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Braque d’ Auvergne

The Braque d’Auvergne, also known as the Auvergne Pointer, is a versatile and elegant French gundog renowned for its pointing abilities and endurance in the field. Originating from the mountainous Auvergne region in southern France, particularly the Cantal area, this breed has deep roots as a hunting companion, blending ancient heritage with modern utility. As one of the oldest pointing breeds, it exemplifies the classic French braque type—robust yet refined, with a history tied to regional hunting traditions.

Breed History

The Braque d’Auvergne traces its origins to ancient regional hunting dogs in France, with records indicating its presence in the Cantal region for over two centuries. Experts consider it one of the oldest pointer breeds, potentially dating back to the 1700s or earlier, descending from smooth-coated French pointers and possibly influenced by crosses like the Gascony Pointer and Pyrenean Braque. Some historians suggest ties to Maltese dogs brought by Knights of Malta or even broader Pyrenean influences, though it is widely viewed as a regional variant of the old French braque. By the 18th century, black-and-white pointing dogs were well-established in Auvergne for versatile game hunting. The breed nearly faced extinction during World War II due to wartime hardships, but dedicated enthusiasts revived it in the post-war era. It was only recently recognized as a distinct breed in France and gained international acknowledgment, such as by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under Standard No. 180 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

Breed Standards

According to FCI and UKC standards, the Braque d’Auvergne is a medium-sized, rectilinear dog of balanced proportions—robust and strongly boned without heaviness, embodying an elegant “braque type” with lightness in construction. Males typically stand 55–65 cm (22–26 inches) at the withers, with an ideal height of 60 cm, while females range from 51–61 cm (20–24 inches), ideally 56 cm. The body is square, with a deep chest, high withers, short straight back, and gently sloping croup. The head features a long muzzle, pendant ears set high, and expressive eyes. The short, glossy coat is black with white markings, often roan or ticked, and the tail is set high, carried horizontally, and may be docked to 15–20 cm or left natural to reach the hock. Temperamentally, the breed is gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and obedient, adapting well to family life while requiring experienced owners due to its high energy and need for vigorous exercise—over two hours daily. Health considerations include screening for hip dysplasia and eye issues like entropion or ectropion.

History of Hunting in the United States

The Braque d’Auvergne’s presence in the United States is relatively recent and niche, reflecting its rarity outside France. Introduced likely in the late 20th century through imports by hunting enthusiasts, the breed gained formal recognition by the UKC in 2006 and is acknowledged by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) as a versatile gundog. In the U.S., it is prized for upland bird hunting and waterfowl retrieval, excelling in rugged terrain with an all-day running gait and natural swimming ability when introduced early. Breeders, such as those in California, emphasize its hunting prowess alongside its family-friendly nature, producing dogs from champion lines for both field work and companionship. Though the population remains small, online communities and breeders facilitate puppy placements for hunters, highlighting its intensity, stamina, and eagerness to please in American fields.

In summary, the Braque d’Auvergne stands as a testament to France’s rich gundog legacy, combining historical resilience, precise standards, and adaptable hunting skills that have found a dedicated following in the U.S. Its blend of field excellence and affectionate demeanor makes it a cherished choice for serious hunters.