Auvergne Pointing Dog
Description
The Auvergne Pointing Dog, or Braque d'Auvergne, comes from the rugged mountains of Cantal in France. This medium-large hunting dog has a short, tight, and shiny black coat marked with white that’s either ticked or roaned. It weighs between 49 and 55 pounds, built for speed and stamina. Hunters prized it for pointing and retrieving birds, relying on its sharp nose and steady pace. These dogs have calm, gentle temperaments but need plenty of activity. They’re friendly and eager to please, which makes training straightforward. They bond well with families and other pets when socialized early. Barking stays moderate, but they’ll alert you when something’s up.
Grooming
The Auvergne Pointing Dog sports a short double coat that sheds heavily in spring and fall. Brush twice a week to keep loose hair at bay, and switch to daily brushing during shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake on dense patches to clear dead fur without damaging the shiny outer coat. Bathe every 6 to 8 weeks, making sure to dry thoroughly to prevent skin issues. Avoid shaving; the double coat protects against weather and helps regulate temperature. - Brush 2× weekly, daily in heavy shed - Use undercoat rake on thick spots - Bathe every 6–8 weeks, dry well - Watch for dirt in white markings Pro tip: A de-shed treatment every 6 to 8 weeks cuts down on loose fur and keeps the coat sleek and healthy.
Learn the Tight routine:
→ Complete Tight Grooming Guide
Walking
Plan on 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions. The Auvergne Pointing Dog thrives on steady exercise that challenges both body and nose. Mix brisk walks with time off-leash in safe areas to let them sniff and explore. This breed enjoys tracking scents, so adding scent games during walks keeps them sharp and satisfied. Example routine: - Morning: 50 minutes brisk walk with scent tracking - Evening: 50 minutes relaxed stroll plus playtime Keep walks varied to prevent boredom. This dog’s endurance means it can handle long outings, but watch for signs of fatigue or overheating.
Boarding
When boarding an Auvergne Pointing Dog, provide a crate sized 42 to 48 inches to ensure comfort and room to stretch. These dogs are active and playful, so staff should plan two active play sessions daily, including scent or brain games to engage their minds. They respond well to routines and clear cues, so consistent handling helps reduce stress. Offer enrichment like puzzle toys or scent trails during downtime. Their moderate barking means they’ll alert staff if something’s unusual but won’t be overly noisy. Staff should monitor energy levels and provide breaks to prevent overexertion. This breed appreciates gentle, patient care and plenty of interaction to stay happy while away from home.