Overview
The Braque de l'Ariège is a large, rangy pointing dog from the south of France, revived in the twentieth century from near extinction. It is built like a heavier Pointer, with a short white coat flecked in orange or chestnut, long ears and a long, easy stride for covering upland terrain.
In temperament it is a typical continental gundog: gentle, sociable and willing with its people, with a strong hunting drive in the field. The breed is very rare in Britain. Expect an owner who hunts or who has gone to real lengths to find one.
Exercise and walking needs
A fit adult wants two hours a day with a good chunk of it at pace. Pointers range wide and fast, so a secure field or open ground where off-lead is safe gives the dog what it needs. Lead walking alone leaves it wound up.
Short coats dry quickly and cope with heat better than most, though a lean dog needs a coat if it stands around in a cold wind.
On the walk
- Ranging: Pointers quarter the ground far ahead of you. A trained one checks back; an untrained one disappears over the horizon. Know which you have before unclipping.
- Birds: Pheasants and partridges will stop the dog dead on point, then launch it. Keep clear of shoots and game crops.
- Pulling: Strong and eager at the start of a walk. A harness takes the edge off until the dog has had a run.
- Other dogs: Generally friendly and playful, happy on a group walk with dogs that can keep up.
Tips for professional walkers
- Start with a long line on the first few walks and reward every check-in generously.
- Build the walk around a safe off-lead run; the dog needs to stretch out.
- Carry water and check the pads after long runs on hard ground.
- Keep well away from fields with game birds or livestock in the autumn.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog worked, and what recall and stop signals does it know?
- How far does it range when off lead, and does it check in on its own?
- Any history of chasing livestock, deer or wildlife?