The Auvergne Pointer, also known as the Braque d’Auvergne, is a French breed of ancient origins. Indeed, this is one of the oldest pointing breeds in the world! He is both a fantastic hunting dog as well as a great companion animal. This rare breed is well-known and respected in Europe but almost completely unfamiliar to those in the United States. This affectionate dog enjoys attention and being around his owners – both in the field and back at home. He will constantly “check in” while hunting, and likes to stay close even when in the home. The bond that develops between the Auvergne toward his person is held in the highest regard.
Quite intelligent, Auvergne Pointers take very well to training as long as it’s fair. Too much harshness can cause a member of the breed to shut down, so it’s important to build a good relationship and establish clear and fair rules during obedience training. When there is a bond with their owner/trainer, they are extremely willing to please and can make very obedient workers.
The Auvergne Pointer gets along with well-behaved dogs as well as children, whom he is gentle with. A social and friendly guy, he is a lover and not a fighter and as such does not make a good guard dog. Normally a quiet breed, this gun dog may or may not alert to someone coming to the door. If he does, he has a deep and strong voice. The bond with his humans is so tight that he can suffer from separation anxiety in homes where he is left along frequently. He may be a little guarded and aloof with new people until he gets to know them, after which point he is fine.
The Auvergne requires a great deal of daily exercise and attention. As they generally live 13-15 years, an owner must make sure they are up to this commitment before buying a puppy! This breed was bred to hunt – with a fantastic nose for tracking and plenty of stamina, meaning that they were designed to move and work. Even if they are not used for hunting, they must get a similar workout (both body and mind). Not providing this for them can result in hyperactivity, anxiety and/or destructiveness. Because of their exercise needs they are not generally recommended for apartments or city life.
The low-shedding coat of the Auvergne is short and smooth, always in a black/white pattern that can almost come across as blue in a certain light. These pointing dogs are somewhat boxy in build, with houndy faces and a generally scenthound-type look. Despite these physical attributes, this is a versatile pointing breed which can track, retrieve, swim (and obviously point) with the best of them!
There are a few health issues to be aware of with the Auvergne Pointer, including hip dysplasia and hernias. The gene pool is relatively small so prospective owners should do their research and make sure they get their puppy from a reputable breeder. When it comes to regular care, however, this is a low-maintenance breed that requires very little grooming aside from weekly brushing and taking care to keep the ears clean.
