Braque du Bourbonnais Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

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The Braque du Bourbonnais is the quintessential hunting companion, with a history that goes back hundreds of years. The dog embodies the functional role dogs initially served for humans during domestication. This breed has many desirable traits that help these animals excel in this work. While it’s an ancient breed, the Braque du Bourbonnais didn’t make it across the pond until 1988. Let’s learn a bit more down below.

Breed Overview

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and stateside United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 2006. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has put it in its Foundation Stock Service (FSS) in the Sporting Group. This designation is part of the organization’s formal recognition process. Fortunately, the Braque du Bourbonnais has a loyal following to ensure it happens.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is an easy dog to fall in love with. They are loyal and affectionate pets. They are hard-working and persistent in the field, making them an excellent choice for individuals who want an all-around hunting companion. While their name refers to the dog’s pointing abilities, they can also retrieve and track a scent. After all, that was this dog’s first job that drove early selective breeding.

Braque du Bourbonnais Puppies

Finding a Braque du Bourbonnais puppy is challenging, although the breed has a loyal following. We suggest beginning your search with the Braque du Bourbonnais Club of America.¹ Remember that it is still trying to get AKC recognition, which includes three-generation pedigrees in its studbook. That ensures consistency in the dogs’ conformation. You can contact them to find a reputable seller.

The chances are that breeders will offer pet-quality puppies for sale and keep the representative dogs for the development of the breed. We can’t speculate on the price. However, we recommend only buying from a seller who conducts pre-breeding health screenings on their stock.

The price of a puppy only scratches the surface of what owning a pet costs. After all, it’s a financial commitment that comes with responsibility to the animal’s health and welfare. A Synchrony study estimated the average annual expenses between $1,270 to $2,803.² Of course, many variables exist that can affect what you must pay. However, you shouldn’t skimp on nutrition or veterinary care.

The study also found that one-third of pet owners will face a significant but unexpected pet-related expense. It could be anything, from an accident to gastrointestinal obstruction to cancer. Therefore, we suggest researching pet insurance to offset some costs. It’s worth noting they are primarily reimbursement plans, but some companies offer affordable add-ons for wellness care and prevention.

Braque du Bourbonnais Breed Origin & History

The history of the Braque du Bourbonnais goes back hundreds of years. The breed’s name offers proof. The animal’s name means “pointer of Bourbonnais.” Bourbonnais was a historical region in central France that no longer exists but was created in the 10th century. This time period saw the development of many isolated breeds tied to specific areas. The Braque du Bourbonnais is one example.

French hunters embraced the breed. Things in the canine world began to change about 160 years ago when humans started selectively breeding dogs for conformation and appearance. Remember that this pup had been a hunting companion historically. Switching the focus undoubtedly caused some riffs with enthusiasts. Two world wars didn’t help, and the extinction of the breed loomed.

Fortunately, enthusiasts took up the cause to resurrect the Braque du Bourbonnais and bring the dogs back to their former glory in the late 1970s. Their efforts paid off with the formal recognition the breed has since received. Perhaps this history has fueled their mission to get this honor from the AKC and ensure the breed’s continued survival.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Braque du Bourbonnais

Every dog has their unique qualities, and the Braque du Bourbonnais is no exception. The consistency of the breed’s use is a significant factor in the pup’s temperament and intelligence because of the demands it imposes on the animal. You’ll find many common denominators between this pooch and other gun dogs. Remember that they are characteristics that opened the door to a closer relationship with our pets.

Hunting animals must have keen problem-solving skills. They must be alert and intelligent to make good choices. The Braque du Bourbonnais has this skill set, encouraged through selective breeding.

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