Everything You Need to Know About the Auvergne Pointer Dog Breed

The Auvergne Pointer is a loyal and active dog breed that has the unique ability to befriend people and animals alike.

Known for their strong bonds with their owners and families, the Auvergne Pointer is an affectionate companion who is relatively easy to train, making them a great pet for households of all shapes and sizes.

Overview of the Auvergne Pointer:

UTILISATION	Pointing
FCI-CLASSIFICATION	Pointing breed
BREED GROUP	Sporting
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN	France
HEIGHT	53-63 cm (21–25 in) at the withers.
WEIGHT	Up to 30 kg (70 pounds)
LIFE EXPECTANCY	10-14 years
TEMPERAMENT	Loyal, intelligent, keen, good-natured, elegant and agreeable
INTELLIGENCE	High
SHEDDING AMOUNT	High
DROOL AMOUNT	Low
EXERCISE AMOUNT	High
ENERGY LEVEL	High
BARKING LEVEL	Occasional
TRAINABILITY	Easy
COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE	Short and dense
COLORS	Black with small, clearly defined, light to dark fawn markings.
SUMMARY	Affectionate with family. Good with kids and other dogs. Potential for weight gain. Not adapted to apartment living.

About the Auvergne Pointer

The Auvergne Pointer, also known as the Braque d’Auvergne, is a French breed of dog that falls under group 7 and section 1.1 in the FCI standard.

It hails from the Auvergne region and has a primary purpose of being used as a pointer.

These dogs typically measure between 53-63 cm (21–25 in) in height at the withers and weigh up to 30 kg (70 pounds).

Their coat is short, smooth, and black and white spotted with the head often appearing black.

As a hunting breed, they display high retrieving skills along with friendly and intelligent personalities.

Characteristics

Appearance

Auvergne Pointers have a distinctive appearance, with their athletic build, strong legs, and expressive faces.

They have a sleek and shiny coat that’s easy to maintain, and their bright eyes and alert ears give them an intelligent and curious expression.

Size

As mentioned earlier, Auvergne Pointers are medium-sized dogs, with males typically being slightly larger than females.

They have a muscular and athletic build that reflects their active lifestyle and hunting heritage.

Coat and color

The breed’s coat is short, dense, and smooth, which helps them move quickly through the underbrush while hunting.

Their coat color is primarily white with orange markings, and they may also have ticked or speckles of black or brown.

Tail

Auvergne Pointers have a distinctive tail that’s short and thin, with a slight curve at the end.

They carry their tails high when they’re excited or on the hunt but typically keep them low and relaxed when they’re at rest.

Temperament

The Auvergne Pointer is a devoted and eager-to-please hunting breed with a gentle disposition.

Recognized for its intelligence and trainability, this breed makes an excellent partner both in the field and at home with its loving and affectionate nature.

The Braque d’Auvergne is also known for working closely with its human handler, frequently checking in during the hunt.

Along with being a fine hunting companion, this breed gets along well with other dogs and makes an ideal family pet.

Owners’ caring expectations

Grooming

Auvergne Pointers have a short and smooth coat that’s relatively easy to maintain.

They do shed regularly, so owners should be prepared to brush their dogs once a week to keep their coats shiny and healthy.

They also require regular nail trims and ear cleanings to keep them healthy and happy.

Training

Auvergne Pointers are highly trainable dogs that are eager to please their owners.

They respond well to positive reinforcement and do well with a consistent and structured training program.

Early socialization is also important to help them learn how to interact with other dogs and people.

Activity and Exercise Needs

Auvergne Pointers are high-energy dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

They love to run and play and make excellent hiking or running companions.

Owners should plan to provide their dogs with at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy.

Nutrition

Auvergne Pointers require a balanced diet that’s high in protein and nutrients to support their active lifestyle.

Owners should look for high-quality dog food that contains whole foods and avoids artificial preservatives or fillers.

It’s also important to monitor their calorie intake to avoid obesity, as excess weight can lead to health problems in the breed.

Health and lifespan

Lifespan

The Auvergne Pointer breed has a relatively long lifespan for their size, with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

However, as with all dog breeds, individual dogs can vary in their health and longevity.

Common health problems

Overall, the Auvergne Pointer breed is considered to be relatively healthy. However, they may be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies.

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and responsible breeding practices can help minimize the risk of these health issues.

History

The Auvergne Pointer breed has a long history in France, where they were originally bred as hunting dogs for small game, including birds and rabbits.

The breed is named after the Auvergne region in central France, where they were first bred.

Today, Auvergne Pointers are still used as hunting dogs, but they also make excellent family pets and companions.

They are not as well-known outside of France as some other hunting breeds, but their loyal and affectionate personalities make them a great choice for anyone looking for a canine companion.

The Auvergne Pointer was recognised by the Kennel Club (UK) in 2016.

Final Words on the Auvergne Pointer dog breed

The Auvergne Pointer dog breed is a loyal and intelligent companion with a rich history and impressive hunting abilities.

While they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they are relatively easy to train and maintain and make great pets for active families.

With proper care and attention, an Auvergne Pointer can be a loving and loyal companion for many years to come.