For true bird dog lovers, choosing a breed can be quite a challenge. When it’s about hunting dogs, the kind you prefer varies according to your lifestyle too. Fine, you love hunting dogs, but when you are also dealing with children, often go hiking, spend your weeks running errands, picking a breed can be a task.

Hunting dogs have always been the man’s perfect companion. Back in the day, long before the world was a cradle of corporates and luxury, and man lived in the countryside and forests were teeming with wildlife, wild birds were a staple food for many rural families. And many people used dogs for the same.

Today, there are many breeds of dogs that are especially used for this purpose.

The race is not always to the swift. If you like spaniels, go ahead with a Clumber spaniel? They are loveable, methodical hunting dogs easily trained flushers and are pretty mellow on the streets.

They are energetic and often find more birds than the fast ones. Sometimes, they are smarter than those flashy cockers and springers. Clumbers are tenacious and just because they take their time with hunting, but a lot of people think they are slow.

Clumber’s are sad-eyed dogs with magnificent noses. They are known to never let the bird go. The breed was basically developed for heavy thorny covers and to flush birds from an area. They are adorable with their straight flat coat of long hair over the neck and ears. Clumbers have an excellent nose and never miss a bird.

A lot of trainers vouch for them as natural attackers. With blocky heads, it is their hesitation flush that gets them straight to business. Male Clumbers fairly weigh 70-85 lbs and females weigh 55-70 lbs.

But the trainers need to be very alert as Clumbers search out birds by going from bush to bush. They are slow and use their noses to locate the bird from a distance. They know the right signals and aim right at. Slow and steady wins the race, isn’t it?

When you want to go with a setter, usually English setters come to mind. Have you thought about a Gordon setter? Maybe it is time. Not only are they close working dogs, their stamina is great and is elegant. They cooperate well and are often called the “Velcro dogs”.

These guys stay close to the family members or owners.

These guys were first found in the 1800s with Alexander, the Fourth Duke of Gordon and since then, the breed’s devotion to the owner and modulated hunting style have only become better.

With wavy coats, these guys point to the game with their heads and tail up high and have a strong hunting intensity.

You can see the tan marks over the eyes, on the throat, chest, legs, rear and by the muzzle. They are extremely intelligent dogs with brilliant noses.

Want a hunting companion? Braque Francais is a rare versatile breed which is one breed that will not disappoint you. These strong guys are reported to have been found in the 1700s. Don’t let the size fool you for a German shorthaired pointer shrunk. A Braque’s head is more like an English Pointer.

These come in two breeds, namely, Gascogne and Pyrenean, both breeds of Braque Francais are loving companions. They are highly skilled and are natural bird hunters. The Pyrenees version is what most people are referring to when they use the term Braque Francis in the U.S. The Gascogne is very rare to the US.

On an average, makes are anywhere between 47 to 58 cms and females range about the same till 56 cms. They live for as long as 15 years.

The two types:

Pyrenees: They are beautiful with their chestnut brown colour and smaller and lighter frames. They are more spirited and faster than Gascogne. They have finer and shorter hair with barely folded ears with brown or white ticked or speckled coat.

Gascognes: These guys have easily become family dogs from working or hunting dogs. They love spending time with the family and require plenty of exercises. They have more dense hair than the other companions in their breed. They are highly intelligent and make for great jogging companions. It is a medium to large-sized dog.

What makes these dogs so desirable?

Many hunting dogs are known to be aggressive. That’s not the case with Braque Francais. They are highly desirable and have an easy going temperament. They are sensitive yet very sociable. Some experts call them very committed to the family.

Extended legs, drop ears, and a traditionally docked tail, these are handsome dogs. The coat is low and light speckled with dark colour. You will find them with large brown spots.

If you are a rookie handler who has never owned a gun dog, this is the one for you. They are great hunting companions and do not need a big training mechanism. They are smart and learn well almost instantly. These dogs mature earlier than other breeds.

Well, if you are a die-hard retriever lover, take a look at the Chesapeake Bay retriever, introduced to the world from the eastern shores of Maryland. Chessies are superlative water dogs with impeccable retrieving skills. They are smart learners and can be managed with a good training program. They are terrific hunting partners. A pre-flush pause or an excited tail is used to signal the presence of their prey.

It’s a beautiful dog with its curly outer coat and a woolly undercoat. They do not do too well in hot weather. Chessies’ tails can be straight or slightly curved up. They are brown, dead grass and brown in colour. They are gentle around babies, so you need not wear your little one.

The number of bird hunting dogs are many. Some breeds work well with families while others are great for individual owners. They are now gaining popularity like never before. The bottom line is the commitment you are willing to offer your little pet. Just because they are hunting dogs, does not mean they are strong enough on their own. The truth is, all breeds need work and commitment.

After all, you are adding a new member to the family. Are you ready for the road ahead?

The Best Caring Tips for Your Braque Francais

The Braque Francais is an intelligent dog breed that responds very quickly to training as it is a non-dominant breed. Even for the in inexperienced dog owners, these dogs can be easily trained. This breed has such a friendly demeanor that once someone meets them, they fall love with them. Besides being such a great companion, the Braque Francais has been a hunting partner to their owners as far back as the 15^th century.

Caring tips for your Braque Francais

Some zoologists say that people have owned dogs since between 120,000 and 25,000 years ago. Since that era, people have bred more than 400 different types of breeds and the Braque Francais is one such breed. But unlike others, it is very rare and you will be extremely happy and lucky if you can get ahold of one.

Going back to their history, the Braque Francais is originally from France and can rarely be seen outside the country, however there is a push to bring this breed to North America. In addition to being a great hunting partner, the breed is a wonderful family pet that is good with kids because of its friendly temperament. But as with any pet, you will need to take proper care of it to keep your dog happy. Here are some of the most important caring tips you should know if you own a Braque Francais.

Basic caring tips

Feeding: Braque Francais pups need high quality food to survive. Dry food mixed with broth, water or canned food can provide your pet a balanced diet. Foods like cottage cheese, cooked eggs, fruits, and vegetables can be added to supplement dry food depending on how your puppy is putting on weight.  Be sure you always provide your Braque Francais clean water to drink. Their food and water bowls should be cleaned often.

• Puppies between 8 to 12 weeks old should be served four bowls of food in a twenty-four hour period.

• Pups 3 to 6 months should have 3 meals a day.

• Six to 1 year olds should be served two meals in 24 hours.

• By the time your pup hits his first birthday one feeding every 24 hrs. is enough. Preferably at night if you will be hunting or doing heavy exercise the next day.

• An adult Braque Francais might eat 2 lighter bowls.

Your Braque Francais should never be given the following things:

• Wine or liquor, beer, alcohol, etc.
• Foods like tea, coffee or chocolates.
• Grapes and raisins.
• Muddy or spoiled food of any kind.
• Garlic and onions.
• Salty foods and poultry bones.
• Stems, unripe fruits, and tomato leaves can cause them harm.

Daily Exercise: Braque Francais need some regular exercise to maintain good health. A regular exercise schedule helps them to avoid boredom. As we all know boredom leads to unwelcomed behavior.

Take them for regular walks outside or in a field as doing so satisfies most of your Braque Francais behavior of digging and chewing. Your pet needs exercise depending on his age and level of health. If your Braque Francais is an adolescent his necessities will be more.

Hunting or training will not only help you exercise your pup but will also stimulate its mind.

Grooming Tips: Grooming is fairly simple with the short hair of the Braque Francais. Keep your Braque Francais clean and reduce shedding with regular brushing. You should inspect your pet for ticks and fleas every day during warm weather. You will not want to use soap on your pup every time, but it is a good idea to rinse your pet often to remove dirt from his body, especially after swimming in ponds.

Handling Tips:  Always carry your Braque Francais pup in a tender way. Never try to lift or grab your pup by their tail, legs or napes. Put your hands underneath your dog’s chest. Allow your other hand to support his rear and hind legs. A grown up Braque Francais needs the extra support of your hands under his chest. You should take care while holding him in your arms.

Housing Tips: The temperament of the Braque Francais makes it an ideal house dog, if your plan is to keep it in an outside kennel, this may not be the breed for you. As with any puppy, it is recommended to kennel train your new puppy while you are away from the house or at night.

Behavior and Health: Teach your Braque Francais all the basics like come/here, stay, heal, and place. If you own a Braque Francais train your pet to understand the right way of behaving. Braque Francais is very obedient and friendly by nature. Start training them on discipline and teach them how to behave when in public.

Braque Francais pups need vaccination at 2, 3 and 4 months and then once a year. This vaccine will immunize your pet dog from parvovirus, hepatitis, distemper, and other things. You will want to consult your vet.

Braque Francais are generally a very health breed, but you should make sure the breeder tests the parent dogs for hips and eyes at a minimum.

Breed Spotlight – The Braque, the Original French Pointing Dog

The Braque breed of dogs has an illustrious history that goes back centuries. Originally bred for hunting, today this breed has smoothly transitioned into the modern lifestyle. One of the most complaisant dog breeds and extremely eager to please, the Braque makes for a wonderful companion.  

Here, we give you the entire rundown of this rustic dog breed, right from its origin to the sub-breeds available today, its temperament and much more. 

The Origin of the Rustic “Braque” Breed:  

The Western Pyrenees Mountains, in Southern France, occupy a prime place in history textbooks. This is where Gallic tribes fought against the Roman invaders as early as the 3rd century and the region where the heroes of the French Resistance battled Nazi occupiers. It’s one of the most contentious areas in France, throughout history. This least populated region in all of Western Europe is the home to one of the most-loved dog breeds – the Braque.  

The name “Braque” is derived from the French word, “braquer” which means to point or aim. Historical French literature, dating around 1500, references a dog breed that could remain low and still, thereby allowing hunters to cast a net over their feathered prey. This was the popular “Braque” breed, which today is known as the French Pointer. 

Though the first mentions of this breed are found in literature dating back to the 16th century; experts believe that the race could have originated way earlier. Between 1162 to 1500s, monarchs frequently fought against each other to establish their control and create trade routes between Western Europe and England. 

This led to the need for a dog breed that could sustain varied conditions and had a sharp sense of smell and muscular physique. Thus, was born the “Braque.”  

While no evidence pinpoints the exact origin of the Braque with certainty – one thing remains undisputed – there was a versatile dog breed in Western Europe right from the late middle ages. This dog could point, retrieve, flush and even trail game – and was grown all over France. This led to the creation of various Braque breeds, which were named after their place of origin.  

Some popular Braques include Braque du Bourbonnais, Braque Francais, Braque D’Auvergne, Braque Saint Germain, and Braque L’Ariege. In the next section, we take a closer look at the profiles of a few highly popular French Pointers. 

Braque Du Bourbonnais  

Pronounced as “Brock-do-bor-bon-Nay,” it is a French pointer that has a gentle and calm temperament. This makes it the perfect companion for a foot hunter. The small size and short fur make it ideal as the home pet for a family that occasionally enjoys hunting. 

It’s one of the oldest short-haired pointing breeds that originated in Bourbonnais, in Central France during the fifteenth century. It is a tailless pointer that has distinctive liver and fawn ticking. Affectionate and kind at home, while an intelligent and serious hunter in the field, it suits both families as well as hunters. 

• Size and Weight: 

This breed grows between 19 to 22 inches tall and weighs 40 to 55 pounds for males (35 to 49 pounds for females).  

• Life Expectancy: 

13 to 15 years 

• Grooming: 

It has a fine, dense, short coat, which is coarser and longer on the back. The hair on the head and ears are finer and shorter. Periodic brushing and the occasional baths are sufficient to keep your Bourbonnais clean and looking his best. It has strong, fast-growing nails that must regularly be clipped. Apart from this regular brushing of the teeth and ear cleaning prevents infections and accumulation of wax and debris. 

• Temperament/Behavior 

The Bourbonnais requires gentle handling. It can very well sense of the mood of the handler and requires constant eye contact during training. It has an excellent sense of smell and is highly sensitive and intelligent. They love their family and are highly protective, but with time will warm up to visitors.

Braque Francais  

It’s a rustic breed that originally is from France and known as the “French Pointing Dog” in English. This dog was bred originally to hunt in the arid and rugged Pyrenees Mountain ranges, that lie on the border between Spain and France. It dates back several centuries and a few dog breed experts claim it to be the ancestor of all short-haired pointed breeds today.  

There are two types of Braque Francais – the Pyrenean Type and the Gascony Type. The Pyrenean is smaller of these two sub-breeds and is more popular. It is a natural retreiver and enjoys a swim. Sociable, friendly, submissive and gentle, the Braque Francais is a steadfast companion. 

• Size and Weight: 

A Braque Francais Pyrenean weighs around 40 to 55 pounds on average and reaches a height of 19 to 23 inches.  

• Life Expectancy: 

12 to 15 years 

• Grooming: 

It has a soft shorthaired coat that is chestnut brown color. The coat is either solid in color or sometimes has white markings, with or without tan markings, roanings and ticking. Weekly grooming sessions and the occasional baths are enough to keep the Braque Francais clean and healthy. Additionally, clipping toe nails, cleaning ears and brushing the teeth are some other tasks you have to do periodically. 

• Temperament/Behavior: 

It’s a fast runner and can cover a lot of ground within a short time. They are a medium range pointing dog that constantly checks with the hunter, light on their feet with good stamina. With all that said, they are a soft breed, and harsh training techniques don’t work well.  

Braque D’Auvergne 

The origin of the Braque D’Auvergne is one of the most debated subjects among avid dog breeders. According to some legends, the Napoleon won a victory against the ruling Knights of St. John in Malta and banished the knights from their island fortress. A few exiled knights while returning to France, brought with them a white and black pointing dog, which developed into the modern Braque D’Auvergne.  

However, experts argue that there is no historical evidence to the above story and it’s nothing more than a charming fairy tale. They believe that the d’Auvergne is another regional variant of the Braque breeds.  

Whatever be the origin, the d’Auvergne is one of the most beautiful Braque breeds. Sleek, strong and muscular, and with a distinct coloring (black and white), it’s sure a head-turner. 

• Size and Weight: 

The average male D’Auvergne reaches a height of 22 to 26 inches and weighs around 60 to 65 pounds. The female is a bit lighter and weighs 55 to 60 pounds, with a height of 21 to 25 inches.  

• Life Expectancy: 

12 to 15 years 

• Grooming: 

It has a short, glossy coat that is white with large black spots and/or black mottling. The large head, pendulous lips, and long ear resembles a hound. Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat shiny and glossy, while periodic bathing is sufficient to maintain the D’Auvergne.  

• Temperament/Behavior: 

It has a keen sense of smell and is good at hunting. With a natural gait, they don’t run but instead jump up and down. This jumping moves their jowls and upper lips, helping them pick even the faintest smells. They are down to earth and never stray far away from their owner, even on long hunts. If introduced into the water as a pup, they become excellent swimmers later on.  

Highly intelligent, it’s capable of mastering up to sixty words on training and can even serve as therapy dogs. They respond well to positive rewards and shut down with harsh training techniques.  

In short 

The Braque is indeed a rare breed of dog that has endured centuries of war and political turmoil. Today, it has transitioned to become a treasured breed that not only is the perfect companion for hunters but also protects and loves its family. 

We will be attending the Annual Braque Francais meeting and UKC field trial on April 7th and 8th. The plan is to do Conformation, TAN, and GUNx2.  We look forward to seeing all the other Braque Francais owners and breeders! 

See below for details.

The Club du Braque Français North America is hosting a UKC Sanctioned Field Trial and Conformation Show April 7-8 at Grand Ciel Lodge near Plankinton, SD. There will be Open Solo, Gun Solo trials on Saturday and Sunday as well as TAN and Water Retrieve tests for younger dogs. It will be an opportunity to have the conformation of your Braque evaluated. Applications can be obtained on the UKC website http://res.ukcdogs.com/PDF/field-trial-entry-form.pdf

TAN – Dog must be less than 3 years of age on the day of the Event. $30.00
Gun – Dog must be at least 6 months of age on the day of the Event. $40.00
Gun with TAN – Dog must be less than 3 years of age on the day of the event . $70
Conformation – $10