Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives between 12 and 15 years. Maintaining a stable weight and early screening for skin disorders help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
Its solid build and its origins as a hunting dog give it good endurance. Its robustness does not exempt it from regular checks of the skin, ears, paw pads and coat after each outing in the field.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the condition of the skin and coat. Any appearance of itching, redness, depigmentation, blisters or hair loss warrants veterinary advice, as several dermatological diseases are described in the breed.
Epidermolysis bullosa : rare hereditary skin condition causing skin fragility and the formation of blisters or lesions after minimal trauma.
Demodectic mange : abnormal proliferation of Demodex mites that can cause redness, hair loss, and skin inflammation, especially in predisposed individuals.
Vitiligo : pigmentation disorder that causes the progressive appearance of depigmented areas on the skin or coat.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its very short coat offers limited protection against intense cold and prolonged bad weather. In summer, activity should be shifted to cooler hours, with shade and water available at will. After an outing in wet weather, the dog must be dried carefully, especially around the ears.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Very active when it benefits from a suitable lifestyle, the Braque du Bourbonnais can nevertheless gain weight if its portions exceed its expenditure. The ration must be adjusted to its age, its weight, its hunting activity and its body condition, while limiting treats and table scraps.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Examine the skin and coat each week.
- Check the ears after each outing in vegetation.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date.
- Rinse and dry the paws and belly after a wet outing.
Vaccination
Bourbonnais Pointer vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Bourbonnais Pointer? Like all cats, the Bourbonnais Pointer receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Bourbonnais Pointer is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Bourbonnais Pointer vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Bourbonnais Pointer?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Bourbonnais Pointer
Before an adoption, it is advisable to find out about the dermatological health of the breeding dogs and about the family history. An annual veterinary follow-up, regular examination of the skin and ears, as well as monitoring of weight and mobility make it possible to quickly detect abnormalities.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
