Bourbonnais Pointing Dog
Description
The Bourbonnais Pointing Dog is a French hunting breed with roots tracing back to the 16th century. Compact and athletic, it weighs between 35 and 53 pounds and sports a short, smooth coat in chestnut or fawn, often ticked with spots. Its calm and affectionate demeanor makes it a devoted family companion, yet it retains a strong prey drive from its pointing dog heritage. This breed excels in pointing and retrieving, adapting well to various terrains and game species. Despite a decline in the early 20th century, dedicated breeders revived the Bourbonnais in the 1970s, focusing on preserving its natural hunting skills rather than just appearance. It bonds deeply with owners and is generally good with children and other dogs, but caution is advised around small pets due to its hunting instincts. Moderate barking fits its alert nature without becoming overwhelming.
Grooming
The Bourbonnais Pointing Dog’s short, smooth coat requires minimal upkeep but benefits from weekly brushing using a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hair and maintain skin health. Bathing should be done every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid stripping natural oils, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Regular nail trims every 2 to 4 weeks prevent discomfort and potential injury, while monthly ear checks help avoid buildup or irritation. Their chestnut and fawn coats with ticking don’t demand special stain care but do show dirt more readily on lighter fawns. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to quickly tidy paws and face between baths. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, avoid over-bathing - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Spot clean as needed to maintain coat brightness
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Bourbonnais Pointing Dogs need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and keep them engaged. A morning walk of 40 minutes can include varied terrain to stimulate their hunting instincts, while an evening 45-minute stroll provides mental relaxation and helps burn off remaining energy. These dogs thrive on purposeful exercise, so mixing in scent tracking or obedience drills during walks enhances their focus and satisfaction. Example routine: Morning walk includes a brisk 20-minute jog followed by 20 minutes of scent games; evening walk is a relaxed 30-minute neighborhood stroll plus 15 minutes of fetch or recall training. This balance prevents boredom and supports their physical and mental well-being. Bottom line: Consistent, varied walks twice daily keep a Bourbonnais balanced and content.
Boarding
When boarding a Bourbonnais Pointing Dog, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. These dogs enjoy active play sessions, so staff should schedule at least two vigorous play blocks daily, incorporating scent or brain games to engage their natural hunting instincts. Avoid small-animal toys due to their prey drive, and ensure secure fencing to prevent escapes. Staff should monitor moderate barking and provide calm reassurance if the dog shows signs of stress. Enrichment that mimics hunting tasks, like scent trails or puzzle feeders, helps reduce anxiety and keeps them mentally sharp. Socialization with compatible dogs is beneficial but should be supervised to respect their focused playstyle. Bottom line: A Bourbonnais thrives in boarding environments that combine secure, spacious housing with structured, stimulating activities.