Ariege Pointer

This old French hunting dog was developed in Ariege, where it has been bred since the 19th century, but was also known as the Braque du Midi and the Braque Toulousain. However, the original Braque de l'Ariege was descended from the Vieux Braque Francais and used to be a larger and heavier dog in the past, but the influx of some Saint-Germain Pointer blood in the early 1900's made it a much leaner and faster worker. Good scenting and setting abilities, excellent tracking drive and stamina have secured the breed's survival in the 20th century, but it remains the rarest of French bird dogs to this day. The Braque de l'Ariege thrives on plentiful excercise and responds well to training, although it requires early socializing and experienced handling, as some specimens have been known to be fearful and noisy house dogs. Broad-shouldered and muscular, the Ariege Setter is an athletic breed, prized for its agility and willingness to work. The tail has traditionally been docked.

The short coat is flat and fine, usually white in colour with orange, fawn or brown markings, but ticked and flecked specimens are commonly found as well. Average height is around 25 inches.