Bourbonnais Pointer characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | 33% of breeds |
| Energy level | High | — |
| Trainability | Very High | 11% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Very Low | 4% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | High | 31% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 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 Bourbonnais Pointer right for you?
The Bourbonnais Pointer is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly. Day to day, the Bourbonnais Pointer needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Bourbonnais Pointer needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. With high energy and 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 Bourbonnais Pointer to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Bourbonnais Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Bourbonnais Pointer is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast and almost never barks. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, 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 Bourbonnais Pointer
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Bourbonnais Pointer genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very low — the Bourbonnais Pointer is unusually quiet, one of the few breeds that rarely uses its voice. Only 4% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Trainability: Very high — the Bourbonnais Pointer is among the most trainable breeds we score. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Independence: Low — the Bourbonnais Pointer wants more company than most breeds. Only 22% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Bourbonnais Pointer actually costs you
| Exercise | Around an hour to ninety minutes of daily exercise, and it will notice when a day is skipped. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Occasional brushing is enough. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Notably quiet. |
Where the Bourbonnais 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 | Good fit | High energy and very low barking travel well into a flat. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Very high trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Depends | High prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Traditional hunters
- Calm families
- French gundog enthusiasts
- Rural living
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Needs hunting substitute activities
- Can be reserved initially
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Bourbonnais Pointer good with children?
- Yes — the Bourbonnais Pointer is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Bourbonnais Pointer shed a lot?
- The Bourbonnais Pointer has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Bourbonnais Pointer need?
- With high energy, the Bourbonnais Pointer needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation — long walks, runs or active play.
- How long does the Bourbonnais Pointer live?
- The Bourbonnais Pointer typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Bourbonnais Pointer live in an apartment?
- The Bourbonnais Pointer can live in an apartment provided it gets enough daily exercise and mental stimulation.
- Is the Bourbonnais Pointer easy to train?
- The Bourbonnais Pointer is highly intelligent and learns new commands remarkably fast. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Bourbonnais Pointer be left alone during the day?
- The Bourbonnais Pointer would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.