AKA: Bourbonnais Pointer, French Pointing Dog, French Pointer

Description: The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized pointing dog with muscular features and a round head. Its nose is the same color as its coat and its eyes are big with the color of hazel or dark amber. Its ears are slightly set at eye level hanging down.

The body of the Braque du Bourbonnais is solid, wide, and muscular. Its chest is wide and deep, and its ribs are well-sprung and rounded. The tail is set low and short. Sometimes, the tail is naturally absent. The forelegs are straight, and both legs are well-constructed.

Dynamics: The Braque du Bourbonnais is an affectionate dog with a calm personality. It is only when hunting and running around when its passion and vigor is clearly seen. The Braque du Bourbonnais is intelligent and quick to learn. It can adapt quickly to any terrrain and condition. It is also very cooperative and agreeable, which makes it an excellent hunting and companion dog.

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a people-oriented dog and likes to be with its family at all times. It can also get along well with other breeds.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 39.5-55 lbs (18-25 cm), females 35-48.5 lbs (16-22 cm)

Height: males 20-22.5 inches (51-57 cm), females 18.5-22 inches (47-56 cm)

Color: The coat of the Braque du Bourbonnais has two colors: liver and fawn. It can be moderately ticked, with possible spotting. There is also a spot that covers one eye.

Country of Origin: The Braque du Bourbonnais comes from the Province of Bourbonnais, France, tracing far back to 1598.

Grooming: Brush and bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails trimmed.

Activities: The Braque du Bourbonnais is a hunting dog so it naturally prefers to be outdoors. Lots of exercises and time outdoors is needed for this breed.

Other Info: The Braque du Bourbonnais has a life expectancy of 13-15 years. It is generally healthy, but still prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion eyes, and pulmonic stenosis of the heart. The Braque du Bourbonnais is not fit to live in an apartment. It may be people-oriented but it is an active breed which is bred for hunting and outdoors.

AKA: Berger de Beuce, Bas Rouge (Red Stocking), Beauce Shepherd, French Shorthaired Shepherd

Description: The Beauceron is a herder dog that gives off strength and vitality from its appearance. It is about the size of a Doberman Pinscher. It has short hair with longer fringes in the tail and hindquarters. The outer coat is rough and lined with a woolly, fluffy undercoat for good thermal insulation.

The Beauceron’s distinctive feature is the double dewclaw on the hind legs, making six toes per foot. The ears are cropped and standing. The eyes are a dark chestnut color. The tail is usually carried low in the shape of a ‘J.’

Dynamics: Brave, faithful, patient, and highly intelligent, the Beauceron is readily understanding and obedient of its master’s desires. Its appearance and demeanor commands respect and is a natural guard dog. The Beauceron is an instinctive herder and is happiest when working or exercising.

The Beauceron is generally good with children if they are raised with them since puppyhood. This breed can also be very protective and eager to please its master. Firm and patient training is necessary. The breed should also be thoroughly socialized. The Beauceron is sociable with other dogs and animals that they know but can be very territorial with intruders.

Breed Group: Herding

Weight: up to 110 lbs (50 kg)

Height: 24-27 ½ inches (32-70 cm)

Color: The Beauceron either has a black-and-tan coat or a harlequin coat. The black-and-tan coat consists of tan markings above the eyes on the bottom of the upper lip and throat, on the breast, on the bottom of each leg and under the tail. The harlequin coat comes with patches of gray, black, and tan.

Country of Origin: The Beauceron was found throughout northern France, and not just in Beauce.

Activities: It is necessary to give the Beauceron lots of attention and exercise. It also needs something to do most of the time and lots of space to unleash its energy. Daily long walks and agility exercises are essential for the Beauceron.

Other Info: The Beauceron’s life expectancy is about 10-12 years. It is a generally healthy breed, but prone to hip dysplasia. It is also prone to bloat if not watched. Being a serious but energetic dog, the Beauceron will do well in an apartment only if it is sufficiently exercised and taken outdoors from time to time.

Grooming: The Beauceron doesn’t need much grooming. Attending to the dog when it is shedding is enough.