The Bracco d'Auvergne is a little known and not very widespread breed on the European continent, but in North America it is considered one of the best pointing breeds.
Its speed, endurance and stubbornness in work make this breed one of the best in the hunting field. Among the most famous dog breeds for their innate predisposition to hunting and loyalty to humans, we certainly find the BRACCO D'AUVERGNE.
Its origins are lost in time, to the point that today there are various hypotheses on its actual genesis. Some experts of the breed affirm that the Bracco d'Auvergne was imported in Auvergne in the year 1798, by the Knights of Malta who returned to their homeland, bringing with them the progenitor of the breed.
Another hypothesis, on the other hand, asserts that this Bracco is completely indigenous and not artificially introduced. Whatever its actual origin, some studies on the Bracco d'Auvergne see that of the "Pointer" and the old "French Bracco" flow in his blood: this theory would explain the singular and characteristic color of the coat. Although it has always been considered an excellent auxiliary in the hunting field, over time the habit of taking it hunting was being lost and only thanks to careful selections carried out in France by large breeders, such as Mr. De Tournay, considered by many the father of the breed, the breed was re-evaluated. De Tournay's work allowed the Bracco d'Auvergne to return to the job it was born for: settling prey. His amazing skills as a hunter, lead to the spread of the breed also in the African and in America, where the wild nature of those countries required a strong, resistant and complete auxiliary from many points of view.
Although no one has ever questioned the hunting skills of the Bracco d'Auvergne, its diffusion on the European continent has never been very significant, as it has suffered competition from the best known breeds. While it has not been very lucky in Europe, the opposite can be said in the United States, Canada and Lebanon, where it was widespread until a few decades ago.
Bracco d'Auvergne is also commonly called “le Bleu d'Auvergne” due to its typical color. From an aesthetic point of view, it is a medium-sized dog, dolichocephalic mesomorph, morphologically classified as a Braccoid type. It is a very sturdy dog with powerful limbs. Its appearance is bony, but without coarseness, although the characteristic Bracco type retains a certain lightness and a certain elegance, to which the color of the coat contributes.
The robustness of this breed is highlighted and supported by an excellent muscle mass and tissue density, which indicate a great activity and energy. His trunk and his overall body structure are very well proportioned and right relationships. The d'Auvergne has an exceptional character, appropriate for a standing breed. If well accustomed from an early age, he is very obedient and faithful to his master: he never strays too far from the latter and always tries to do his duty as best he can. Despite its energy, this breed is tame and calm outside the hunting field, but when it is taken to hunt it takes on a serious and decisive aspect, as if to say: "Now you don't mess around anymore!". When the man invites him to do an activity, he gets excited and never backs down. Being a pointing dog, the Bracco d'Auvergne possesses all the essential qualities useful for hunting: adaptation to any terrain, climatic conditions, distances to cover, nose, speed and endurance.
As mentioned a few lines ago, the Bracco d'Auvergne in a particular historical moment was relegated to a pet breed: today, those who want to take a Bracco d'Auvergne, if well accustomed, can live without any problem at home with the family. With the latter he will develop an excellent relationship of friendship and loyalty, as he loves being in contact with his master and his family. If you do not want to use this breed for hunting, where it gives its best, it is important to know that the latter needs to do a lot of movement to discover new areas.
Standard of the Bracco d'Auvergne breed:
Country of origin: France
FCI classification: Group 7 - pointing dogs
Height: males from 57 to 63 cm at the withers, females from 55 to 60 cm at the withers.
Trunk: The chest is well descended, at least up to the level of the elbow. The chest is moderately broad and proportionate to the depth. The ribs are rounded; the withers are well raised, the back straight, the loin short, slightly arched, broad and well muscled. The rump is broad, bony and not too hollow, powerful and well muscled. The flank is flat and slightly raised. The lips are strong enough to give the muzzle a square appearance. The lips are also well descended. The bridge of the nose is quite long and straight. The skull is oval in its posterior part, forehead developed without exaggeration, without excess of width, it reconnects to the muzzle with a marked nose-frontal jump, but not too accentuated. The superciliary arches are well raised. The teeth are strong, white, well developed and complete in number. The neck is rather long, strong enough especially at its insertion with the shoulders, slightly arched, slight dewlap to be sought, but without exaggeration.
The ears are set low in order to highlight the roundness of the skull. The eyes are of medium size, dark hazel color with a frank expression. The limbs are straight, with strong and muscular forearms. The hair is short and soft white with black spots and more or less numerous speckles or carbonated.
The most sought after color is the coat with a white background with spots of a blue black, the black spots quite numerous.