The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-to-large sized dog with a distinctive, ticked black and white coat that often appears bluish, giving it a striking appearance.

Medium to Large

Males

49-77 pounds

Short, glossy, and dense

White with black ticking, often creating a bluish appearance; black patches are common, especially on the head and ears.

Relatively large, with a long muzzle and a pronounced stop.

Dark hazel, large, and expressive.

Set at eye level, hanging close to the head, and slightly rounded.

Traditionally docked to about half its length in countries where permitted; natural tail is carried low.

The Braque d'Auvergne is known for its gentle, affectionate, and highly intelligent nature, making it both an excellent working dog and a devoted family companion.

Highly intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners.

Very affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds.

Known for their gentle nature, especially with children.

Generally good with other dogs and people when properly socialized.

Extremely loyal to their owners and protective of their family.

Possesses considerable energy and stamina, requiring regular exercise.

This breed is best suited for active individuals or families who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation, and ideally, those with some experience in dog training.

Loyal and devoted.

Can be sensitive, requiring positive training methods.

The Braque d'Auvergne is an ideal companion for active individuals or families who appreciate a loyal, intelligent, and versatile dog. They thrive in environments where they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent, positive training.

Grooming is relatively low-maintenance, focusing on regular brushing. A balanced diet and appropriate living environment accommodating their size and energy are essential.

Brush weekly with a bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and maintain coat health. Bathe only when necessary.

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.

Ideally suited to a home with a securely fenced yard. They can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient daily exercise.

Check their ears regularly for signs of infection (redness, odor) and clean them as needed with a vet-approved solution.

Trim nails regularly, usually every few weeks, to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

Brush their teeth regularly with a dog-specific toothpaste to maintain dental health.

This breed is highly trainable due to its intelligence and eagerness to please, though consistent, positive reinforcement is key. They require significant daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Braque d'Auvergnes are very responsive to training, thriving on positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and play. Their hunting background means they have a strong desire to work and please their handler. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to ensure a well-behaved companion. They can excel in various canine sports, including agility, obedience, and, of course, hunting trials.

This breed has high energy levels and needs a substantial amount of exercise daily. Long walks, jogging, hiking, and opportunities to run freely in a secure area are ideal. Mental stimulation is equally important; puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions will help keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Without sufficient exercise, they may become restless or destructive.

Maintain a consistent training routine to reinforce commands and expectations.

Utilize positive reinforcement techniques for optimal results.

Expose them to various people, dogs, and environments from a young age.

Provide plenty of mental challenges to prevent boredom.

Ensure a secure yard, as their hunting instincts may lead them to roam.

Avoid harsh training methods, as they can be counterproductive with this sensitive breed.

The Braque d'Auvergne is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic conditions.

A malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis and lameness.

A similar condition to hip dysplasia, but affecting the elbow joint.

A narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart, which can cause heart problems.

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

The Braque d'Auvergne is an ancient breed, with its roots tracing back centuries in the Cantal region of Auvergne, France. Developed as a versatile hunting dog, it was prized for its ability to point and retrieve game in varied terrain. The breed's survival is largely attributed to the efforts of dedicated breeders, particularly during times of political upheaval and war in France, which threatened many regional breeds. The Braque d'Auvergne was officially recognized by the French Kennel Club in the early 20th century, and gained recognition from the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006. It remains relatively rare outside of France, but its popularity is steadily growing.

Yes, they are generally known for their gentle and patient nature with children, making them good family pets. However, supervision is always recommended with any dog and young children.

They have a short coat and are considered moderate shedders. Regular brushing will help minimize shedding.

They need a significant amount of exercise daily, including long walks, runs, or playtime. At least an hour or two of vigorous activity is recommended.

Yes, they are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods.

They can adapt to apartment living if they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. However, a house with a securely fenced yard is ideal.

The average lifespan is 12-15 years.

Yes, they are generally sociable and get along well with other dogs, especially when properly socialized from a young age.

They are relatively rare outside of France, but their popularity is growing.

They are not known to be excessive barkers. They may bark to alert their owners to something unusual, but they are not typically nuisance barkers.

It's crucial to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs. Breed-specific rescues may also have Braque d'Auvergnes available for adoption.