Most important facts
- Group
- Gundog
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 22–28 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Short, dense
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 53–63 cm
- Colours
- Black and white, ticked or roan
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£42/mo
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, durable field/retrieving toys, waterproof outdoor coat
Typical dry food, adult
About the Braque d Auvergne
The Braque d'Auvergne is thought to have been developed in the Cantal region of France several centuries ago, where it worked as an all-purpose pointing gundog for hunters on foot. The breed came close to disappearing after the Second World War and was rebuilt from a small number of surviving dogs by dedicated French enthusiasts. It remains well established in its homeland, and gained recognition from the UK Kennel Club in 2016, though it is still a rare sight in Britain.
The Braque d'Auvergne is gentle, affectionate and intelligent, and the UK breed standard notes that it has working origins and still adapts well to family life. It is typically friendly towards people and other dogs, having worked alongside other gundogs for generations, and it generally suits families with older, dog-savvy children.
This is a breed that matures slowly and can be sensitive, so it responds best to calm, consistent, reward-based handling. It is also quite vocal, tends to bark at anything new, and forms strong attachments to its owners, which means it can struggle when left alone for long periods. Using part of each meal for training keeps this food-motivated dog engaged rather than anxious.
Common health conditions
Things Braque d Auvergne owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
A malformation of the hip joint seen in many gundog breeds. Keep your dog lean through accurate portioning to reduce joint strain as it grows and ages.
Ear infections
Long, low-set ears trap moisture after fieldwork or swimming. Check and dry the ears regularly, and consider a skin-and-coat-focused diet alongside routine cleaning.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition that gradually affects night vision. Ask any breeder for evidence that both parent dogs have been health-tested.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
Like other deep-chested gundogs, the breed carries some bloat risk. Keep meals smaller and measured, and leave a gap after eating before any vigorous exercise.
Feeding a Braque d Auvergne
A genuine working gundog built for stamina, the Braque d'Auvergne needs food that releases energy steadily through the day. Most adults do well on moderate-to-high protein and fat, with portions matched to real activity, since a dog doing weekend walks needs far less in the bowl than one working regularly. As a deep-chested breed, it should have its daily allowance split into two or three smaller meals, and a slow-feeder bowl helps curb gulping.
A large-breed puppy formula paces the growth steadily and protects developing joints. Keep an eye on body condition through adulthood too, as it is easy to under- or overfeed a breed whose exercise varies week to week. You should be able to feel the ribs without seeing them, and training treats come out of the daily allowance.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Braque d Auvergne needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
22–28 kg
Est. daily calories
850–1,530 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Braque d Auvergnes eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.38
- Per month
- ~£42
- Per year
- ~£502
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Braque d Auvergne
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Braque d Auvergne by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs9/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability8/10
- Good with children7/10
- Shedding4/10
- Tolerates being alone2/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, gentle and eager to please, bonding closely with the whole family
- Highly trainable with an excellent nose, well suited to gundog work and scentwork
- Low-maintenance short coat that needs only a weekly brush
Worth knowing
- Needs two or more hours of vigorous daily exercise and mental work
- Prone to separation anxiety and doesn't settle well when left alone for long stretches
- Rare in the UK, so finding a puppy can take patience
Best matched accessories
All accessories →The collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much exercise does a Braque d'Auvergne need?
Plan on two hours or more a day, mixing free running, lead work and scent-based games. This is a working gundog bred for stamina, and under-exercising it tends to show up as restlessness at home.
How much should I feed a Braque d'Auvergne?
There's no single fixed amount, as needs shift with age and activity. Start from the feeding guide on a good complete food, split into two or three meals, then adjust with regular body condition checks. Our Food Finder can help narrow down suitable diets.
Is the Braque d'Auvergne good with children and other pets?
Generally yes. The breed is known for a gentle, affectionate temperament and tends to do well with older children and other dogs. As with any breed, keep an eye on interactions with young children.
Does the Braque d'Auvergne shed much or need lots of grooming?
No, its short, dense coat needs only a weekly brush to stay in good condition. The main routine task is checking and drying the ears after exercise or swimming.