The braque du Bourbonnais was known as a breed even back during the 1500s, perhaps because it was considered (and still is) an excellent quail dog, or for its natural bobtail, or for its very typical roan colouration, things that makes it easy to recognize in old descriptions. Unfortunately, the breeding of these dogs have a history of focusing on, besides hunting ability, almost solely on tail and correct colouration, to the point it was simply too hard for breeders to produce correct specimen, and not a single puppy of this breed could be registered for over a decade during the 1960-1970s. This was remedied during the 1970s and today the breed's genepool appears to be more stable. It is a first class hunting breed for various types of terrain, which makes it an excellent allround dog. It can track but is more adapted to catching scent from the air.

The braque du Bourbonnais has a typical square body and square head and natural bobtail. The body is well-muscled wih a deep and long chest. The skull is rounded with moderate stop and powerful muzzle. The ears are triangular, hanging and set quite high.