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The Braque d'Auvergne is an excellent pointer with a strong hunting instinct.
The Auvergne Pointer is an ancient dog breed. For over 200 years, it has been employed in small game hunting. Its keen instinct, coupled with an exceptional nose, allows the Auvergne Pointer to quickly track down hares, foxes, pheasants, and rabbits. Yet, these dogs also integrate seamlessly into family life.
The Auvergne Pointer epitomises the classic pointing breed, radiating elegance and strength while remaining alert yet gentle in expression.
Standing at 52 to 65 centimeters, this medium-sized pointer boasts a straightforward stature. In a stretched state, this linear body is used to indicate the location of game: arrow-like, pointing towards the prey.
With a robust build, especially evidenced by its strong chest, the Auvergne Pointer exudes power without appearing cumbersome. The term ‘athletic’ best describes it, as the muscle definition is clearly visible beneath its short, smooth coat.
Black and white are the predominant colours of the Auvergne Pointer’s coat, sometimes interspersed with a bit of grey in a distinctive ticking. Ideally, the head should be solid black to enhance the ticking of the body.
Its sharp eyes are relatively large and set deeply in the eye sockets. The ears of this elegant French breed are set slightly back on the head, hanging softly and entirely covered with fur. Its tail has a thick base and tapers to a point up to 50 centimeters in length.
The Auvergne Pointer is named thus in English because it points, frozen and motionless,-indicating where the game is hiding. The birds are then flushed out by beaters and hunters and shot.
The Auvergne Pointer is family-friendly and a lovable pet that will swiftly capture the hearts of its owners. Its sensitive nature makes it an excellent companion for both the young and the old.
As a social dog, it ought to live with its humans. Kept merely outdoors in a kennel would emotionally stifle it.
The Auvergne Pointer is passionate about cuddling and playing, is vigilant and approachable, making it a real asset to the community. With its gratitude and loyalty, the breed is ideally suited as a family dog.
However, if you’re looking for a dog to resolutely defend your home or to be attentive to the group’s safety, this breed is not the right choice.
The Auvergne Pointer’s temperament is too gentle for a genuine guard dog: aggression towards people is alien to it, and it prefers to avoid confrontations.
Auvergne Pointers are very sociable dogs. They establish strong, dependable bonds with their family members, providing them with a sense of security in everyday life.
Do not be misled by their relaxed occasionally unobtrusive demeanour! As soon as a particular scent wafts through the forest, the Auvergne Pointer instantly transforms into a highly focused hunting dog.
One must never forget that the Auvergne Pointer has a strong hunting instinct, which no amount of training can completely suppress. Its renowned excellent sense of smell makes it an outstanding pointing dog. It quickly sniffs out game and can thus hunt efficiently and accurately.
Even during a regular walk, it might start tracking a scent and disappear into the undergrowth. This is not only exhausting for the owner but can also cause serious trouble with the local hunter, forester or landowner.
The lead should, therefore, be used with the Auvergne Pointer more often than not.
If the dog is not meant for hunting, it’s important to confront the hunting instinct as early as possible. Link the dog’s hunting attempts to clear consequences. This way, the hunting instinct can be mitigated to a manageable level.
Did you know? A bird sits in the tall grass, and your Auvergne Pointer can’t contain itself? That’s because the breed was initially bred for game bird hunting. Anything with feathers is thus irresistible to these dogs.
Auvergne Pointers are hunting dogs and, as such, are exceptionally agile. They have a substantial need for exercise and should be allowed several hours of roaming over meadows and through forests every day.
Even if not used for hunting, the Auvergne Pointer still needs its physical exertion. For the hobby owner, various training and sporting options are available:
These activities not only strengthen your bond with your dog but also ensure that it enjoys varied exercise. This benefits both its physical and mental health.
As a hunting dog, it loves having space to play and romp. A large garden, in addition to extensive walks, is, therefore, a prerequisite for species-appropriate keeping.
Keeping one in a small flat without outdoor access is not recommended and, if unavoidable, must be compensated with a great deal of physical activity.
The Auvergne Pointer is very sensitive. Hence, always maintain a calm, composed tone. Yelling and excessive harshness lead to frustration and stagnation in this breed.
Always remain as relaxed and empathetic as possible in every situation. This way, you’ll gain your dog’s trust and achieve your training goals confidently. Your Auvergne Pointer will reward you with great loyalty.
For dogs with a high activity level like the Auvergne Pointer, proper nutrition is essential. Choose high-quality food with a high protein content, all the vital nutrients, and vitamins. Wet as well as dry food are suitable.
When it comes to dry food, ensure that the dog drinks enough to prevent constipation. Generally, dogs of this size should have their food allocation spread over two meals to avoid the risk of overeating and gastrointestinal problems.
Barfing (biologically appropriate raw feeding) involves offering fresh, untreated, or cooked food items. This diet closely mirrors the original diet of wolves.
This feeding method is very suitable for the Auvergne Pointer. Naturally, the diet should be balanced and contain all the nutrients the dog needs.
The breed’s weak spot lies in its ears. The long, close-fitting droopy ears cause the highly angled ear canals to be poorly ventilated.
Insects and vermin can easily hide and nest there, leading to very painful and unpleasant ear infections, often accompanied by a deterioration in overall condition.
Additionally, dirt can accumulate in the ear canal under the ears, leading to severe infections of the outer ear canal and cartilaginous ear flaps.
If there are any ailments concerning the Auvergne Pointer’s ears, it’s important to act quickly. Observe your pet and look out for unusual behaviour. A dog with ear pain will shake its head back and forth, scratch frequently, or be lethargic due to inflammation in the body.
Regularly check that your dog’s ears are in good order and consult a vet if in doubt.
As the Auvergne Pointer lacks an undercoat, it tends to get cold easily. Its thin fur offers little protection against cold and rain. On cold, wet days, your dog will appreciate a cosy blanket and a warm spot inside the house.
Ensure it is protected against cold with adequate dog clothing in winter. After water hunting or a dip, it should be dried off immediately to avoid catching a cold.
However, the dog copes exceptionally well with high temperatures, even becoming quite fond of water and jumping into any puddle!
This breed is quite resistant to diseases. A well-cared-for Auvergne Pointer kept in appropriate conditions can live up to 15 years.
The Auvergne Pointer is a very old breed from France. Its roots lie in the mountainous Massif Central, where it was primarily used for successful bird hunting.
What’s special about the Auvergne Pointer is that for the last 300 years, no foreign breeds have been crossed into it. The breed was officially recognised by the FCI in 1955.
Attention: Braques are not Bracken. Although the names sound similar, they are not the same dogs. The Auvergne Pointer is a pointing dog and has nothing in common with the German Bracken.
The purchase price for an Auvergne Pointer is in the lower to middle range. Prospective buyers should expect to pay £800 to £1,200.
Naturally, a dog also incurs daily costs: budget for food, toys, leads, and vet bills at least £40 per month.
The Auvergne Pointer is not widely spread here, as it’s not well known outside France. With this dog by your side, you are sure to attract much friendly interest!
The Auvergne Pointer belongs in the hands of laid-back and confident dog lovers who can handle its strong hunting instinct – or ideally, those who will even employ the dog for hunting.
| Quick Info: | Intelligent, gentle pointing dog with an exceptional nose. A very old breed, primarily bred for hunters. |
| Withers Height: | 53-63 cm |
| Weight: | 20-28 kg |
| Average Lifespan: | 15 years |
| Price: | £800-£1,200 |
| Nature: | Intelligent, affectionate, sensitive |
| Coat: | Short, not too fine, glossy |
| Coat Colours: | Black and white |
| Training Effort: | Moderate |
| Care Effort: | Low |
| Exercise Needs: | High |
| Origin: | France |
| Demanding: | Challenging |
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