The Braque Du Bourbonnais: A Versatile Hunting Dog

List of Contents

Introduction

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a French breed of versatile hunting dog that has been around for centuries. Originally bred to hunt game birds for the aristocracy, this breed is now a popular family companion due to its friendly disposition and adaptability to various lifestyles. In this article, we will discuss the breed characteristics, highlights, history, size, personality, health, care, feeding, and coat color and grooming of the Braque du Bourbonnais.

Breed Characteristics

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog that stands between 19 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. They have short, dense coats that come in a variety of colors, including fawn, white, and liver. Their ears are long and droopy, and their tails are usually docked to a third of their original length.

This breed is known for its athleticism and endurance, making them excellent hunting companions. They have a keen sense of smell and are able to track game through dense cover. Additionally, they are excellent swimmers and can retrieve game from water.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is also known for its friendly and easy-going temperament, making them great family pets. They get along well with children and other animals and are very adaptable to different lifestyles.

Highlights about Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a versatile hunting dog that can be trained to hunt a variety of game, including upland birds, waterfowl, and small game. They are also excellent trackers and can be used for search and rescue operations.

This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, and do not respond well to punishment.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is also known for its loyalty and devotion to its family. They thrive on human companionship and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are happiest when they are with their family.

History of Braque du Bourbonnais

The history of the Braque du Bourbonnais dates back to the 16th century, when they were bred by French aristocrats to hunt game birds. They were originally bred for their keen sense of smell and their ability to track game through dense cover.

During the French Revolution, many of the aristocrats who bred the Braque du Bourbonnais were killed, and the breed almost became extinct. However, a few breed enthusiasts managed to keep the breed alive, and it eventually became popular again in France.

The Braque du Bourbonnais was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1938 and was imported to the United States in the 1980s. Today, the breed is still used for hunting, but it is also a popular family pet.

Size of Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog that stands between 19 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. They are a muscular and athletic breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy.

They do well in both urban and rural environments and can adapt to various lifestyles. However, they do need plenty of space to run and play, so they are not recommended for apartment living.

Personality of Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is known for its friendly and easy-going temperament. They are highly social dogs that thrive on human companionship and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.

They are loyal and devoted to their family and get along well with children and other animals. They are also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is an active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing fetch.

How to Keep Health of Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a generally healthy breed that does not have any major health problems. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and ear infections.

To keep your Braque du Bourbonnais healthy, it is important to feed them a balanced diet and provide them with plenty of exercise. Regular veterinary checkups are also important to catch any health problems early.

Additionally, it is important to keep your Braque du Bourbonnais up to date on their vaccinations and to provide them with regular flea and tick prevention.

How to Care for Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. They only need to be brushed occasionally to remove loose hair and dirt.

Additionally, it is important to trim their nails regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort. Cleaning their ears regularly can also help prevent ear infections.

It is also important to provide your Braque du Bourbonnais with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming, and playing fetch.

Feed for Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais requires a high-quality diet that is formulated for their age, size, and activity level. It is important to feed them a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Additionally, it is important to provide your Braque du Bourbonnais with plenty of fresh water at all times. They should also be fed in a quiet and calm environment to prevent them from becoming anxious or agitated.

Coat Color And Grooming for Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais has a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, white, and liver. Their coat is easy to maintain, and they only need to be brushed occasionally to remove loose hair and dirt.

They should also be bathed occasionally to keep their coat clean and shiny. Additionally, it is important to trim their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent infections.

Conclusion

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a versatile hunting dog that has become a popular family pet due to its friendly disposition and adaptability to various lifestyles. They are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent companions for active families.

If you are looking for a loyal and devoted companion that loves to hunt and play, the Braque du Bourbonnais may be the perfect breed for you.