Auvergne Brack

Breed Description

The Auvergne Bracco is one of the oldest hunting breeds in France, with a history spanning several centuries. This breed originated in the Auvergne region, located in central France, known for its mountainous landscape, dense forests, and rich hunting culture. Dogs similar to the Auvergne Bracco have been mentioned in historical sources since the 15th century, when hunting was not only a means of obtaining food but also an important part of aristocratic culture.

This breed was developed for work in rugged terrain, where endurance and versatility were essential for hunting dogs. The Auvergne Bracco is characterized by its excellent sense of smell, ability to work in dense underbrush, and great adaptability to prolonged workloads. Initially, these dogs were used for hunting game, including hares, pheasants, and partridges. Their tasks included not only finding the game but also working in tandem with the hunter, demonstrating high obedience and intelligence.

It is believed that the ancestors of the Auvergne Bracco were Spanish and Italian hunting dogs brought to central France. They were crossed with local breeds to create a dog perfectly suited for hunting in the Auvergne forests and mountains. Monks from monasteries significantly contributed to the breed’s development, valuing these dogs for their loyalty and working qualities. Thanks to the efforts of monastery breeders, the Auvergne Bracco acquired its distinct traits-calmness, devotion, and exceptional professionalism in hunting.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the breed gained popularity not only in Auvergne but also beyond its borders. These dogs became favorites among French aristocrats, who appreciated their versatility and elegant appearance. However, with technological advancements and changes in hunting methods in the 20th century, the breed’s popularity began to decline. Nevertheless, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts and breeders, the Auvergne Bracco has survived as a rare but valuable part of France’s hunting heritage.

A notable feature of the breed is its exceptional ability to learn and versatility. The Auvergne Bracco is capable of functioning both as a pointing dog and as a companion, accompanying the hunter in challenging conditions. Its ability to adapt to various types of terrain and climatic conditions makes it truly unique.

Today, the Auvergne Bracco remains a symbol of traditional French hunting. It is valued for its loyalty, hard work, and elegant appearance. This breed is a living testament to the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Auvergne region and a striking example of how man and dog can create the perfect working tandem.The price for a puppy ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Auvergne Bracco is an elegant and harmoniously built medium-sized hunting dog with an athletic physique that highlights its endurance and ability to work in the most challenging conditions. Its silhouette reflects a combination of strength and refinement: a sturdy body, long limbs, and an expressive head create a look that immediately identifies it as a professional hunter. Despite its working nature, the Auvergne Bracco maintains grace and elegance in its movements.

The coat of this breed is short and close-fitting, making it practical for work in dense underbrush and various weather conditions. It is smooth, shiny, and accentuates the dog’s muscular build. The primary color ranges from white with black markings to bluish-gray roan, with spots often creating unique and expressive patterns. These colors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also provide good camouflage in field conditions.

The average height of the Auvergne Bracco is 53-63 cm for males and 50-60 cm for females. Weight varies from 22 to 30 kg depending on the sex and individual characteristics of the dog. These dimensions make the breed large enough for work in open spaces, yet compact enough for maneuverability in dense forests or rugged terrain.

The average lifespan of the Auvergne Bracco is about 12-14 years. This indicates good overall health for the breed, provided it receives proper care and nutrition. These dogs remain active and capable even in their mature years, making them long-lived among hunting breeds. Their endurance, elegance, and loyalty make the Auvergne Bracco an ideal choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Auvergne bracke is long and elegant, with a moderately wide skull. The lines of the head are smooth, and the transition from forehead to muzzle is subtly defined, giving the dog a refined yet strong appearance. The head emphasizes an intelligent expression characteristic of the breed.

Морда

The face is long, slightly tapering towards the nose, with strong jaws and a straight line. The nose is large, with well-developed nostrils, providing excellent smell, essential for hunting work. The color of the nose is usually dark, harmonizing with the overall coat color.

Уши

Medium-sized ears, set high and hanging along the head. They are thin, soft to the touch, and rounded at the tips. Their placement highlights the calm and friendly expression of the dog.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, and set deep and wide. They have a dark or amber hue that complements the coat color. The gaze is lively, friendly, and attentive, reflecting the intelligence and calmness of the breed.

Зубы

The teeth are straight and strong, with a scissor-like bite. They provide a reliable grip, which is especially important for hunting. The jaws are powerful and well-developed.

Корпус

The body is compact and muscular, with a broad and deep chest that provides the lung capacity necessary for prolonged physical exertion. The back is straight and strong, tapering into a slightly sloped hindquarters. The body line emphasizes the breed's balance and stability.

Конечности

The limbs are long, strong, and well-muscled. The front legs are straight and powerful, while the hind legs have well-developed joint angles, providing a strong push when running. The paws are compact, rounded, with dense pads, making them ideal for working on rough terrain.

Хвост

The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and slightly tapering towards the end. In motion, it is held horizontally or slightly raised, highlighting the dog's activity and confidence. The tail also plays an important role in balance during fast movement.

Шерсть

The fur is short, dense, smooth, and close to the body. It protects the dog from bad weather and minimizes injuries when working in dense underbrush. The primary color is white with black spots and bluish-gray speckles, giving the dog a unique and expressive appearance.

Окрас

The color is bright and characteristic of the breed: a combination of white with black markings or spots. The spots are arranged randomly, creating unique patterns on each representative of the breed. The coat highlights the hunting style and natural beauty of the Overn Brack.

Character

The Auvergne Bracco has a balanced, friendly, and hardworking character, making it not only an excellent hunting dog but also a loyal companion for humans. This breed is renowned for its intelligence, calmness, and devotion, making it suitable for both experienced hunters and family settings. Despite its working abilities, the Auvergne Bracco remains affectionate and gentle with close people.

The main trait of this breed is its boundless loyalty to its owner. The Auvergne Bracco seeks to be close, actively participating in the daily life of the family. These dogs quickly establish a close emotional bond with humans and remain loyal friends for life. They are friendly towards children and patient, which makes them a great choice for families with little ones.

In the field, the Auvergne Bracco demonstrates outstanding abilities. It has a keen sense of smell that helps it quickly locate game, and a natural tracking ability that makes it an indispensable helper in outdoor conditions. These dogs work with a high level of concentration and can perform tasks for hours without losing energy or interest. They are especially valued for their ability to interact with hunters, intuitively understanding their commands and intentions.

In everyday life, the Auvergne Bracco is characterized by calmness and unobtrusiveness. It enjoys spending time with the family but does not demand constant attention. However, this breed requires sufficient physical and mental activity. Regular walks, outdoor games, or obedience training all help satisfy the dog’s natural drive for activity and work.

The Auvergne Bracco has a well-developed sense of responsibility, making it an excellent guard dog. Although it rarely shows aggression, its vigilance and attentiveness make it a reliable protector. It quickly reacts to changes in the environment but remains composed and balanced, not prone to excessive barking.

This breed loves stability and clear structure. The Auvergne Bracco quickly adapts to established rules and routines, making the training and upbringing process easier. However, due to its intelligent and independent nature, it can show stubbornness if it perceives commands as unjustified. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successfully training this dog.Habits of the Auvergne Bracco include a love for exploring new places, curiosity about the world around it, and a tendency for active play. It adores long walks in nature where it can express its hunting instincts. This dog remains loyal, obedient, and energetic throughout its life, bringing joy to its owners.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for an Auvergne Braque requires consideration of its activity levels, hunting instincts, and specific care needs. This breed loves movement and exploring its surroundings, so it’s essential to provide ample physical and mental stimulation. Long walks, runs, or games in open spaces are perfect for the Auvergne Braque. It particularly enjoys tasks related to searching, tracking, or following commands that engage its natural instincts.

The Auvergne Braque has short, close-fitting fur, which makes grooming easier. It is sufficient to brush it once a week to remove dead hair and maintain a healthy appearance. Bathing is rarely necessary, only in cases of significant soiling, as the dog’s coat has self-cleaning properties. After walks, it is important to check the paws for injuries, especially if the dog has been in the woods or on rough terrain.

The diet of the Auvergne Braque should be balanced with a high protein content to support its activity levels. It is not prone to overeating, but it is important to monitor the quality of the food and maintain feeding schedules to prevent potential gastrointestinal issues. It is also advisable to provide the dog with vitamins and supplements to support joint health, particularly if it is actively working or hunting.

The Auvergne Braque appreciates attention and closeness to its owner. It loves to be involved in family activities, go on walks, or simply be nearby. This breed does not cope well with loneliness and can experience stress if left alone for long periods. To prevent boredom, it is important to provide toys or tasks to keep it occupied in your absence.

The Auvergne Braque does not tolerate roughness or harsh treatment. These dogs are extremely sensitive to tone of voice and respond better to a gentle yet assertive approach. They value stability and consistency, so chaotic environments or sudden changes can cause them discomfort. Additionally, Braques do not enjoy monotony in their activities, so variety in training and play helps maintain their interest.

This breed thrives in country homes with access to open spaces but can also adapt to urban life as long as there is sufficient opportunity for walks and activity. The Auvergne Braque will be happy in a family environment where attention is given, personality is respected, and opportunities to express its natural abilities are provided.

Training and Education

The Auvergne Bracco is an intelligent and trainable breed that values interaction with its owner and eagerly learns new tasks. Training this dog is best started at an early age to establish the foundations of obedience and socialization. Its natural intelligence and hunting instincts make it receptive to commands, especially if the training is conducted in a positive manner. This breed responds well to rewards, whether it’s praise, treats, or play. However, monotony and repetition can quickly bore the Bracco, so it’s important to maintain variety in training.

Consistency is crucial for successful training. The Auvergne Bracco quickly understands rules if they are clearly established and followed. It does not tolerate harshness or physical punishment-such methods can undermine its trust in the owner. Instead, use a gentle yet confident approach so the dog feels its efforts are appreciated. Short but frequent training sessions that include elements of hunting games help keep its interest and motivate it to learn.

The Auvergne Bracco chooses its owner based on emotional connection and respect. Typically, this is the person who spends the most time with the dog, showing patience and care. The Bracco appreciates an owner who provides it with tasks and goals, allowing it to fulfill its natural instincts. This dog loves to feel part of a team and will be especially loyal to someone who involves it in active activities.

The Auvergne Bracco listens to the one it considers a leader. However, leadership, from its perspective, is not associated with dominance but rather with confidence and fairness. It is important for the owner to remain calm and consistent, not giving in to irritation even if the dog shows stubbornness. The Bracco values being listened to and understood, so trust is a key element in building successful relationships.

This breed is best suited for people who lead an active lifestyle, are willing to dedicate time to its training, and provide the necessary physical exercise. The Auvergne Bracco is a companion dog that strives to please when it feels its efforts are valued. In the hands of a patient and confident owner, it becomes an obedient, loyal, and reliable partner both in hunting and everyday life. Find your puppy through verified sources on Zoonyka.

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing an Auvergne Bracco puppy requires attention and consideration of the specific characteristics of this breed. Start by finding a reliable breeder who specializes in breeding Auvergne Braccos and can provide documentation confirming the puppy’s pedigree and health. A responsible breeder will thoroughly discuss the parents, their working qualities, and show test results for hereditary diseases, such as hip dysplasia or eye conditions that may be common in the breed.

The Auvergne Bracco puppy should be active, confident, and exhibit natural curiosity. When selecting, pay attention to behavior: the puppy should show interest in people, approach them willingly, but not be overly clingy or aggressive. Excessive shyness or nervousness may indicate socialization issues, which could require additional training efforts.

The physical condition of the puppy also plays an important role. Its coat should be clean, shiny, and free of bald patches. The eyes should be clear, without discharge, and the ears clean. Observe the puppy’s posture and movement: it should be active, move easily, and show no signs of lameness. The legs should be strong and straight, meeting breed standards, and the body should be proportional. The puppy’s head should be well-formed, with the expressiveness characteristic of the breed.

Watch how the puppy interacts with other dogs in the litter. A good puppy demonstrates a balance between playfulness and confidence, knowing how to interact with peers without excessive aggression or submissiveness. If possible, take note of the parents’ behavior: their temperament is often passed down to their offspring.

The conditions in which the puppies are kept at the kennel are also important. A spacious, clean environment, regular interaction with people, and quality nutrition all indicate that the breeder pays attention to the health and socialization of their dogs. Puppies raised in a good environment adapt more easily to new conditions and learn faster.

When choosing, consider your goals. If you plan to use the dog for hunting, it’s important to clarify the working qualities of the parents and the puppy’s potential participation in training. If you need a dog as a companion, focus on its sociability and adaptability. In any case, choose a puppy with whom you feel an emotional connection, as this breed is very attached to its owners. Making the right choice for an Auvergne Bracco puppy is key to successful upbringing and harmonious coexistence with the owner. ZoГіnica offers profitable deals, depending on breed and pedigree.

Health and Illnesses

The Auvergne Pointer is generally a sturdy and resilient breed, but, like other dogs, it has a predisposition to certain diseases that owners should keep in mind. One of the most common issues is hip and elbow dysplasia. This genetic condition can cause pain and reduce the dog’s mobility, especially in older age. Regular moderate exercise and weight management help minimize the risk of its development.

Another issue characteristic of the breed can be eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. These conditions can lead to impaired vision or complete loss of sight. Regular check-ups with a veterinary ophthalmologist can help detect and treat such problems early, preserving the dog’s vision for as long as possible.

Auvergne Pointers may also be prone to skin diseases, including allergic reactions. The skin can react to environmental irritants like pollen, insect bites, or certain food ingredients. This may manifest as itching, redness, or hair loss. Regular grooming, using quality food, and avoiding allergens can help prevent such issues.

Gastrointestinal problems can also occur in this breed. Gastric torsion, which is more common in large active dogs, poses a serious threat and requires immediate medical attention. To prevent this condition, it is recommended to feed the dog small portions several times a day and to avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating.

Like many hunting breeds, Auvergne Pointers may be susceptible to ear infections, especially if the dog frequently works in humid or dirty conditions. Ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned to prevent dirt buildup and inflammation.

Overall, with proper care and balanced nutrition, the Auvergne Pointer is a healthy breed that can live 12-14 years. Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining activity levels, and ensuring a balanced diet will keep the dog’s health at a high level and provide it with a long and active life. – the best website about animals where you can buy or sell a puppy.