Bourbonnais Pointer

This is the oldest living French pointing dog, rooted in ancient eastern hounds and believed by some to had been influential in the development of early continental bully breeds. Established in the early 16th century as a versatile gundog, used for retrieving, pointing and tracking duties, the Bourbonnais Pointer was prized for its tenacity and resilience during the hunt and the calm and gentle temperament when not working. Friendly with people and tolerant of other dogs, the breed was sometimes kept solely as a companion in France in the 1700's.

Other gundogs eventually proved superior and the Bourbonnais Pointer's popularity was on a slow decline throughout the 19th century, but it became a common hunting dog once again in the early 1900's. Some of its tracking abilities were diminished through irresponsible breeding practices and by the end of WW2, the Bourbonnais Pointer was nearing extinction. Revived in the latter part of the 20th century, the breed remains fairly unknown outside France.

This rugged, agile worker can be stubborn at times, but responds to training quite well and makes a good pet. Puppies are usually born bobtailed.

The coat is short and smooth, most commonly seen in liver merle shades with white markings, but also found in a variety of other colorings. Average height is around 22 inches.