Auvergne Pointing Dog Breed: Facts, Traits, Character and Look

Of all countries, France has produced the most significant number and widest variety of pointing dog breeds, and one of them is the Braque D’ Auvergne (pronounced Brahk Dohvern), or Auvergne Pointer. The Auvergne in south-central France consists of coniferous forests and dormant volcanoes, making this breed of hunting dog particularly well suited to its environment. Other names include Auvergne Pointer, Bleu d’Auvergne, Braque Francais, and Auvergne blue.

A Braque d’Auvergne, or continental pointing dog, is a powerful, well-built breed without excessive bulk. Due to its elegant coat of black and white, flecked or speckled gray, it has been given the informal name “Auvergne blue.” Even though it adapts to every terrain, it is appreciated most on rugged terrain, where it works as an extension of its master. The Auvergne blue passion for hunting and his intelligence allow adaptation to different hunting habits.

As good a retriever as a pointer, the Braque d’Auvergne can be specialized or versatile; it’s a matter of choice. Its energy-economical gallop gives it notorious stamina, enabling it to go through long days of hunting. The Braque is very affectionate, a perfect companion for the hunter who appreciates the qualities of the hunting companion, whether beginner or experienced, making it the ideal partner of the hunter.

Auvergne Pointing Dogs love their human families, and along with their affection, they are watchful guardians that will not tolerate anyone who threatens their family members. Still, the Auvergne Pointing Dog breed is typically not ideal for first-time dog owners, as it requires careful and consistent training and socialization. 

The Auvergne Pointing Dog has 4 to 8 puppies per litter once per year, and their lifespan is 12 to 14 years. The average weight of the males is 94 pounds, significantly heavier than the females that weigh around 74 pounds, with only about a one-inch difference in their heights. The males’ average height is 25 inches, and the females stand 24 inches in the withers. Auvergne Pointing Dogs have fine, smooth, short, white coats with minimal need for grooming. 

What is the History of the Auvergne Pointing Dog?

Whether the Braque d’Auvergne arrived in France with the return of the Knights of Malta or the product of a local selection from a stock common to all braques, the result today is a breed well set for two centuries by and for hunters.

The Auvergne Blue breed originated before written dog breeding records. The braques hunted in the Cantal region of France to find, point, flush out and retrieve fowl. This breed is one of the oldest breeds of French Braque. Historians have no agreement on what breed is the oldest of the European pointing dogs and where they were developed – was it Spain or France?

The Auvergne Pointing Dog was nearly extinct after World War II but recovered in recent times. The United Kennel Club recognized Braque d’Auvergne Pointer in April 2016 as a member of the Gundog group. The FCI breed standard was recognized in 2004.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of the Auvergne Pointing Dog?

Auvergne Pointing Dogs need to work closely with one human partner. They are first and foremost hunting dogs and need some hunting activity every day. They are devoted to their families and want to be constantly in their presence. Too much time alone can lead to separation anxiety. 

The Auvergne is a courageous and intelligent dog with a strong and natural instinct to protect its family and home. Auvergne Blues are very social and happiest when included in family activities. The Auvergne Pointing Dog makes a vital distinction between familiar people and strangers, so it is imperative that they be well trained and socialized early. Auvergne Pointing Dogs are courageous endurance hunters who work individually or in packs. 

Below are more breed traits and characteristics of the Auvergne Pointing Dog.

What are the Physical characteristics of the Auvergne Pointing Dog? 

The Braque d’Auvergne is a well-built, strong hunting dog with long ears, a large head and some have a docked tail. Its coat is white with black markings and black ears and head. The breed looks a lot like all the other pointing dogs from France. They are medium in stature and have the appearance of working gundogs. The Auvergne Blue is athletic, muscular, and fit.

 Docking the tail is outlawed in many countries and the United Kingdom. In that case, the tail is high on the rump and always straight. The oval-shaped face and head are big for the body size. Auvergne Blues are kindly and handsome dogs with a long muzzle, deep-set eyes, and a gentle expression. Their skin is loose but not floppy or wrinkled like hound dogs.

The average height of the Braque d’Auvergne Pointer is between 20-24 inches, and they weigh between 49 and 62 pounds. The life expectancy of the Braque d’Auvergne Pointer is 12 to 14 years, and the females have 6 to 8 puppies per litter once a year. 

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for Auvergne Pointing Dog?

The average price of a Braque d’Auvergne puppy is from $1,500 to $2,800, assuming you purchase them from a qualified breeder. $1,500 is the lowest price to accept because anything less could mean you’ve been caught in the trap of a puppy mill or a scam. Puppies from other sources can cost less, but they may be more prone to health and behavioral problems. It would be best to consider annual expenses related to the maintenance of your Auvergne and its wellbeing.

The price could be significantly more for a puppy with a premium pedigree and sought-after bloodlines from a reputable breeder. However, considering monthly dog-related expenses is essential when bringing an Auvergne Blue puppy home. The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, spaying or neutering, etc. You can expect to spend about $3,000 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $1,700 a year. 

The average annual cost of having a medium-sized dog like an Auvergne Pointing Dog is $650 for food and medical bills, excluding toys, cages, doggy blankets and beds, food and water bowls, etc.

Typical expenses to keep your Auvergne Blue pointing dog happy and healthy throughout its life will include the items listed below.

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc.

Grooming costs will not form a significant part of the maintenance bills for your furry friend. Auvergne Pointing Dogs have short, smooth, and shiny coats, needing no more than regular weekly brushing to keep the coat healthy and the Auvergne looking good. These pointers don’t require frequent baths, only if they roll into something dirty or smelly. Auvergne Pointing Dogs’ coat colors are white and black with black markings.

The Auvergne Pointing Dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside the mouth, a normal occurrence in all breeds.

What is the best diet for an Auvergne Pointing Dog?

The Auvergne Pointing Dog has a moderate risk of obesity, especially if hunting dogs become house pets with insufficient exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your Auvergne Blue happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together.

Your Braque d’Auvergne Pointer’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Auvergne Pointing Dog’s diet on a medium breed’s unique nutritional and digestive needs at each life stage. Most dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and giant breeds. 

It is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to ensure you are prepared to deal with age-related issues as your Auvergne grows. Some health issues appear later in a canine’s life, but nutrition at the puppy stage could limit or exacerbate risks. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Auvergne Blue from the table, all it does is add weight, instead, follow the advice below to ensure your Auvergne friend’s optimal health.

The Braque d’Auvergne Pointer is an active, athletic breed type. It will thus need food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. A dog of the Auvergne Pointer’s size, activity level, and demeanor will thrive best on premium dry food because this food type contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

Auvergne Pointing Dog puppy’s portion depends on age, but 1.5 to 2 cups are appropriate. In contrast, an active, healthy adult Auvergne Pointing Dog should have 2.5 to 3 cups, depending on the brand and formula of the food. Feeding an Auvergne Pointing Dog several meals instead of one meal per day can prevent life-threatening bloat. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian. 

Feed your Auvergne Pointing Dog a food such as CANIDAE All Life Stages formulated for puppies, adults, and seniors.

This vet-formulated recipe is specifically designed for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. It features premium ingredients and optimum protein and is completely free of corn, wheat, and soy for the wholesome nutrition your dog deserves.

Below is a list of what to look for in the dry dog food formula when choosing the best nutrition for your Auvergne Pointing Dog.

• Lasting energy providers: Dog food made with premium meats like chicken, duck, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, and novel proteins like venison, bison, buffalo, and wild boar. Fiber-rich carbs and highly digestible proteins keep your Auvergne Blue feeling energized and full throughout the day.
• Ingredients for better health: Food that includes powerful superfoods like tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, along with their immune-boosting properties.
• Optimizing Nutrient Absorption: Recipes with chelated minerals promote mineral attachment to proteins for maximized absorption during the digestive process.
• Immune System Support: Formulas with prebiotics and species-specific probiotics with bacteria that are naturally found in a dog’s GI tract.
• Perfectly Balanced Omegas: Contains just the correct dose of fatty acids, marine-sourced omega-3 and omega-6 from plant sources.

When Auvergne Pointing Dogs are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why CANIDAE All Life Stages is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should an Auvergne Pointing Dog Puppy Eat? 

The Auvergne Pointing Dog is a medium-sized breed whose pups under 12 weeks should get four bowls of food per day. When Auvergne Pointing Dogs become three months old, owners can feed them three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Braque d’Auvergne puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for medium-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Auvergne Pointing Dogs should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times over two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Auvergne Blues with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exceptions because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the common health problems of Auvergne Pointing Dogs?

Although no studies have been conducted on the Braque d’Auvergne’s health issues there are many conditions that similar breeds are susceptible to and the d’Auvergne might be as well. Regular veterinarian checkups remain essential. Below is a list of potential health issues.

• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as Auvergne Pointing Dog puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the Auvergne Pointing Dog grows and becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making annual medical examinations crucial.
• Elbow Dysplasia is the most common cause of lameness in the forelimbs of active breeds like the Auvergne Pointing Dog.
• Retinal atrophy, also called PRA, is an inherited progressive disease of the retina that leads to blindness in affected dogs.
• Demodex/Demodicosis/Demodectic mange are conditions where the immune system has failed to suppress populations of mites, which are able to colonize the hair follicles in mass.
• Patellar luxation occurs when the dog patella (kneecap), which normally sits on the groove of the femur (thighbone), shifts out of alignment.
• Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in Auvergne Blues. A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye, which causes difficulty in seeing.
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) or Gastric Torsion is also known as ‘bloat’, A life-threatening disorder that happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas and becomes twisted. This is an emergency and requires urgent veterinary attention.
• Aortic stenosis refers to the aortic valve narrowing, which controls the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta ventricular outflow tract.
• Cleft palate (and or Lip) is an opening between the mouth and the nose that happens when the tissues separating these two cavities do not grow together properly. Purebred dogs have a higher incidence of cleft palate.
• Muscle strains and injuries happen to any working dogs like the Auvergne Pointing Dogs that will have a higher chance of developing injuries over their lifetime than will companion animals or show dogs. Most commonly, they will be seen at a veterinary clinic for lacerations, claw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and fractures.

It is recommended that Auvergne Pointing Dogs be tested by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

What are the nutritional needs of Auvergne Pointing Dogs?

The nutritional needs of an Auvergne Pointing Dog include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Auvergne Pointing Dog are listed below.

• Protein: Auvergne Pointing Dogs need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain essential for Pointing Dog health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Auvergne Pointing Dog metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Auvergne Pointing Dogs need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Auvergne Blue sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Auvergne Blue puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of the Auvergne Pointing Dog.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Auvergne Pointers’ are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Auvergne Pointing Dog’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Auvergne Pointing Dog.

Where to Buy or Adopt an Auvergne Pointing Dog?

Auvergne Pointing Dogs are incredibly rare and, therefore, hard to find, even in France, its country of origin. If you purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay up to $2,800, and for puppies with sought-after bloodlines, prices could be as high as $5,000

If you manage to track down Auvergne Pointing Dog breeders, make sure you go to the facility and insist on meeting both the puppies’ parents so that you can get a feel for their temperament. Auvergne Pointing Dog puppies are often peppy and playful. All should have cheery expressions and kind eyes. 

The best way to ensure you get a healthy Auvergne Pointing Dog hound puppy is to reach out to registered kennel clubs like the National Kennel Club (NKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), Dog Registry of America Inc (DRA), American Canine Association, Inc. (ACA), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), 

Other good options are listed below.

• The American Kennel Club’s Marketplace. The AKC has information about available Auvergne Pointing Dog puppies. They know of expected litters for those who want to get their names on a waiting list.
• EuroBreeder.com is an online search engine for Auvergne Pointing Dog worldwide
• EuroPuppy.com is an online source of breeders and rescue Auvergne Blues available across Europe.

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have proof of successful, healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

Although you can buy or adopt an Auvergne Pointing Dog from abroad, not all countries allow importing adopted dogs. Those whose countries allow the importation of Auvergne Pointing Dog may find the logistics challenging. Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Auvergne Pointing Dog is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel.

Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet.

Even though the breed is slightly uncommon, you might be able to find an Auvergne Pointing Dog or Auvergne Pointing Dog mix at a local rescue or shelter. These dogs come with proper vetting, spay or neuter, and a history of health issues. You might not find Auvergne Pointing Dog puppies as quickly, but you can find an adult one in desperate need of love.

If you adopt a rescued hound, you can expect to pay $150 to $300, covering vaccinations, spay or neuter, and other basic care. The Federacion Cinologica Argentina is the best place to contact to get information on reputable rescue facilities. Registered kennel clubs in the U.S. and Canada handle requests and inquiries about reputable rescue facilities with available Auvergne Pointing Dogs.

 It is essential to become familiar with your country’s importation laws if you fall in love with an Auvergne Pointing Dog seeking a loving home in another country.

How to Name an Auvergne Pointing Dog?

Naming an Auvergne Pointing Dog might require different criteria than new Auvergne Pointing Dog parents might expect. It is never the actual name the pup responds to; instead, it is the sound and how it is said. There might be a specific inspiration like history, a movie, nature, or the night sky, and in the case of the Auvergne Pointing Dog, why not use their French roots as inspiration? 

The building blocks for naming an Auvergne Pointing Dog include the significance of the sound. The Auvergne Pointing Dog name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Auvergne Pointing Dogs respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

Choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction than when calling your Auvergne Pointing Dog. It might be a good idea to call out a name you like and check your Auvergne pup’s reaction. Be creative use different tones for each syllable. Don’t rush; try several, and if your favorite name is too long or too short, add or remove bits until you have composed the perfect unique sound that your precious pup will recognize from a distance.

Listed below are French names to pay homage to your Braque d’Auvergne puppy’s roots? 

Below are several names inspired by the.Anglo-Français Grand’s country of origin.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Auvergne Pointing Dog?

Below are some of the similarities between the Auvergne Pointing Dog and two other pointer breeds.

German Shorthaired Pointer: As the name indicates, the German Shorthaired Pointer originated in Germany, while the Braque d’Auvergne pointing dog breed has French roots. Although the German Pointing Dog weighs a bit more than the French Pointer, the two breeds are both working gundogs, and they share several other traits and characteristics. Both have short, low-shedding coats, requiring minimal maintenance. Some of the personality traits they share include affection, loyalty, and protectiveness. Intelligence, playfulness, higher than average sensitivity, and a craving for human interaction are also traits of the Auvergne and the German Pointer. They are easy to train, and both dogs’ barking levels are low. 

English Pointer: The English Pointer is another dog with many similarities with the Braque d’Auvergne. The French and the English pointers are working dogs in the medium-sized dog breed classification. The two breeds share several other traits and characteristics. Their smooth and short coats make grooming easy for both. Some of the personality traits they share include independence, intelligence, loyalty, and low barking levels. Both breeds are alert, courageous, affectionate, cheerful and playful, sensitive, and craving attention from their human families. Both breeds are easy to train.