Braque d'Auvergne
BRAK doh-VERN
France· Auvergne, central France
The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-to-large French pointing breed named after its home region in the Massif Central.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Large
Exercise needs
2 hours+ per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal, weekly wipe-down
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Large with secure boundary
Where it comes from
Origins of the Braque d'Auvergne
The volcanic hills and mixed farmland of Auvergne called for a versatile, hardy pointer able to cope with cold, damp winters and steep ground. Local hunters favoured a distinctive black-and-white dog that combined stamina with a calm, cooperative temperament.
- Region
- Auvergne, central France
- Climate it was bred for
- Temperate upland pastures and volcanic hill country
- Original job
- Pointing partridge and other game over varied terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its development for hunting partridge over rough, hilly ground gave it endurance, a methodical search pattern and a strong, natural point. The striking black-and-white coat also made it easy to spot at a distance in cover.
At home the Braque d'Auvergne is affectionate, calm and eager to please, doing well with an active family that can give it plenty of outdoor exercise and mental stimulation. It is not naturally suited to long hours alone or a purely urban lifestyle.
Today it remains a popular working gundog in France, with a small but growing presence among enthusiasts in other parts of Europe, though it is still uncommon in Britain.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Braque d'Auvergne greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Braque d'Auvergne is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Braque d'Auvergne's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Local pointer type
A distinct black-and-white pointing dog was established among hunters in the Auvergne region.
1930s
Breed club founded
Enthusiasts formed a club to standardise and promote the breed nationally.
1930
Standard published
The first official breed standard for the Braque d'Auvergne was written.
1963
FCI recognition
The breed gained formal recognition from the FCI.
1990s
Wider popularity
The breed saw growing use as a versatile field trial and companion gundog across France.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slightly longer than tall, deep-chested with a firm, level topline.
- coat
- Short, fine and dense.
- ears
- Set slightly above eye level, flat, reaching towards the nose.
- eyes
- Large, dark, expressive and gentle.
- head
- Fairly long, with a flat skull and moderate stop.
- size
- Dogs 57-63cm, bitches 55-61cm
- colour
- Black and white, often appearing as black roan (grey-black speckling), sometimes with a black head.
- temperament
- Calm, affectionate, intelligent and eager to work.
- general appearance
- A strongly built, well-proportioned pointing dog with a distinctive black-and-white coat.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Braque d'Auvergnes added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Braque d'Auvergne
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Braque d'Auvergne illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Braque d'Auvergne Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Braque d'Auvergne illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Braque d'Auvergne Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Braque d'Auvergne illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Braque d'Auvergne Mug
Ceramic mug with the Braque d'Auvergne illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
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