Ariege Pointing Dog

Other names: Braque de l’Ariège, Braque du Midi

Ariege Pointing Dog

This French pointing gun dog is a relatively new breed to the working dog classification. A very energetic dog, mainly kept as a hunting dog, rather than a show or pet dog. Despite this, they do make good family pets, although sometimes remain quite aloof around humans. The Ariege Pointer breed was developed during the 19th and 20th century with totally French heritage.

Key facts about the Ariege Pointing Dog

Life expectancy :

6

18

11

13

Temperament :

Intelligent Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

The Ariege breed first descended from old French Braques, yet over time these canines became very rare. The breed has been saved by a group of Ariegeois hunters, who continued to use these dogs for hunting purposes. It was further enlarged during 1990, when a team of breeders devoted themselves to breeding and producing more of them. In 2006, the Braque de l’Ariege was finally recognised by the UK Kennel Club. 

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 7 - Pointing Dogs

Section

Section 1 : Continental Pointing Dogs

Physical characteristics of the Ariege Pointing Dog

Adult size

Female : Between 22 and 26 in

Male : Between 22 and 26 in

Weight

Female : Between 55 and 66 lb

Male : Between 55 and 66 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

With a strong body and clean lines, the Ariege Pointer is built as a working dog, with great stamina. It has a rounded, straight skull and pendulous lips. The dog’s nose may be either flesh-coloured or brown. Long ears hang down from the dog’s face, facing inwards. The dog has long limbs that carry him for many miles when out hunting. 

Good to know

Given that the Ariege Pointer is a relatively new breed, it is very rare. These Pointers display skills in hunting, retrieving and pointing, yet they still make very friendly and loving companions. At one period in time, the breed was almost extinct. However, although it is quite rare, the breed is no longer endangered. The Braque de l’Ariege as he is often known, is skilled when hunting quail, partridge, hare and many other types of wild game. 

Temperament

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    Affectionate

    Certainly a loveable dog; he can be affectionate and loyal towards his master. 

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    Playful

    A very energetic and playful breed that loves to be kept active and busy.

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    Calm

    The Ariege Pointer is a working breed, who likes to be kept occupied most of the time, rather than lying down on the sofa. Calm when in the home and around children. 

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    Intelligent

    As a hunting dog, the Braque de l'Ariège is a very intelligent dog, capable of hunting and working alone as well as to his master’s command. 

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    Hunter

    Generally used to hunt quail and partridge birds, although this breed is quite adaptable to hunt other quarry too.

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    Fearful / wary of strangers

    Because this breed has not been around for very long, there are not many examples of them living as family pets. They are however, known to be quite shy and reserved around strangers

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    Independent

    Incredibly speedy dogs, this athletic breed thrives when working. They are very independent, especially when in the hunting field. The dog instinctively knows what to do, without receiving constant commands from his master. 

    Behaviour of the Ariege Pointing Dog

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      Tolerates solitude

      As a very independent dog, the Ariege Pointer doesn’t need the companionship of humans or other animals. They do however become rather bored if left alone for long periods of time. 

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      Easy to train / obedience

      Training the Braque de l'Ariège dog is relatively easy, although as a very independent breed, a good array of commands is essential. Early training basics, such as sit, stop and come back, are all advised when the dog is a young puppy.

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      Barking

      Although not a great watchdog, the Ariege pointer dog will bark if he hears anything suspicious in his surroundings. 

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      Tendency to run away

      Because of his hunting tendencies, if he is given the chance to run off the lead, he will continue for miles. A rural location that is fenced in is the ideal home for this breed.

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      Destructive

      Certainly very easily bored and frustrated when he isn’t kept active and exercised. Destructive and hyperactive behaviour can result.

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      Greedy / Gluttony

      As a very energetic dog breed, the Ariege Pointer needs to be given a nutritious, high-quality dog food suitable for a working dog. Not a greedy breed. He can suffer from bloat. 

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      Guard dog

      Although this dog will bark when alerted, he’s not aggressive at all. 

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      First dog

      As a very energetic breed, this dog likes vigorous exercise and either long walks or jogs daily. It also has quite a stubborn personality, and is therefore not the best for novice owners.

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      Lifestyle

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        Ariege Pointing Dog in a flat

        It wouldn’t be practical or fair to expect this large hunting dog to live in a flat or small living space. 

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        Need for exercise / Sporty

        The Braque de l’Ariege has an enormous amount of stamina and needs to hunt whenever possible. He excels when covering all terrains and can run for many miles after his quarry. Daily hikes or runs are a necessity.

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        Travelling / easy to transport

        It’s not advisable to travel long distances with the Ariege Pointer in the car, even when he is secured in a crate. He is certainly not a canine to take on public transport due to his large size and high energy levels.

        Compatibility

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          Ariege Pointing Dog and cats

          As a dog breed with an intense prey drive, it’s not advisable to keep this dog around cats or other small animals.

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          Ariege Pointing Dog and dogs

          The Braque de l'Ariège will tolerate other dogs in the same household, however, early socialisation is important.

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          Ariege Pointing Dog and children

          Providing the Ariege Pointer is introduced to the children as a young dog, there should be no issues. They will tolerate most children and playtimes, as long as they are not too boisterous.

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          Ariege Pointing Dog and the elderly

          As a large, energetic dog, this breed is not best suited to an elderly owner. They require a large amount of strenuous daily exercise.

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          Price

          The initial purchase price to buy an Ariege Pointer puppy is between £500 to £700. The monthly cost to keep a dog of this breed will be between £80 to £100. 

          Grooming

          As the Braque de l'Ariège has a short coat, grooming requirements are very minimal. The hair doesn’t get matted or tangled, and requires infrequent brushing. 

          Shedding

          Moderate shedder.

          Nutrition of the Ariege Pointing Dog

          Both male and female Braque de l'Ariège dogs require a high-quality, nutritious dry dog food especially manufactured for high energy working dogs. As hunting dogs, they will also consume raw meat.

          Health of the Ariege Pointing Dog

          Life expectancy

          Generally recognised as a hearty and healthy dog breed. However, they are known to be prone to several health issues including patellar luxation glaucoma, bloat, chronic ear infection and epilepsy. Their average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

          Strong / robust

          The Ariege Pointer is very energetic and robust. He is a skilled hunting and retrieving breed, with a brilliant sense of smell.

          Withstand heat

          The short coat of the Braque de l'Ariège allows it to keep cool during periods of warmer weather. 

          Withstand cold

          As this dog is firstly a hunting dog, he is very hardy when hunting over many terrains, in all weathers. He will also retrieve game from land and even in cold water without any adverse effects.

          Tendency to put on weight

          Although he is a very active dog, once he retires from his working life and becomes a more sedentary dog, he will gain weight more easily.

          Common illnesses

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