Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonBoth Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Brittany are originated from France. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than Brittany. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Brittany are of same weight. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Brittany has same life span. Petit Bleu de Gascogne may have less litter size than Brittany. Both Petit Bleu de Gascogne and Brittany requires Low maintenance.

History

petit bleu de gascogne - historyThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a scenthound dog originating in France where he has always been used as a hunting dog.

The Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a descendant of the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. This dog was developed around the 16th century already, with the numbers of the dog being reduced at the time of the World Wars.

They’re quite well known in France, but not in any other parts of the world. The dog is an official member of the UKC, and it was in 1991 that the dog joined their scent hound group.

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:
France
France
Height Male:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
52 - 58 cm
20 - 23 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 13 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
1 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Colors Available:
Mottled black, giving appearance of slate grey or blue
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
Coat:
Short and smooth
Flowing Medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

petit bleu de gascogne puppy - descriptionThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a medium to large sized dog which stands at between 52 to 58cm in height at the withers and weighs in the region of 18 to 22kg.

In fact, the only difference between the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the original Bleu de Gascogne is its size. They’re well proportioned dogs and they have lean, muscular bodies. The head is long and slim, the nose black, the expression gentle and unthreatening.

Most times you’ll find a black patch on each side of the head which extends to the ears so that the ears are essentially black. The patch also extends to around the eyes.

The dense, short coat is a typical trademark feature, with the color of the coat being white mottled with black so that the general appearance is a slate blue color. The dog usually has tan eyebrows over each eye. The tail is long and the ears long and floppy.

Temperament:

Kept essentially as a pet today, the Petit Bleu de Gascogne has kept its hunting instincts and is an excellent scent-dog, being able to follow a scent for miles. It is why you want to ensure that as a pet, you take him on regular walks, every day in fact. He just loves to get out, and given the chance to run and chase a scent.

Apart from his hunting skills, he still makes an excellent pet, being loyal and loving with his human family. He is looked upon as being amicable and well-balanced, getting on well with children as well as dogs in the home.

They’re quite laid-back and friendly, so they don’t make particularly good watchdogs. They are independent and intelligent and will respond well to training and socialization.

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

petit bleu de gascogne dog - characteristicsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne just loves being outdoors, chasing the scent of something interesting. He is in his element outside as a hunting or tracking dog.

Training and socialization will always be a good idea for these dogs, as once on the scent he may be inclined to ignore your calls and not return easily.

They’re easy-going dogs, loving be around their human family. Provide well for him and you will find that he makes an amicable, loyal and devoted companion.

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

petit bleu de gascogne puppies - health problemsThe Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy dog with no unusual health problems being documented. With good care, he can generally live to be 11, 12 or 13 years of age. Nonetheless it is a good idea to be aware of some of the horrible dog illnesses that can strike, even though it is highly unlikely.

Bloat:

Your Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a deep chested dog and this simply means it can develop bloat. A swollen stomach, lethargy and trying to vomit are just some of the signs of this ailment which can become deadly if not attended to. The stomach can twist with bloat and this is when things get serious.

Ear Infections:

Floppy eared dogs are always at risk of ear infections and these can be painful for your pet. You will notice him scratching at his ears or shaking his head and then its time to investigate further for redness or discharge.

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:

petit bleu de gascogne dogs - caringLuckily the Petit Bleu de Gascogne is a fairly low maintenance dog who will basically require a good brush twice a week to rid him of loose hairs and to keep his coat nice and shiny.

Take the time while brushing him to test for any unusual lumps on his body. Check inside his ears too, because as a floppy eared dog, there can be a build-up of wax, debris and dampness and these can all cause bacteria and an ear infection.

Check his eyes too as well as inside his mouth. He can’t tell you when he’s got terrible tooth ache from a rotting tooth and you need to check for this. Bad teeth can cause all kinds of health issues.

Diet:

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market which have got the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Some of the lower quality foods have got bad ingredients such as colorants and fillers and these can actually be toxic for your pet.

It’s always wise to add a little bit of home-made food into your pet’s diet and then simple, nutritious foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach can do him the world of good. Just chop it up and add it into the dried kibble every other night when you feed your pet. A bit of raw meat occasionally can also be healthy for him.

Always ensure there’s a bowl of fresh, cool water available to him.

Ensure your pet has a nice comfortable, dry place to sleep.

Never ever leave your pet alone in a hot car.

Make sure your puppy has his puppy vaccines to avoid some life-threatening diseases.

Have your dog spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

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. Sakhalin Husky vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  4. Porcelaine vs Petit Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  5. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  6. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  8. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  9. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  10. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  11. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  12. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  13. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  15. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  16. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  20. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  21. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  22. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  24. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  25. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  31. Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  32. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  36. Pudelpointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  37. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  38. Ariege Pointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  39. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds