Recognized by:	FDSB - American Field Dog Stud Book, FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale, NAVHDA - North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, United Kennel Club.
Web sites of interest:	Hunting with the Braque du Bourbonnais
VersatileDogs listings:	Kennels and Photos
Owner input: I have been breeding and training Braque Du Bourbonnais Pointers for a little over six years. These were also my introduction to versatile, continental hunting dogs and NAVHDA. I always thought my English Springer Spaniels were versatile!!!!! Bourbonnais pointers are medium sized, compact, muscular little dynamos. Loaded with all of the "Braque" attributes from France---soft natured, sensitive, serious working hunters and TRACKERS: one gentleman in California uses his bitch strictly to recover deer his clients have shot (archery). They point, retrieve and swim very well. My oldest male passed NAVHDA's natural ability test "twice" back to back perfect scores (112 pts) under six different judges. He is now my number 1 working dog at "Orvis Sandanona Shooting Preserve" in Millbrook NY. I guide part time for them. This breed is very calm in large groups of people and in the house, I frequently bring my dogs to hunting, sporting shows to help out my friend's booths. These dogs attract a lot of attention, because of their different color markings, and mainly because people at the shows can't believe how calm these dogs are in that environment. Aside from all the other French Braques, the Bourbonnais is the only one that comes in two colors---"wine dredged" liver ticked, and "peach blossom" fawn ticked. E-mail Daniel Larose at shardann@aol.com The Braque du Bourbonnais (brock-do-bor-bon-NAY) is one of the most ancient French pointers originally out of Bourbon, a region of central France. The breed was already known in 1598 as a dog skillful at hunting quail. Authors described the breed as a pleasant companion of the hunter, of rustic and healthy appearance, born with a short tail, showing a white coat with widespread pale brown or fawn fine ticking. The breeders wanted to impose an original coat of “faded lilac” and also of being born with a naturally short tail. The dogs that differed cosmetically with tails or spots were not bred. With such strict selections on a breed with a reduced gene pool, they became nearly extinct. Between 1963 and 1973 there were no registrations with L.O.F. With the dog being bred on appearance alone, the hunting instincts were sacrificed. In the 1970's, under the influence and direction of Michel Comte, a team of breeders took on the task of helping the survival of the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog. With the acceptance of spots and docked tails, the hunting instincts were brought back. The first Bourbonnais was imported into the US in the late 1980's. This breed is "Complete" as a hunting and family companion. They possess exceptional noses, unbelievable desire and drive. These versatile gun dogs have a deliberate search in the field. The Braque du Bourbonnais' are calm, affectionate family companions. They are wrapped up in a medium sized package that is easily maintained with their short, minimal shedding, "Wash-and-wear" coats. We, at Rufnit Kennels, are working closely with Michel Comte to ensure the breed continues to thrive. We produce puppies that have strong natural abilities both in the field and water, combined with excellent dispositions. A distinct difference, with this intense pointing dog, is their ability to train easily and quickly. We raise our puppies IN our home. They are always current on ALL vaccinations and de-worming's which includes frequent, thorough, vet examinations. Our puppies are socialized with children, adults and other canines. We utilize NAVHDA Tests to make sure our Braque du Bourbonnais' hunting abilities equal or exceed the more commonly known hunting breeds in the US. Rufnit Kennels is the recipient of the only "NAVHDA Natural Ability Breeder Award" for the Braque du Bourbonnais. For photos and additional information, please visit www.RufnitKennels.com or contact Shari Stueck at RufnitKennels@AOL.com.