Today, Braque du Bourbonnais are also used in agility, dog sports and as rescue dogs. Or , therapy dogs and for the early detection of certain types of cancer in humans. Braque du Bourbonnais like Felcilia and Emy can do any dummy dog sport at baby age. Braque du Bourbonnais are no dogs for people never engaged in dog sports or hunting. But with a bit of knowledge they will also adapt as a compagnion dog and they are quite easy to train. Video of dummy work with Braque du Bourbonnais at 6 months here
The Braque du Bourbonnais
Le Braque du Bourbonnais is a French dog breed recognized by the FCI. A woodcut picture by Ulisse Aldrovandi from 1598 shows the breed. Aldrovandi calls it: "Dog of Bourbonnais on the quail hunt". The name "Bourbonnais" comes from the province of the same name in central France, today's Allier department.
The Braque du Bourbonnais breed is one of the oldest French pointing dog breeds. Braque du Bourbonnais are athletic, compact, easy to care for and medium-sized. At the same time, the breed gives the impression of robustness, strength and elegance. They are performance-oriented and can work all day without any problems thanks to their excellent functional gait. With a body height of up to 57 cm (males), Le Braque du Bourbonnais is the smallest representative of the 'Braques', which in my opinion is a very big advantage of the breed,
General information about the Braque du Bourbonnais breed:
The Braque du Bourbonnais loves hunting, but also the family and is an extremely pleasant hunting companion and family dog. At home, Braque du Bourbonnais are balanced, loving and social. Braque du Bourbonnais bond very closely with their owners. They have a high sensitivity and react to the smallest signs. They can be reserved towards strangers, but ours were not in the city - except for exhibition visits. When Braque du Bourbonnais meet other dogs, they like to play and are always cautious and social. When hunting, Braque du Bourbonnais are extremely passionate They adapt easily to various terrain and game. The breed is characterized by a persistent search with a high nose and precise pointing. Braque du Bourbonnais are basically highly intelligent, agile and very talented dogs, but they need time for development and an adequate amount of exercise.
Braque du Bourbonnais at work:
The nose performance of the Braque du Bourbonnais is considered to be excellent and the maneuverability in the field is excellent due to the medium size - Braque du Bourbonnais stay in contact with their owners. They can search quickly and turn extremely quickly on their hindquarters. The gait when hunting is an energetic gallop, which can change into a fast trot in covered terrain. Quite a few Braque du Bourbonnais can achieve the title of "Field Trial Champion" CHT, CHT/GT, CACIT, CIT and could be "Champion de Travail et Beauté."
International Young Beauty Champion Felicia Fleur vom Elstermann Hof
CIB-J Felicia Fleur from Elstermann Hof
The Braque du Bourbonnais breed was bred exclusively by hunters for hunters. As continental pointing dogs, they are considered field specialists, but can also be used as all-rounders because they are very good at retrieving. High passion and intelligence are not only evident in the field, but also in water work.
Other areas of application:
Further relatives of Emy and Felicia in Switzerland:
Braque du Bourbonnais breed standard:
"Le Braque du Bourbonnais° is classified as a continental pointer and should not be too lightly built or too heavy and the body is balanced and muscular. The eyes are rather round, hazel or amber colored, depending on the coat color, with pigment around the eyes and truffle. The expression is expressive, soft and intelligent. The ears are of medium length. The hair is fine and dense, a little longer on the back, on the head and ears it should be thinner and shorter. Here are photos of the different colors that are bred.
Height, weight, coat, colours, brachyury, distribution:
The FCI Standard Braque du Bourbonnais states the following: "TAIL: Some Dogs are born without tails... In countries where docking is prohibited by law, the tail should be carried below the top line of the profile when standing."
Braque du Bourbonnais, called Bourbonnaiser Vorstehhund in Germany, Bourbonnais Pointing Dog in the USA, England, Canada and Scandinavia, is a rare breed. It is mainly found in France, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Finland, Norway... a good development considering that the breed was almost extinct in the 1970s.
In Germany in the VBBFL eV, 3 litters of Braque du Bourbonnais have been born so far in the kennel "vom Elstermann Hof",