Apartment fit
Auvergne Pointer is usually difficult in an apartment unless the owner can provide daily field-style exercise and quiet recovery. It is a large gundog, so space and routine matter.
SportingLarge
France
FranceAuvergne Pointer
Weight
48-62 lb
Height
20.9-24.8 in
Lifespan
11-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Auvergne Pointer, or Braque d'Auvergne, is a French pointing dog with a short black-and-white speckled coat and gentle, docile field temperament.
French continental pointer from the Auvergne regionShort black-and-white coat with blue-speckled appearanceGentle and docile at home when exercised properlyNeeds field-style exercise, recall, and gundog training
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Braque D'auvergne
GentleAffectionateIntelligentDocileActiveVersatile
Weight
48-62 lb
Height
20.9-24.8 in
Lifespan
11-14 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Very High
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Auvergne Pointer is a French continental pointing dog from the Auvergne region, especially associated with the Cantal area. FCI describes it as a robust, well-proportioned gundog built for pointing work and close cooperation with the hunter.
Its coat is short, glossy, and black with white markings that create a blue or grey speckled impression. The head is usually black, and the breed is known for a gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and docile temperament when properly exercised.
The Auvergne Pointer can suit committed first-time gundog owners, but it still needs substantial daily exercise, recall training, field-style searching, and calm indoor routines. It is not a low-exercise apartment companion.
Temperament & Personality
GentleAffectionateIntelligentDocileActiveVersatile
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a gentle, affectionate, intelligent companion, with daily rhythms shaped by very high energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Black and White, Blue Speckled, Black with White Markings
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability5/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners who want a French pointing dog
- people interested in recall, field search, scent work, or gundog training
- homes with safe access to open exercise areas
- families prepared to supervise a large, active dog around children
Not ideal for
- homes wanting a low-effort dog with minimal daily exercise
- owners with no safe plan for running or field training
- people away all day without walks, enrichment, or companionship plans
Common challenges
- underused field energy in ordinary suburban routines
- recall around birds and wildlife
- ear and paw checks after field exercise
Barking & behavior
Auvergne Pointer has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Auvergne Pointer a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Training style
Auvergne Pointer training should build recall, steadiness around birds, search patterns, and calm household manners. The breed is typically willing and affectionate, but field instincts still need structured outlets.
Grooming & shedding
The Auvergne Pointer's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Auvergne Pointer, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Care Guide
Exercise
Auvergne Pointer needs 90 minutes or more a day for many healthy adults, built from serious exercise, problem-solving work, and outlets that feel like a job. For the Auvergne Pointer, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
Grooming
The Auvergne Pointer's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with moderate shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Auvergne Pointer, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Training
Auvergne Pointer training should build recall, steadiness around birds, search patterns, and calm household manners. The breed is typically willing and affectionate, but field instincts still need structured outlets.
Nutrition
Feed Auvergne Pointer a measured diet appropriate for a large dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Auvergne Pointer, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Very High
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Ear infectionsHip dysplasiaEye disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Auvergne Pointer a good apartment dog?
Auvergne Pointer is usually difficult in an apartment unless the owner can provide daily field-style exercise and quiet recovery. It is a large gundog, so space and routine matter.
Does the Auvergne Pointer bark a lot?
Auvergne Pointer has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Auvergne Pointer a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Is the Auvergne Pointer good for first-time owners?
Auvergne Pointer can work for prepared first-time owners who want a gundog and are ready for recall, exercise, and field-style training. It is not ideal for owners wanting only casual walks.
How much exercise does the Auvergne Pointer need?
Most healthy adult Auvergne Pointers need 90 minutes or more of daily activity, including running, searching, scent work, or gundog-style training where safe.
Is the Auvergne Pointer good with kids and other dogs?
Auvergne Pointers are often affectionate family dogs and can live well with compatible dogs. Children should still be supervised because this is a large, energetic field breed.
Does the Auvergne Pointer shed a lot?
Auvergne Pointer has a short smooth coat with moderate shedding. Regular brushing, nail care, ear checks, and seasonal coat checks make upkeep easier for the Auvergne Pointer.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Auvergne Pointer?
The biggest challenge is giving a gentle gundog enough field-style work. Without exercise and training, the breed can become restless even though the coat is easy to maintain.
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