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Auvergne Pointer - MAIN HUB

An elegant, athletic French gundog with a gentle soul. These affectionate pointers thrive on adventure and will be your most loyal, active companion.

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Large

BREED HEIGHT

20 -

26 IN

51 -

66 cm

BREED WEIGHT

44 -

60 LB

20 -

27 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Auvergne Pointer, or Braque d'Auvergne, is an ancient French gundog known for its striking black-and-white mottled coat and athletic build. These intelligent, gentle, and highly affectionate dogs thrive on human companionship, making them exceptional family pets that bond deeply with their owners. Ideal for active households, they require at least one to two hours of vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Owners should employ positive reinforcement, as this sensitive breed shuts down with harsh training. While excellent hunters with powerful noses, they are equally content as calm, loyal home companions.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

No

Breed was recognized in 0.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Auvergne Pointers good family dogs?

Very Good

8 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers make exceptional family pets because they are intelligent, gentle, and highly affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. They bond deeply with their owners and are ideal for active households that can provide the vigorous daily exercise they require to stay happy. While they are skilled hunters, they are equally content as calm and loyal companions within the home.

Very Good

8 out of 10

They are generally excellent with children, known for their gentle, patient, and affectionate nature. Their sturdy build makes them resilient playmates for active kids, and they thrive on being included in family routines. Their size and high energy still call for supervision around very small children. Early socialization and supervision during play ensure they remain calm and well-behaved companions in a busy household.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are generally not recommended for first-time owners due to their high energy levels, strong prey drive, and the significant daily exercise they require. While they are intelligent and eager to please, they are also highly sensitive and need patient, consistent training using positive reinforcement. Prospective owners should be prepared for a long maturation period and the commitment needed to provide ample mental and physical stimulation.

Not Recommended

1 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are not well-suited for apartment living due to their large size, high energy levels, and need for significant daily exercise. They thrive in environments with ample space to roam and are happiest in homes with large, secure yards where they can safely burn off energy. While they are calm indoors when properly exercised, their athletic build and need for mental stimulation make them better matches for more spacious, active households.

Highly Recommended

2 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are high-energy gundogs that thrive best in a home with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and play safely. While they are calm and affectionate indoors, a yard is highly recommended to help them burn off their substantial energy and satisfy their natural curiosity. Daily outdoor activities in a private space, combined with long walks, are essential to prevent boredom and maintain the well-being of this athletic breed.

Fair

3 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are highly social gundogs that thrive on human companionship and do not handle long periods of isolation well. While they can be trained to tolerate short absences, they are prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors if left alone for too long. They are best suited for households where someone is home most of the day to provide the mental and physical engagement they crave.

Good

6 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers can coexist well with cats if properly socialized from a young age. Their friendly and gentle nature typically extends to other pets, though their strong hunting instincts may trigger a drive to chase. Supervision around nervous cats and gradual introductions are recommended to ensure a harmonious multi-pet household.

Protective

3 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are not naturally aggressive; they are typically gentle, kind, and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. While they are alert and can be protective of their family, they are generally friendly and well-behaved when properly socialized. Consistent, positive reinforcement training from a young age ensures their sensitive nature remains stable and that they grow into calm, sociable companions for active households.

Energetic

7 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are energetic gundogs that require substantial daily physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced and happy. They typically need between one and two hours of vigorous activity, such as long walks, runs, or scent games, to prevent boredom and potential destructive behaviors. While they have great stamina for outdoor adventures, they are famously calm and affectionate companions at home when their energy needs are met.

~90 min a day

8 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers require at least one to two hours of vigorous daily exercise, such as brisk walks, hiking, and off-leash running in secure areas. Incorporating mental stimulation through scent work or dog sports is essential to satisfy their hunting instincts and prevent boredom in these athletic companions.

Great

8 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers generally tolerate warm weather well due to their short, sleek coats and athletic build. While they are resilient in the heat, owners should provide ample shade and fresh water during outdoor activities to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.

Great

8 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers generally tolerate warm weather well due to their short, sleek coats and athletic build. While they are resilient in the heat, owners should provide ample shade and fresh water during outdoor activities to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.

Sometimes Restricted

5 out of 10

Auvergne Pointers are sometimes restricted in apartments due to their large size and high energy levels, which may not align with weight limits or space constraints. While they are not typically listed as an aggressive breed, their need for significant daily exercise and mental stimulation can lead to behavioral issues in confined living spaces. Potential owners should check individual landlord policies regarding size and activity requirements before applying.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"Auvergne Pointers are generally healthy and athletic gundogs, but as a veterinarian, I emphasize the importance of screening for hip and elbow dysplasia to maintain their long-term mobility. Because they are deep-chested, they are at risk for life-threatening gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), so I recommend feeding smaller meals and avoiding heavy exercise around feeding times. Their long, pendulous ears also require regular cleaning to prevent chronic ear infections. Additionally, owners should be mindful of potential eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and ectropion. Keeping this active breed at a lean weight through consistent exercise is vital to reducing joint stress and ensuring a high quality of life."

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