Let's talk Braques d’Auvergne
The stellar Braque d’Auvergne is a delight where canines are concerned. This robust sport dog has a muscular yet lithe body that’s true to their breeding (Braque translates to “Pointer” in French). A stunning dog with a spotted coat and select black patches, the Braque d’Auvergne is a breed that makes an impression - and leaves one as well. Their outstanding intelligence is a bonus, as is a fine temperament, especially when it comes to those in their circle, whether animal or human.Official name: Braque d’Auvergne
Other names: Auvergne Pointer, Bleu d’Auvergne
Origins: France
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | High | Family Pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age | From 8 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Braques d’Auvergne
1. Blue note
Dogs come in all sorts of colours and the dapper Braque d’Auvergne
is one vibrant canine. Their coat is composed of short, shiny fur which is then mottled with black spots that somehow give off a blue hue. It’s simply the wonder of genetics that brings this all about.
2. To the point
It’s not to be forgotten that the Braque d’Auvergne is a pointer. In French, “braque” means “pointing”. Pointing dogs will stop cold, stare straight on, straighten their tail, and lift a paw, as if to point, mostly to alert their owners to a small creature that’s about. It’s an instinctive stance that dogs traditionally used for sport will spring into, usually in the field but at times on the homefront, too.
History of the breed
The graceful Braque d’Auvergne has a history with questionable beginnings: They hail from Cantal, a department within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in central France. It’s said that the Knights Templar had brought the breed into France during the 12th century, or the Knights of Malta in the 19th, but whomever was ultimately responsible, the breed has resided there for more than two centuries.
The Braque d’Auvergne has long been cherished in their homeland but over the past few decades has become more popular outside of European borders, with an increase in demand coming from the U.S. and Canada.
Various breeds were said to have been used to produce this dazzling dog, including the French Braque and other pointers. The majority of breeders came from the Auvergne region however, so the name stuck.
The Braque d’Auvergne was registered by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 2004 and by the Kennel Club in 2016.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Braques d’Auvergne
1. Ears
Silky ears, set low, slightly rounded ends.
2. Coat
Short, glistening coat, lying flat and close to body, exclusively mottled black and white.
3. Body
Limber, lithe, very strong body.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Braque d’Auvergne
How healthy are they?
Very! The Braque d’Auvergne is generally as robust as they come. The breed has a good long lifespan and has been known to show very little susceptibility to illness, with no track record of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, it’s important to keep up routine veterinary checks to ensure that their good health record stays intact.
Cut to the chase
Instincts sometimes rule and with the Braque d’Auvergne, a prey drive can happen. The dog has been raised as a sporting one so will often chase smaller, furry animals, including cats, rabbits, or mice. Early and firm training will curb this behaviour and bring out the best in the breed.
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Caring for your Braque d’Auvergne
Grooming, training and exercise tips
The Braque d’Auvergne is blessed with a short, tight coat, thus requires little grooming. Weekly brushing should suffice for a dog that will be pleased to receive the attention. Since the Braque d’Auvergne spends so much time outdoors, they should be checked pretty much daily for any lingering twigs or stones that may get caught in toe pads or elsewhere, depending on the terrain and the season. Speaking of, their nails should be trimmed regularly and teeth brushed as many times per week as possible. Highly active dogs like the Braque d’Auvergne require a good deal of daily exercise, otherwise they will be bored, or worse, destructive in the house. If in anything other than a rural setting, make sure to get out on at least two daily walks (runs, all the better) or any other activity that lets them stretch their long legs. A docile breed, the Braque d’Auvergne will easily answer to commands - if they’re given gently. Braques d’Auvergne possess a great temperament, so training should be a smooth process for everyone involved.
All about Braques d’Auvergne
Despite the Braque d’Auvergne’s long history as a sporting breed, they have also shown themselves to be a wonderful family dog as well. They are very sociable with other pets and animals, and with children, once trained, with whom they feel very comfortable. They’ll be a welcome addition to most any brood.
Oddly enough, the Braque d’Auvergne is presently not as popular in their homeland as one would think - and the same holds true throughout Europe. The breed has gained popularity in the U.S., Canada, in Lebanon as well, but has slipped in favour over the recent past on the European continent and in France.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/