Braque d'Auvergne

The Braque d'Auvergne is a French pointing dog in a distinctive black-and-white ticked coat that reads as blue at a distance — a versatile gun dog from the Auvergne mountains.

History

It has worked the Auvergne for centuries, and its origins are disputed between local development and dogs brought back from Malta by the Knights of St John. It nearly disappeared in the Second World War and was rebuilt from a small number of surviving dogs.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, affectionate and biddable, a gun dog that settles well at home and works close to its handler in the field.

Care and training

It needs plenty of exercise and genuine work. It trains easily and is sensitive to harshness. The short coat needs little; the drop ears want checking.

Health

Generally sound, with hip dysplasia among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.