Consider These 11 Factors Before Getting a Braque Du Bourbonnais Dog
Thinking about adding a Braque du Bourbonnais to your family? You've come to the right place.
These athletic French pointers are a dream dog for the right person — loyal, eager, and endlessly fun. But here's the truth: they're absolutely not for everyone.
Get the match wrong, and you'll end up with a bored, destructive dog. Get it right, and you'll have a devoted companion for the next decade-plus.
Below are the 11 things you really need to know before bringing one home — the honest version, not the brochure.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exercise Needs | |
| Trainability | |
| Grooming | |
| Family Friendly | |
| Good for First-Timers |
Let's start with the single biggest deal-breaker.
1. They're Built to Move — A Lot
This breed was made for hunting, and every fiber of them shows it.
Braque du Bourbonnais dogs need serious daily exercise. We're talking long walks, hikes, or running beside you on your morning jog.
If you love the outdoors, they'll be your perfect sidekick. If you're more of a homebody? This is where things go wrong.
Here's the kicker: an under-exercised Braque doesn't just sit quietly and sulk. It gets creative.
“A tired Braque is a good Braque. An under-exercised one becomes a full-time home renovation project.”
How much exercise is enough?
As a baseline, aim for at least 1–2 hours of real physical activity per day, plus mental stimulation.
- A structured walk or run in the morning
- Off-leash time in a safe space to sprint and sniff
- A game of fetch or a puzzle toy in the evening
What this means in practice: exercise isn't a "nice to have" with this breed. It's the foundation everything else rests on.
But how much space do they actually need?
2. Medium Size, Big Personality
They typically weigh between 35–53 lbs and stand about 19–23 inches tall.
That makes them fairly compact for a hunting breed. And yes — apartment life can work.
But there's a catch: it only works if you're fully committed to getting them outside every single day.
Good news: the grooming is refreshingly simple.
3. Simple Grooming — But Don't Skip the Ears
Their short, dense coat is a breeze. A weekly brush with a soft brush or rubber grooming glove usually does the job.
Those adorable floppy ears, though? They're the catch.
Floppy ears trap moisture and warmth — the perfect setup for ear infections. Regular cleaning is not optional here.
- Weekly brush to manage shedding
- Check and clean ears regularly
- Trim nails every few weeks
- Brush teeth for dental health
- Ignore the ears until they smell
Now for the fun part — these dogs love to learn.
4. Smart and Eager to Learn
Braques thrive on training. They're intelligent, they love having a job, and they respond beautifully to positive reinforcement — treats, praise, play.
Start early with basic obedience. Then level up.
Basic Obedience
Sit, stay, recall — the foundation for everything else. Keep sessions short and upbeat.
Off-Leash Work
Once recall is rock-solid, they love the freedom to range and explore.
Scent Games
Tap into their hunting instincts with nose work and hidden-treat games.
Agility
A great outlet for their athleticism and eager-to-please brain.
Here's the step most new owners underestimate.
5. Socialization Is Key
Braques can be a little reserved with strangers. That's normal — but it needs managing.
Early socialization is what turns a naturally cautious dog into a confident, well-adjusted adult.
The window matters: puppyhood is prime time. Introduce them to new people, pets, sounds, and places, and reward calm, curious behavior every step of the way.
Socialization done right
- Go slow and positivePair new experiences with treats and praise so they build good associations.
- Variety over volumeDifferent people, surfaces, and environments matter more than one big overwhelming outing.
- Never force itLet a nervous puppy retreat and observe. Confidence is built, not demanded.
What this means in practice: the effort you put in during the first few months pays off for the entire life of the dog.
Let's talk about keeping them healthy for the long haul.
6. Health and Vet Care
Generally, this is a healthy breed with a lifespan of around 10–14 years.
Still, like most breeds, they have a few conditions worth knowing about.
- Hip dysplasia — a joint issue common in active, medium-to-large breeds
- Bloat — a serious, fast-moving stomach emergency (more on prevention below)
- Ear infections — tied to those floppy ears
- Certain eye conditions — worth screening for
The good news? Regular checkups, a quality diet, and keeping those ears clean prevent a huge share of problems before they start.
Speaking of diet — feeding matters more than you'd think.
7. Feeding with Care
Feed a high-quality diet matched to your dog's age and activity level.
Here's a small change that matters a lot: split their food into two or more meals a day rather than one big bowl.
Why? Smaller, spaced-out meals help reduce the risk of bloat — that emergency we just covered.
- Feed a quality, age-appropriate food
- Split meals into 2+ portions daily
- Keep fresh water available at all times
- Consult your vet before going homemade
- Feed one giant meal, then exercise right after
Now, the personality that makes people fall in love.
8. Loving, Lively Temperament
Braques are affectionate, loyal, and genuinely wonderful with families.
They tend to do well with kids and other pets — especially when raised together from the start.
Most of all, they're happiest when they're with their people. Hiking, playing fetch, or just sprawled on the couch — as long as you're there, they're content.
Active families
ExcellentThey live for shared adventure and thrive with an involved household.
Kids
GreatAffectionate and playful, especially when raised alongside children.
Other pets
GoodBest when socialized early; the hunting drive means intro cats carefully.
Busy, away-all-day homes
Poor fitThey need companionship and get anxious or bored when left alone too long.
Which brings us to the honest gut-check question.
9. They Need Your Time
This is not a set-it-and-forget-it breed. Full stop.
They need daily exercise, ongoing training, social interaction, and consistent grooming.
So what does this mean for you? If your schedule is packed and you're rarely home, this dog is likely not the right fit — and that's okay to admit before you commit.
Quick poll
How much active time can you realistically give a dog each day?
Environment plays a bigger role than most people expect.
10. Their Environment Matters
Braques are adaptable, but they do best in homes with access to outdoor space.
They're not fans of extreme heat or cold, so plan activity around the weather.
And remember — a bored Braque can be vocal. If you have close neighbors, that's worth keeping in mind.
Pros
Great environment
- Access to a yard, park, or open space
- An active household that's home often
- Moderate climate or willingness to adapt activity
Cons
Challenging environment
- Long hours alone with no outlet
- No nearby space to burn energy
- Thin walls and noise-sensitive neighbors
Finally — where you get your dog matters enormously.
11. Choose Your Breeder Carefully
If you go through a breeder, choose one who's transparent, ethical, and experienced with the breed.
A good breeder cares more about their dogs than the sale — and it shows in how they answer your questions.
Reputable Breeder
Pros
- Health-tested parents
- Early socialization
- Ongoing support and honesty
Cons
- Costs more
- You may have to wait for a litter
Breed-Specific Rescue
Pros
- Gives a dog a second chance
- Often already vetted
- Temperament usually known
Cons
- Fewer puppies available
- History may be incomplete
What to ask (and look for)
- Ask about health testingHips, eyes, and general screening should be documented — not brushed off.
- Visit the facility if you canClean, social, well-cared-for dogs are a great sign.
- Talk to past buyersHonest reviews from other owners reveal a lot.
Bringing a puppy home? Here's what the first year looks like.
What to Expect in the First Year
Knowing what's coming makes the whole journey smoother. Here's the rough roadmap.
Weeks 8–12
Settling in
Focus on house training, gentle routines, and building trust. Keep experiences positive and low-pressure.
3–6 months
Teething & socialization
Expect chewing — provide plenty of chew toys. This is prime socialization time, so keep introducing new people, places, and sounds.
6–12 months
Adolescent energy
Boundary-testing and big energy arrive. Stay consistent with training and ramp up exercise to match their growing stamina.
12+ months
Young adult
Personality settles. Keep up the exercise, mental work, and connection that made everything click.
Let's clear up a few common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be — if the owner is genuinely active and committed to daily exercise and training. They're smart and eager to please, which helps beginners. But their energy needs mean a sedentary first-timer will likely struggle.
Not long. They're a people-focused breed and can become bored, anxious, or destructive when left alone for extended periods. A few hours is usually fine for a well-exercised adult, but all-day solitude is a poor fit.
They can be vocal, especially when bored or under-exercised. A well-exercised, mentally stimulated Braque is generally quiet. Boredom is usually the real cause of excessive barking.
Yes — they're affectionate and playful, and tend to do especially well with kids they're raised alongside. As with any dog, supervise interactions with young children and teach both dog and child to be gentle.
Often, yes, especially when socialized early and raised together. Keep in mind they were bred to hunt, so introductions with cats and small pets should be careful and gradual.
Meeting their exercise and companionship needs. This is not a low-maintenance breed. If you can't provide daily activity, training, and time together, the challenges pile up fast.
Many start to settle after their adolescent phase, often around 18 months to 2 years. Consistent exercise and training speed this up considerably — a mature Braque is calmer, but never a couch potato.
Plan on at least 1–2 hours of real physical activity daily, plus mental stimulation like training or scent games. Walks alone usually aren't enough for this athletic breed.
