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Braque de Toulouse Breed Description

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Breed Organization

United Kennel Club

Native Country
France

Other Names
Ariege Pointer, Braque du Midi, Braque de l'Ariege

Life Expectancy
Approximately 12-14 Years

Litter Size
Average 4-8 Puppies

Breed Group
FCI - Continental Pointing Dogs

General Description

The Ariege Pointer has got great scenting abilities. The technique of hunting involves the Ariege Pointer pointing towards the prey by using its muzzle; thus the name pointer. The Ariege Pointer is also a gundog, that too a versatile gundog, a category that very few breeds fit into. It is capable of performing three tasks- hunt, point and retrieve. It is also a good swimmer and thus can retrieve the game even from water.

Like most other lone hunting dogs, the Ariege Pointer has years of genetic imprinting that make it very independent. Thus, training has to be imparted with care in order to mould the dog to be obedient and have a friendly disposition. If this is not done, stubbornness and even aggressiveness can creep into its temperament. The fact that this dog is relatively easy to train makes the task easier and requires only enough hands-on care early on.

The dog has a slightly long and angular head. Its muzzle is straight, which helps with pointing accuracy. The nose is usually colored in a reddish tinge, depending on the color of the coat. It has eyes that match the color of the nose and the coat. The Ariege Pointer does not have pointy ears; instead its ears are really long, extending up to its muzzle if held up.

Breed Standard

Head: Long, angular, narrow. Slightly domed skull. Fairly pronounced occipital peak. Slight stop. Long, straight, sometimes slightly convex nosebridge. Fairly thin lips. Pink, reddish (flesh-colored), or chestnut lips, depending on coat color.
Ears: Long, thin, curled, not flat against the head.
Eyes: Slightly oval, dark amber or brown.
Body: Neck not very long, fairly b, slight dewlap. Pronounced withers. Chest broad, high, well let-down. Rounded ribs. Slight tuck-up. Slightly sloping croup. Back straight and somewhat long.
Tail: Thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. Docked by about half. Should not be raised higher than the topline.
Hair: Short, dense, glossy. Finer and lying closer to the body on the head and ears.
Coat: Light orangish fawn or sometimes chestnut with predominant white patching (speckles or flecks). Some dogs are even white with speckles or flecks.
Size: Dog: 60 to 67 cm. (23.6-26.4 in).Bitch: 56 to 65 cm. (22-25.6 in).
Weight: 25 to 30 kg (55-66 lb).


History

The Ariege Pointer is the result of nineteenth-century crosses of the old French Pointing Dog with white and orange-coated pointers from southern France and perhaps the Saint Germain Pointer for added lightness and vigor. Hunters and breeders in Ari ge, France are dedicated to the survival of the breed.


Behavior

This hardy, very energetic dog with an excellent sense of smell is a skilled retriever suited to all kinds of hunting. He is used particularly on partridge and quail. Quick and independent, he needs firm training.

He needs space and exercise, as well as regular brushing.

Function

Hunting Dog.


Health

Long ears are prone to bacterial and fungal infection and need to be checked and cleaned regularly, especially if the conditions are moist.



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