Braque d'Auvergne vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

Braque d'Auvergne vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonBoth Braque d'Auvergne and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) are originated from France. Braque d'Auvergne may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Braque d'Auvergne may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Both Braque d'Auvergne and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) has same life span. Both Braque d'Auvergne and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) has same litter size. Both Braque d'Auvergne and Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low maintenance.

History

braque d auvergne - historySometime over 5 centuries ago, in the Cantal Region of France, was born a hunting breed, that might be the real ancestor of today’s pointing hunter dogs. Perhaps the oldest of all pointing gun dog is the Braque d’Auvergne. This breed comes from Central France in the region of Auvergne. This breed was developed prior to written dog breeding records in order to hunt in this region and find, point, flush out and retrieve fowl. This breed is clearly one of if not the oldest breeds in the French Braque. There is no agreement among historians on what breed is the oldest of the European pointing dogs and where they were developed – was it Spain or was it France? It is thought that the Braque Francais Gascogne is the original one of these in the early 1600’s while the Braque d’Auvergne came soon after. Due to the different hunting needs in the different parts of France, the Braque Francais Gascogne was crossed with a lot of other local scent hounds. The Braque d’Auvergne is one of the very oldest of all of these. There are records of the breeds existence in the 1700’s. It is probable that the Braque d’Auvergne was developed by crossing local dogs with Gascogne as well as with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.

In all of Western Europe, the region of Auvergne is not very populated and has unique geography in that is hilly and has many extinct and eroded volcanoes. A lot of the region is still unpopulated. In this environment, wildlife has flourished, and hunting is successful in providing food for the regions people. This circumstance with an abundance of birds, led to the breeding of the Braque Auvergne to specialize in hunting in this area. The breed is not very popular outside of Auvergne and probably never was. That fact allowed them to be devastated by the Second World War. The Reunion des Amateurs de Braque d’Auvergne (RABA) was started to promote the pure breeding and the protection of the d’Auvergnes. But when Auvergnes was occupied during the war, the slowed breeding of the Braque d ‘ Auvergne almost eliminated the breed. There might have only been about 25 dogs left following the end of the war. These remaining dogs were used to revive the breed, but it is still uncommon, but not rare. Individuals have been imported by other countries including North America. The United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the breed in 2006 but is not accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club). The breed is still a working breed and outside of France, very rare.

braque francais pyrenean type - historyThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
France
France
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
3 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Bleu d'Auvergne Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog French Pointer (Auvergne), Bleu d’Auvergne, Bleu de Auvergne
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Colors Available:
balck with white markings or mottled
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
Coat:
short
fine and short
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

braque d auvergne puppy - descriptionThe Braque d’Auvergne is a well built, strong hunting dog with long ears, a large head and a docked tail. His coat is white with black markings and black ears and head. The breed looks a lot like all the other pointing dogs from France. They are medium in stature and has the appearance of a working gundog. He is athletic, muscular and fit. Docking the tail is outlawed in many countries and all of the United Kingdom. In that case the tail is high on the rump and always straight. Their face and head are big for the size of the body and shaped like an oval. With a long muzzle, deep set eyes and a gentle expression, they are kindly and handsome dogs. Their skin is loose but not droopy or wrinkled like hound dogs.

braque francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

Characteristics

braque d auvergne dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, adaptable and obedient breed. With their intelligence and affectionate nature, they make great family dogs and are eager to please their people. Living with other dogs is fine but not with small, prey size animals. The Braque d’Auvergne should never be left alone pets like gerbils and hamsters. They must be socialized to cats as pets and not prey before living with them successfully. They need to work closely with one human partner. They are first and foremost a hunting dog and need some sort of hunting simulation. They are devoted to their families and want to be constantly in their presence. This can lead to separation anxiety if they are left alone too much. They are great with children and need a family.

braque francais pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

Health Problems

braque d auvergne puppies - health problemsThe Braque d’Auvergne is a healthy breed but can face some of the same health concerns as other pointers and hunting dogs. The long, droopy ears can get infected easily if wet and need to be cleaned regularly so that food or dirt are not trapped their either. Because of the small gene pool however they may be at risk for several issues. The breeders in France express concerns about possible hip dysplasia and testing is highly recommended. Because they are at risk for other conditions that might not show up until later in life, it is also recommended that they be tested by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

braque francais pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque d auvergne dogs - caringThe Braque d’Auvergne needs a high-quality diet fit for a working dog but not too much to make him obese. They are an active breed to choose a formula that is designed for working dogs.

Health issues

Although no studies have been conducted on the Braque d’Auvergne’s health issues there are many conditions that similar breeds are susceptible to and the d’Auvergne might be as well. This includes any of the following:

  • Dysplasia – elbow and hip
  • Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip.
  • Aortic Stenosis (Narrowing of the aorta)
  • Luxating Patella or moving kneecaps
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Demodex/Demodicosis/Demodectic Mange

Exercise and games

This is an active, working dog who needs a lot of stimulation and exercise. The only real appropriate exercise for these dogs is hunting or outings in the woods. He not only needs the exercise, but he also needs to stimulate his sense of smell and his gundog intelligence. He might excel in lure chase or even a form or barn hunt. They certainly could excel at obedience trials and perhaps rally. If you are a weekend hunter then this is the ideal dog for you. They are so easy to train that they surpass other pointers for success with casual hunters. They hunt at a slower pace than many other gundogs. Their intelligence and athleticism lend itself well to agility and flyball also. They need a large (+acres)fenced in area to run and play.

Feeding

braque francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  2. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  4. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  5. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  6. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  7. Field Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  8. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  9. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  10. Braque Francais vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  11. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  12. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  14. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  15. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  16. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  17. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  18. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  19. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  20. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  21. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  22. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  23. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  30. Pudelpointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  31. Picardy Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  32. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque d'Auvergne vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque d'Auvergne vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque d'Auvergne vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Ariege Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  38. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  39. Irish Water Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds