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Bourbonnais Pointing Dog: Photo of my dog, Vrac du Rocher des Jastres, pointing a patridge, taken by me. Can be used by anyone, as long as he mentions the name of the dog

Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Also known as Braque du Bourbonnais · Bourbonnaiser Vorstehhund · Braco del Borbonesado

France, Continental Pointing Dogs

Size
Medium
Height
—
Weight
—
Life expectancy
—
  • Gentle
  • Eager to please
  • Active
  • Affectionate
Energy4 of 5
Grooming needs1 of 5
Trainability4 of 5

Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.

About the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

The Bourbonnais Pointing Dog, or Braque du Bourbonnais, is a French gundog from the Bourbonnais region in central France. It was developed to find and point game birds and is a medium-sized dog with a short coat, a distinctive pale fawn or brownish speckled colour, and often a naturally short tail. It is mainly kept for hunting but suits active families.

Temperament

Usually gentle, affectionate and biddable, with a calm manner at home. It tends to be eager to please and sensitive, so patient, positive training usually works best.

Exercise

A working gundog that needs daily brisk exercise and space to run safely, ideally with scent and retrieving work. Regular activity prevents restlessness.

Grooming

The short coat needs only occasional brushing, with a wipe-down after muddy outings.

Care & wellbeing

Check the drop ears routinely, keep claws trimmed and watch weight.

Living with a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog

Shedding2 of 5
Good with children4 of 5
Apartment living2 of 5

Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.

History

A French pointing dog from the Bourbonnais region of central France, long used by hunters to find and point game birds. It is a short-coated, sturdy gundog, sometimes seen with a naturally short tail. It is rare outside France.

Health

There's limited reliable published information on health issues in the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog. Breed clubs and your vet are the best sources.

Not every Bourbonnais Pointing Dog is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.

Cost to keep

About average
  • Moderate food and insurance costs
  • Little or no professional grooming needed
  • A commitment of many years

A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.

Is a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog right for you?

Could suit

  • Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
  • People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
  • First-time owners prepared to train consistently

Think twice if

  • You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day

Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.

Common questions

How much exercise does a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog need?

As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.

How much grooming does a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog need?

An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.

Are Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs easy to train?

Usually quick to learn with reward-based training.

Do Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs shed?

A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.

Are Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs good with children?

They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.

Can a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog live in a flat?

It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.

Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.

Breed details

Country of origin
France
Type
Continental Pointing Dogs
Internationally recognised
1955