Auvergne Pointer

The Braco d'Auvergne is a breed originating in France, where it was bred as a hunting companion. They are known for their friendly, energetic and loyal character, with a strong hunting instinct. Physically, they have a broad head with a long, straight muzzle and a short, dense coat.

General details

Dogs of the breed are robust and of medium to large size. The weight ranges between 20 and 28 kilograms, while the height varies between 57 and 63 centimeters in males, and between 53 and 59 centimeters in females. The life expectancy of this breed is 10 to 12 years. They belong to Group 7 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which includes pointers.

Breed history in brief

The Braco d'Auvergne is a very old breed, found for more than two centuries in Cantal, a department located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Specifically, the origins date back to the 16th century, when the French nobility needed a strong and tireless hunting companion. The creation of the breed is the product of a selection process involving the Knights of Malta. As a consequence of the devastation caused by World War II, the breed was on the verge of disappearing. However, some breeders, such as Andre De Tournay, worked to revive the breed, and in 1920 the Braco d'Auvergne was recognized by the French Kennel Club. To this day, the breed continues to act as an excellent hunting dog in France, and has also gained a following in other countries around the world.

Breed characteristics

The body of the Braque d'Auvergne is straight, robust and strongly built, without appearing heavy. The head is slightly rounded with a long, straight muzzle and a prominent nose. The eyes are round, large and dark hazel, while the ears are of medium size, slightly folded inward and hanging close to the cheeks. The tail is usually docked. The coat is short, dense and glossy, preferably black with white patches of varying extent. According to the established breed standard, the head should be black. Braco d'Auvergne are extroverted, friendly and intelligent dogs. They are easy to train and their training is based on developing their natural abilities. They enjoy human interaction and adapt well to family life. In addition to being known for their strong hunting instinct and keen sense of smell, these dogs are very energetic, which requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Common health problems

Information on the most common diseases in the Braque d'Auvergne breed is very limited. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the most common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, allergy, cataracts and progressive atrophy.