| Pointer of Ariege circa 1915 | ||||||||||
| Other names | Ariege Pointer | |||||||||
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| Country of origin | France | |||||||||
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| Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | ||||||||||
The Braque de l’Ariège, translated into English as the Ariege Pointing Dog or Ariege Pointer, is a breed of dog, a French hunting dog of pointing gun dog type. The breed is kept primarily as a hunting dog, not as a pet or showdog.
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The breed is a normally proportioned dog with drop ears. The tail is traditionally docked. The coat is short and primarily white, speckled with larger patches of colours described as orange, liver, or chestnut on the head and ears. Size is about 60–67 cm (24-26 ins) in height at the withers. Dogs of the breed should appear powerful but without excessive heaviness, robust and of strong.[1]
The dog type used by hunters in the Ariege region of the Pyrenees were said to be descended from dogs that were crosses of Perdigueiro de Burgos and the Bracco Italiano.[2] The breed was developed in the 20th century by Braqque Saint-Germain and Braque Francais with the local dogs, to give them more lightness and activity. During World War II, the breed almost disappeared.
In 1990 a team of breeders decided to devote themselves to the Braque de l’Ariège's survival. In particular we have Mr. Alain Deteix to thank for the survival of the breed. He headed that team of breeders and wholeheartedly devoted himself to the revival of part of France's National heritage.[3]
The Braque de l’Ariège is well suited to hunting wild hare and partridge.[3] The breed is a robust and very energetic, with an excellent sense of smell, and is a skilled retriever [4] suitable for all kinds of hunting.
The Braque de l’Ariège is quick and energectic. It is also very independent so needs regular training and activity.[1] It also needs regular brushing.
The Braque de l’Ariège is recognised under that name in its country of origin, and recognised internationally under the same name. It is also recognised as the Braque de l’Ariège by the United Kennel Club in the US. It may be recognised under its original name, the English translation Ariege Pointing Dog or other various translations of the name by other minor kennel clubs, hunting clubs, or internet dog registry businesses. Outside its country of origin it is promoted as a rare breed for those seeking a unique pet.