fine, conker-ish horse. At one end, his snout is strong and – due to its broad base – almost cone-shaped. At the other end, if you find a tail at all it is likely to be short. But often, these dogs are born without a tail at all.

FCI classification of the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Characteristics

More or less affectionate

This kind and engaged dog is a consistent source of affection. He will be troubled if left alone too long without his family, and enjoys the camaraderie of an outdoors adventure.

Moderately playful

He likes to play and requires plenty of exercise, but while a tussle on the carpet or in the garden will not go unappreciated his true playground is the open field or forest.

Very calm

While calm and gentle around the home, the Bourbonnais is serious about his work and will apply himself feverishly to the job at hand when hunting truffles or tennis balls in the great outdoors.

High intelligence

Intelligent and intuitive, the Bourbonnais is the ideal wingman on purposeful excursions.

High prey drive

Hunting is in this dog’s blood. He is intelligent, focussed, and adaptable in the field. But his instincts are worker-like rather than bloodthirsty : he’s in it for the sport, not the kill.

Moderately fearful of strangers

The Bourbonnais is a sensitive dog. He may be protective but will warm up to strangers in time – particularly if well-socialised from puppyhood.

Not very independent

He is intelligent, eager to please, and self-reliant in the field, but will not tolerate too much alone-time.

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Behaviour

Can't tolerate being left alone

Preferably not – and certainly not without adequate prior exercise to take the edge off his energies.

Very easy to train

This dog is whip-smart, eager to learn, and resourceful. Just ensure he gets enough exercise, or he may tend towards the mischievous that so blights the understimulated in our schools and kennels in the UK today.

Moderately vocal

The B-de-B will bark to alert his pack to the intrusion of potential threats, but will reign it in quickly upon instruction.

Has a moderate tendency to run away

He is not especially prone to stray as long as the standard precautions are put in place to keep him safe.

Can be destructive

Only if poorly-trained, or left to his own devices for unreasonable lengths of time will this dog err towards destructive behaviour.

Moderately food motivated

The Bourbonnais is no more gluttonous than the average dog.

Not necessarily a watchdog

Alert and wise to the usual conditions of his environment, the Bourbonnais will notice any unexpected changes in his surroundings and raise the alarm in the standard canine fashion.

Training a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Lifestyle

Moderately compatible with living in a flat

The flat is not his ideal setting since this is a high-energy dog who will need to stretch his legs several times a day. If you have good local access to a park, it may just work out.

Needs a lot of exercise

Absolutely. This dog is built for the chase and his instincts drive him to desire fresh air and outdoors stimulation.

Moderately easy to travel with

No problems to report. He should be a calm and adaptable passenger.

Breed compatibility Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Compatible with cats

It is not recommended to provide this dog with the society of cats, since his hunting instincts and common sense will likely convene in the middle and suggest just one outcome : track and destroy.

Compatible with other dogs

If well-socialised from a young age, the B-de-B will suit canine company well throughout his adult life since, as a hunter, his instinct is towards teamwork and camaraderie.

Compatible with children

The Bourbonnais should be calm and protective towards children, although his size and energy levels may be a risk for smaller or more fragile humans. All in all, he should pose no problems, although he may not be the first choice medium sized dog for family life.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

An elderly person who is sturdy and energetic enough for long daily walks and games with a mid-sized dog should find the Bourbonnais to be a warm companion. However, the emphasis is on ‘energetic’ since this dog can become unruly if his owner is unable to fulfil his exercise needs.

Highly recommended for a first-time owner

If you are prepared to put in the training and commit to the exercise regime that the B-de-B requires, there’s no reason why you should not take your first tentative steps into dog-ownership with this sensible chap at your side.

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Purchase price

We do not have enough information to set an average price for a Bourbonnais Pointing dog.

The Braque du Bourbonnais can cost around £30 per month to feed and maintain.

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Shedding

Average

Shedding is moderate.

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Grooming

Regular brushing, bathing, and tooth-brushing are par for the course. More notably, his nails may require more frequent clipping than average, as this breed has a tendency towards fast claw growth.

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Health

Life expectancy

12-14 years.

Strong / robust

This is a sturdy hound, built for life in the fields even if he looks somewhat elegant or fragile. He’s no fighter, but will not grumble at becoming the Passepartout to your Phileas Fogg.

Vulnerability to hot weather

The Bourbonnais is not known to struggle in the heat, although he should be provided with a constant source of fresh water and shade as with any dog.

Vulnerability to cold weather

He won’t grumble at winter weather, but might not tolerate a dive for cold-water ducks since his fur is short and not especially protective against the chill.

Tendency to put on weight

Only if he does not get the high levels of exercise he requires.

Common illnesses