Greek Sheepdog vs Brittany - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Greek Sheepdog vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonGreek Sheepdog is originated from Greece but Brittany is originated from France. Greek Sheepdog may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Brittany. Greek Sheepdog may weigh 30 kg / 67 pounds more than Brittany. Both Greek Sheepdog and Brittany has almost same life span. Greek Sheepdog may have less litter size than Brittany. Greek Sheepdog requires Moderate maintenance. But Brittany requires Low maintenance

History

greek sheepdog - historyKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

brittany - historyOne of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.

The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.

There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.

Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Greece
France
Height Male:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 12
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Colors Available:
White with red, black or brown markings
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Coat:
Thick, double-coat, long hair
Flowing Medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

brittany puppy - descriptionThe Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.

Characteristics

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

brittany dog - characteristicsThe Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.

Health Problems

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

brittany puppies - health problemsThe breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:

Ears – prone to infections

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

brittany dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.

Health issues

Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.

Exercise and games

The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  6. Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  7. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  10. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  11. Pudelpointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  12. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  13. Ariege Pointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  14. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  28. Labrador Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  29. Mackenzie River Husky vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pyredoodle vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  31. Lurcher vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  32. Maremma Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  33. Sarplaninac vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  34. Himalayan Mastiff vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  35. Mountain View Cur vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  36. Native American Indian Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  37. Greenland Dog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  38. Komondor vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Greek Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  41. Greek Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  42. Greek Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  43. Greek Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  44. Greek Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  45. Greek Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  46. Greek Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  47. Greek Sheepdog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  50. Greek Sheepdog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds