Auvergne Pointer characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Very High | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | Medium | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Auvergne Pointer right for you?
The Auvergne Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it gets on with children when raised around them and announces visitors but stops short of guarding. Day to day, the Auvergne Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Auvergne Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. With very high energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Auvergne Pointer to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Auvergne Pointer needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Auvergne Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Auvergne Pointer
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Auvergne Pointer genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Adaptability: Low — the Auvergne Pointer is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very high — the Auvergne Pointer has one of the strongest prey drives in the catalogue, which shapes recall and life with cats. Only 25% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Auvergne Pointer actually costs you
| Exercise | Two or more hours of real exercise a day, most days, plus something that occupies its mind. This is the single commitment that decides whether the match works. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Auvergne Pointer fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Depends | Medium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers. |
| First-time owners | Depends | Manageable for a committed beginner who takes training seriously from week one. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Serious hunters
- French gundog enthusiasts
- Rural properties
- Experienced handlers
Things to consider
- Extremely rare
- Needs hunting work
- Strong prey drive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Auvergne Pointer good with children?
- The Auvergne Pointer can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Auvergne Pointer shed a lot?
- The Auvergne Pointer has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Auvergne Pointer need?
- With very high energy, the Auvergne Pointer needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Auvergne Pointer live?
- The Auvergne Pointer typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Auvergne Pointer live in an apartment?
- The Auvergne Pointer is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Auvergne Pointer easy to train?
- The Auvergne Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Auvergne Pointer be left alone during the day?
- The Auvergne Pointer copes with a standard working day alone once it has been eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.