Overview
The Braque d'Auvergne, sometimes called the Bleu d'Auvergne for the blue cast of its heavily ticked black and white coat, is an old French pointing breed from the Cantal region. It is a tall, athletic dog with a long head, pendulous ears and a pleasant, open face.
Unlike some wide-ranging pointers, the Auvergne was bred to hunt within sight of a walking hunter and to check in constantly. That translates into a dog that wants to be near you and takes direction well, but also one that hates solitude. Expect a very enthusiastic greeting when you collect it.
Exercise and walking needs
About an hour and forty minutes a day keeps an adult in good order, including a chance to run and quarter across open ground. Lead walks alone will not use up the energy of a fit dog.
They enjoy carrying and retrieving and take to scent games quickly. Vary the route; this is a dog that remembers where the pheasants were last week.
On the walk
- Recall: Better than most pointers because the breed naturally works close. Still, a bird flushing nearby can carry the dog off for a minute or two.
- Pointing: The dog may freeze mid-stride at a scent. Give it a moment, then call it on. Do not drag it off the point.
- Pulling: Light to moderate. Excitement at the start of a walk fades quickly into an easy lead manner.
- Other dogs: Sociable and gentle. A good candidate for group walks with other active dogs.
Tips for professional walkers
- Reward the check-ins the dog offers naturally; they are the foundation of its recall.
- Carry a dummy or a ball and finish the walk with a few retrieves.
- Dry the dog off properly in winter; the short coat gives little protection from wind and wet.
- Allow time at pick-up for a very happy reunion; this breed does not do calm hellos.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog cope with being left, and does the owner have a routine for your arrival?
- Is it trained to a whistle or gundog commands, and should you use them?
- Any skin or ear sensitivities after wet walks?