Pet Wiki

Ariège Pointer

Also called Braque de l'Ariège, Ariège Pointing Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 7Short profile

From France, the Ariège département in the south-west.12

At a glance the quick version

Height, male58 to 65 cm13
Height, female54 to 63 cm13
Sizelarge
steady and sociable
easy to train
tireless all-round hunting partner
13

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

Short, fairly thick and glossy, turning finer and silkier on the head and ears. A strong, athletic build with lean legs and clear muscle lines.13

Colourswhite with orange-fawn patcheswhite with brown patchesfawn or brown roan / ticked132

Personality what they are like

Even-tempered and friendly with people and other dogs, cooperative and easy to teach. In the field it is energetic and quick-thinking.132

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic hunting breed that needs plenty of daily exercise and consistent training.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, close coat needs only simple brushing.1

Company who they like around

Gets along well with other dogs and with people.1

The story where it all began

It comes from old French braques that were crossed with southern pointing breeds in the 19th century, which made it lighter and more agile. Numbers fell sharply around the World Wars, and in 1990 a group of breeders began a programme to rebuild the breed.132

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A dedicated team of breeders took on the breed's revival in 1990, after it had almost vanished.1

  2. 2

    The FCI standard names a preferred height: 61 cm for males and 59 cm for females.1

  3. 3

    It was traditionally prized for hunting hare and partridge.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed originates in the Ariège département of Occitanie, in south-western France, and its name reflects this regional origin.4

Name ideas for your new friend

AriègeBelleBleuCèdreFidèleGastonLavandeMistralPyrèneRivièreRustiqueToulouse

A day in the life told by an Ariège Pointer

I wake up and sniff the air – a rabbit passed by last night. I check all the corners of the garden, then find my human. We go for a long walk in the field. I set off at a trot, head low, tail high. I freeze when I scent a quail. My human says 'good girl'. I bound through the grass, then circle back to check on them. We meet another dog – I wag and bow. At home, I lie on the cool floor, tired but ready. I dream of pointing at the moon.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 177, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 1.1 Continental Pointing Dogs, type Braque; current standard dated 15.09.2023. Wikipedia cites an FCI standard from August 1998.1
UKC
Gun Dog Group; recognised 2006.3

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Ariège Pointer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Ariège Pointer, and at what times?

Feed your Ariège Pointer at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but exact times can vary based on your schedule. For specific amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should an Ariège Pointer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones. For a precise diet, consult your vet.6

How often should I bathe an Ariège Pointer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Ariège Pointer need brushing?

Weekly brushing is perfect for this short, smooth coat. It keeps the coat glossy and removes loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days.17 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Ariège Pointer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a small amount at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Ariège Pointer need?

This energetic hunting breed needs plenty of daily exercise, including walks and playtime. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily activity to keep them happy and healthy. Consistent training also helps channel their energy.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Ariège Pointer's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth a few times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Ariège Pointer live?

Lifespan varies for each dog, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate based on their health and lineage.

Is an Ariège Pointer good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is even-tempered and friendly with people and other dogs. They get along well with children and other pets, especially when socialized early.132

Can an Ariège Pointer be left alone?

It depends on the individual dog's personality and training. Some may handle short periods alone, but this social breed prefers company. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 177 Braque de l'Ariège fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Ariège Pointer - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, uses, exercise needs, history
  3. UKC Braque de l'Ariege ukcdogs.comused for UKC recognition, height, build, colours
  4. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.