Auvergne Pointer
Other names: Braque d'Auvergne, Bleu d'Auvergne
This all-purpose gun dog, the Auvergne Pointer, is also an obedient and sweet-tempered companion dog. Although it’s not massively popular outside of France, it certainly looks very similar to other Pointer breeds. If you are looking for a family dog that is known to be affectionate and gentle too, look no further than the Auvergne Pointer.
Key facts about the Auvergne Pointer
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Origins and history
Although the exact heritage of the Braque d'Auvergne breed isn’t documented, it is certainly an old breed developed during the 1700s in France. During the 1600s, the Braque Francais breed was very popular and it is understood that this breed was crossed with other scenting and working dogs in the Braque region. The Auvergne Pointer breed was recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 2006.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 7 - Pointing Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs
Physical characteristics of the Auvergne Pointer
Adult size
Female : Between 22 and 25 in
Male : Between 21 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 49 and 55 lb
Male : Between 49 and 55 lb
Coat colour
White with black all-over body markings giving a blue tinge.
Type of coat
This dog has a smooth, short coat, with a glossy appearance. While white with black markings is the only acceptable coat colouring, the markings may be ticked or roan.
Eye colour
Dark hazel.
Description
The Auvergne Pointer dog has a noble appearance, with a large, rectangular body contour. The dog’s facial shape where the skull and muzzle are not parallel gives the dog a Roman-type nose. The dog’s ears hang down and have rounded edges. The dog has a muscular body, while he carries his tail quite high and horizontal. His strong legs will carry him over long distances and many terrains.
Good to know
Although often used and bred as a working and pointing dog, the Braque d'Auvergne does not like working independently, much preferring to instinctively understand his master’s requirements and to respond effectively. Because of this, together with his eagerness to learn, he is the ideal candidate for working trials and agility tests.
Temperament
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Affectionate
This breed has an affectionate and lively personality, which certainly makes him a good choice for a family dog.
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Playful
As an affectionate dog, the Auvergne Pointer will dote on any children in the home. He is equally just as playful, friendly, patient and gentle with them.
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Calm
As a loyal companion pet, he is a calm canine who will love to lie down right next to his master.
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Intelligent
An intelligent breed who will respond positively to training routines and instructions.
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Hunter
Although a versatile gundog breed, the Auvergne Pointer is exactly this, a pointing dog who will chase but not attack his prey.
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Fearful / wary of strangers
In the first stages of meeting a new person, this dog is likely to be polite, but rather wary. However, once the initial shyness is overcome, he will make friends very easily.
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Independent
As a pointing breed who works quite close to his master when hunting, the Auvergne Pointer isn’t overly independent.
Behaviour of the Auvergne Pointer
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Tolerates solitude
Because this is a dog who adores being next to his master, he tends to become anxious and upset when left alone.
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Easy to train / obedience
As a very intelligent canine, the Braque d'Auvergne learns quickly and responds to training routines. Hunting routines come naturally to him and rarely need to be taught. However, this dog needs to be active so bear this in mind and keep him engaged with varied activities and tasks.
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Barking
The Auvergne Pointer isn’t known for any excessive barking habits.
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Tendency to run away
Certainly, as a gun dog and pointer, he is used to running free and after quarry. The Auvergne Pointer can be a talented escape artist if he is under-exercised or bored.
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Destructive
As an intelligent dog that much prefers to be occupied, his high energy personality will result in some destructive or hyperactive behaviours if he becomes bored or anxious.
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Greedy / Gluttony
Not a greedy breed. They are usually content to sit and wait to be fed.
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Guard dog
If you are looking for a suitable dog breed to be a watchdog, then the Braque d'Auvergne isn’t the dog for the role. He is more likely to invite an unwanted person home than to chase him away.
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First dog
As a calm, affectionate and obedient dog, the Auvergne Pointer’s eager-to-please attitude certainly makes him an ideal first-time dog.
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Is the Auvergne Pointer right for you?
take the testLifestyle
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Auvergne Pointer in a flat
Not only because of the large size of this breed but also that he is very energetic, the Braque d'Auvergne isn’t suited to flat living. A rural home with plenty of outside space would be the preferred option, rather than a townhouse.
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Need for exercise / Sporty
This dog is a tireless working dog who enjoys vigorous, daily exercise routines.
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Travelling / easy to transport
Due to the large size of this canine, he’s not best suited as a travelling companion.
Compatibility
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Auvergne Pointer and cats
As you would probably expect, because this dog is a hunter who chases after his prey, he might not be suited to a home with felines. However, on the other hand, he doesn’t attack his quarry, so if he is reared with cats from a young age, he will generally be quite tolerant.
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Auvergne Pointer and dogs
The Auvergne Pointer gets along with other dogs in most cases and is quite tolerant of any canine companions in the home.
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Auvergne Pointer and children
Providing that theBraque d'Auvergne is socialised with children from a young age, he will be an eager participant in their games and playtimes.
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Auvergne Pointer and the elderly
Not only because of his large size, but also as he needs a very high level of exercise, the Auvergne Pointer isn’t suited to living with an elderly person.
Price
As a rare breed, you can expect to pay between £1200 to £1500 for a Braque d'Auvergne puppy. Considering his large size, monthly costs to feed and maintain him will be between £100 to £120.
Grooming
With his short coat, grooming isn’t too much of a challenge. Of course, brushing the dog’s coat several times weekly will help to prevent shedding. As a dog who is hunting in the fields and woods, be prepared to check his ears for debris and grime to prevent any ear infections and problems.
Shedding
The Braque d'Auvergne sheds hair moderately.
Nutrition of the Auvergne Pointer
As a large-sized dog breed, the Auvergne Pointer requires a high-quality, nutritious dog food especially formulated and suitable for a working dog.
Health of the Auvergne Pointer
Life expectancy
Although a healthy breed generally, the Braque d'Auvergne may suffer occasionally from congenital health issues. It's life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.
Strong / robust
Certainly a strong and enduring dog who is capable of working in the field for most of the day when required to.
Withstand heat
As a short-haired breed, the Auvergne Pointer doesn’t have any problems during periods of hot weather or when enduring runs over long distances.
Withstand cold
As a canine that is used to hunting and working in the mountainous regions of France, this dog doesn’t generally experience problems working outdoors in all weathers. However, he is also just as happy to remain at home, in the comfort of a heated house.
Tendency to put on weight
A very active and energetic dog, who will burn many calories when working. On the other hand though, a dog who is more of a companion pet will be prone to obesity if overfed and not given sufficient exercise.
Common illnesses
- Canine hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Demodex mange
- Cleft lip
- Aortic stenosis