Braque de Bourbon (Bourbon Pointer)

The Bourbon Pointer, or Braque de Bourbon, is a rare and sophisticated canine breed with strong ties to French hunting customs. This breed has long been a favorite among hunters looking for a dependable and knowledgeable partner in the field because of its exceptional tracking skills and keen sense of smell.

The Braque de Bourbon is a gentle dog with a strong, muscular build that makes it an excellent working dog as well as a devoted and loving family companion. Because of their intelligence and desire to please, they are well-known for being reasonably easy to train, particularly for hunting and obedience exercises.

These dogs are amiable and loving despite coming from a hunting background, which makes them excellent companions for busy homes. Their unique combination of energy, loyalty, and gentleness makes them well-suited to both working environments and family life.

Breed Name	Braque de Bourbon (Bourbon Pointer)
Origin	France
Size	Medium to large
Weight	45-55 lbs (20-25 kg)
Coat	Short and dense
Color	White with brown or chestnut markings
Temperament	Friendly, energetic, intelligent
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	12-14 years

Information about the breed

Name:	Braque de Bourbon (Bourbon Pointer)
Classification:	Pointers (179)
Year of the FCI:	1955
Purpose:	Hunting
Homeland:	France
Weight:	16-22 kg (females), 18-25 kg (males)
Height:	48-55 cm (females), 51-57 cm (males)
Life:	10-12 years
Color:	chestnut-piebald, gray-piebald, gray-beige-piebald
Price:	870-1000$

Photo of the Bourbon Braque

Characteristics

Interesting facts and features

• The breed got its name in honor of the historical French province of Bourbonnais;
• As a breed, the Bourbon Braque has been recognized by many American and international cynological federations, including the FCI, AKC, CKC;
• The Bourbon Pointer is a gundog. Hunters use it mainly for working with birds;
• Representatives of the breed are not only excellent hunters, but also good companions;
• In 1988, Bourbon Pointers appeared in the United States, which quickly became the second largest breeder after France;
• The Bourbon Braque is rare in Russia. The breed is most common in its homeland;
• Representatives of the breed adapt well to different terrain, which allows them to successfully hunt in any conditions;
• The Bourbon pointer behaves completely differently on a hunt and at home, and switches between these states instantly;
• The tails of Bourbon Pointers are docked, but dogs can be born without it. This is not a defect, but a feature of the breed.

The Bourbon Pointer, or Braque de Bourbon, is a multipurpose and highly active hunting dog that is renowned for its amiable disposition and excellent tracking skills. This breed, which was first developed in France for the purpose of pointing and retrieving game, is prized for its intelligence, adaptability, and loyalty, which combine to make it a wonderful family pet in addition to a competent hunting partner.

History of origin

The Bourbon Pointer was first mentioned in writing in the sixteenth century. The breed was described by renowned Italian scientist Ulisse Aldrovandi in his book "Natural History" (1598).

See also: Azawakh (South Saharan hound, blue Berber greyhound, Tuareg Sloughi, and Tuareg greyhound).

In the 17th century, the Bourbon Pointer was among the dogs of the French royal hunting court. At the end of the 18th century, due to the Great French Revolution, the number of the breed significantly decreased, there are practically no mentions of it during that period. In 1820, the situation began to change. By the middle of the 19th century, the number of Bourbon Pointers had recovered, the breed became popular again. In 1925, its first international club was opened, and in 1930, it was published standard. Soon, breeders tightened the selection, trying to get dogs of a faded lilac color with a natural short tail. Such requirements led to a significant decrease in the population, and the threat of extinction of the breed arose. The Second World War also had a negative impact on the situation. In the period 1963-1973, not a single puppy was registered in the French stud book LOF.

They started to bring the breed back in the 1970s. Michel Conte played a significant role in this. In 1973–1975, he was the one who officially recorded the first Bourbon marriages after ten years. He was joined by other breeders, and the breed’s population started to rise once more.

The Club du Braque du Bourbonnais was founded in 1982, and a few years later, it received official recognition as the Society Centrale Canine (SCC), the French branch of the International Cynological Federation (FCI). Up until 2001, Michel Conte served as the club’s president. The FCI updated the standard in 1991 after recognizing the breed in 1985. On February 21, 2006, the official current standard was released.

Appearance

Medium-sized dogs with a compact, muscular, and robust build are called Borbonne Braques. In appearance, power and strength coexist with a certain grace. Compared to bitches, men are less graceful and stockier.

Head and neck

The head of the Bourbon Pointer is pear-shaped and proportionate to the body. The snout of the dog is rounded, with well-developed parietal bones, zygomatic arches, and rounded sides. The muzzle, which forms a truncated cone at the tip, is broad at the base and somewhat narrows towards the tip, exhibiting a moderately pronounced transition from the forehead. Its length is marginally less than that of the skull.

Breed members have a broad nose that occasionally sticks out over their lips. The back is either straight or slightly convex, and the nostrils are wide open. There are no spots devoid of pigmentation, and the nose’s color matches that of the coat.

The upper lip covers the lower lip, but there is not a noticeable fold at the corners of the mouth. Lip edges have rich pigmentation. Both the flews and they are clearly defined.

The wide, muscular neck of the Bourbon Braque has a smooth transition to the shoulders, supporting the head. The majority is smooth, though there may be a slight dewlap.

Eyes

Large round eyes with well-pigmented eyelid margins characterize this breed. The color can be either dark amber or brown, depending on the color of the coat. The dog has a kind, perceptive, and expressive gaze.

Ears

The medium-length hanging ears of the Bourbon Pointer can hang down to or past the throat. They are positioned either at eye level or marginally elevated; the latter choice is recommended. The bases have a good deal of width. Ears hang naturally on the cheeks and can be curved or flat.

Jaws

The breed has equally sized, powerful jaws. There is a full set of teeth present. Although an even bite is acceptable, a scissor-shaped bite is preferred.

Torse and tail

The body of the Bourbon Pointer in length corresponds to or slightly exceeds the height at the withers. A well-defined wither, a robust and muscular back, a short but broad and muscular loin, and a rounded, moderately sloping croup with strong muscles comprise the dog’s straight topline.

The profit margin increases smoothly. The depth of the chest either reaches elbow level or is lowered below, or it is equal to or slightly greater than half the height at the withers. There is a noticeable rib line.

The Bourbon Pointer may have a short tail that is set low at birth or none at all. When it is present, docking is required, if permitted by law.

Limbs

The forelimbs of this breed are incredibly muscular, with tightly fitting elbows and sloping shoulders. The skeleton of the muscular, straight forearms is sturdy. In comparison, the metacarpus is slightly angled. The dog has robust wrists, round or spoon-shaped paws with prominent relief pads, curled fingers that fit snugly, and powerful claws.

The Bourbon Braque’s hind limbs are characterized by a robust skeleton and prominent muscles; from the back, they appear parallel and straight. The upper portion of the muscular thighs is long and well-lowered. Strong and well-angulated are the knees and hocks. The feet resemble the front ones, and the rear pasterns are robust and vertical.

Coat and color

The skin of the Bourbon Pointer is elastic and free of folds. The hair is dense, smooth, and short over it. The hair is coarser and sometimes longer on the back. The hair on the head and ears is shorter and thinner.

Breed standards permit the following color combinations:

1. Chestnut-piebald;
2. Grey-piebald;
3. Gray-beige-piebald.

Any variation in color ought to have tiny dots. There are only a few spots available. They ought to be about the size of a palm.

Movement style

The Bourbon Pointer travels sweepingly and with ease. The dog has a balanced gallop and a steady gait. The head is typically held high when standing and lowered when trotting.

Breed defects

The characteristics listed below are regarded as severe breed defects:

1. The height at the withers deviates from the standard by more than 2 cm in any direction;
2. The skeleton is too heavy or light;
3. The head is disproportionate to the body;
4. The muzzle is pointed;
5. Light eyes.

The Bourbon Braque is eliminated for acting too timidly or aggressively. An underbite or overbite, dewclaws (even after removal), black or all-white hair, and long, stiff hair all portend the same thing. A height variation of more than 3 cm in any direction also puts the qualifier at risk of disqualification.

Character

The Bourbon Pointer exhibits lively, hyperactive behavior and holds its head high while hunting. The dog changes, acts lovingly and kind, and is peaceful at home. It is inconspicuous, amiable with others, and grows quite attached to its owner. The animal does not take long periods of loneliness or seclusion well.

Education and training

It is possible to teach a clever Bourbon pointer a lot of things, but it will take time. Because members of the breed have a highly impressionable nervous system, it is crucial to exercise tact when training them and to avoid using physical punishment or yelling. Reward-based training is far more successful, but don’t lose sight of the importance of firmness and confidence—the dog should regard the owner as a leader.

Care

The Bourbon Braque would be better off living in a country home rather than an apartment. It needs to be in motion. Apart from hunting, regular exercise is required. Without it, the dog’s behavior may deteriorate and depression may set in.

The Bourbon Pointer’s coat doesn’t need extra maintenance and doesn’t shed much. To comb it once a week is sufficient. Bathing the animal should only occur when necessary, no more than once every three to four months.

Hanging ears undergo routine examinations and cleanings. At least once a week, dental care is required. As they get bigger, claws are clipped. Regular examinations and wipings of the eyes are necessary to lower the risk of infection. Following a hunt or a field or forest walk, this treatment is very crucial.

If you decide to give your dog a natural diet, make lean meats like chicken, duck, rabbit, and beef the main staple. Incorporate vegetables and cereals as well as 15–30 g of animal fats during the winter.

Health

Health issues are uncommon in Bourbon Braques. Representatives of the breed are more likely to suffer from the following illnesses:

1. Dysplasia of the hip, elbow joint;
2. Entropion (inversion) or ectropion (eversion) of the lower eyelid;
3. Pulmonary stenosis;
4. Ear infections;
5. Demodicosis (scabies);
6. Progressive retinal atrophy.

Choosing a puppy

Pay attention to the breed standard when selecting a Bourbon Pointer puppy, and make sure all age-appropriate documentation is available. The timely completion of all medical procedures and vaccinations is essential, as it can have an impact on the dog’s growth and well-being.

How much does a Bourbon Braque puppy cost?

A Bourbon Braque typically costs between 65 and 75 thousand rubles. Generally speaking, women cost more than men do. The price is also influenced by the dog’s lineage and the parents’ professional accomplishments.

Since the Bourbon Braque is a hunting dog, it is best to purchase it with that purpose in mind. This breed requires constant exercise; it is not suitable for apartment living. Although its representatives grow to be nice friends and are devoted to their owners, they are not suitable for use as security or guards.

With a rich history, the Braque de Bourbon, also known as the Bourbon Pointer, is a rare and adaptable hunting dog. This breed, which is well-known for its superb tracking skills and loving nature, is an excellent companion for people who like being outside and require a dependable working dog.

The loyalty and intelligence of the Bourbon Pointer have won over hunters and dog enthusiasts despite its relatively unknown status outside of France. This breed is ideal for people who can give it the exercise and care it requires because it loves being a member of a family and thrives on activity.

The Braque de Bourbon can make an excellent hunting companion and a devoted family member in the correct circumstances. If you’re thinking about getting a dog of this breed, be ready for a companion that will give you years of love and companionship but will also require regular exercise and training.

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