Braque du Bourbonnais

Characteristics

About the Braque du Bourbonnais

The Braque du Bourbonnais has been a cherished companion for generations, originally developed in France for work in the sporting group. As of 2026, they remain one of the most popular breeds in the world, ranked #187 by the American Kennel Club.

Standing 19 to 22 inches tall and weighing 35 to 55 pounds, the Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance and charming personality. They are well-suited to active families who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed craves.

Whether you're drawn to their striking looks, their loyal temperament, or their versatile abilities, the Braque du Bourbonnais rewards dedicated owners with unwavering devotion and years of joyful companionship.

History

The Braque du Bourbonnais traces its roots to France, where it was originally bred for the sporting group's traditional purposes. Over centuries, the breed was refined through selective breeding to enhance the traits most valued by owners and breeders.

The breed gained international recognition in the 20th century and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. By 2026, the Braque du Bourbonnais has secured its place as the #187 most popular breed in America, a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptable nature.

Common Health Issues

Complete health guide →

Similar Breeds

Is the Braque du Bourbonnais Right for You?

Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Sporting group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.

Energy and exercise: The Braque du Bourbonnais has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity — at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.

Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 1/5, the Braque du Bourbonnais is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.

Children and family: Scoring 5/5 with children, the Braque du Bourbonnais is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.

Grooming commitment: The Braque du Bourbonnais is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 2/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $70–98/month.

Ownership Cost Summary

Before bringing a Braque du Bourbonnais home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 13–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1500–$2500 is only the beginning.

The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,438. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.

Ongoing monthly costs average $158, broken down as follows: food ($57–88/mo), grooming ($70–98/mo), insurance ($33–67/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($428–825/yr) and supplies ($241–408/yr). As a medium breed, the Braque du Bourbonnais falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.

Over a full 13–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $33–67/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.

Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Braque du Bourbonnais owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Braque du Bourbonnais fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.

Breed Traits Explained

The Braque du Bourbonnais belongs to the Sporting group, which historically means these dogs were bred for assisting hunters in finding and retrieving game. Sporting breeds are typically active, alert, and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. They tend to be eager to please, which makes training enjoyable for both dog and owner.

With a family friendliness score of 4/5, intelligence at 5/5, and shedding rated 1/5, the Braque du Bourbonnais presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (2/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.

Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 5/5, the Braque du Bourbonnais is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Braque du Bourbonnais may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.

Shedding and home cleanliness: The Braque du Bourbonnais's low shedding (1/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.

Braque du Bourbonnais Quick Decision Guide

Making an informed decision about the Braque du Bourbonnais requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.

You will love the Braque du Bourbonnais if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, have children or plan to start a family, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Braque du Bourbonnais's sporting heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.

Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.

Next steps: If the Braque du Bourbonnais seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Braque du Bourbonnais owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Braque du Bourbonnais before committing — attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.