Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonBoth Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Berger Picard are originated from France. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than Berger Picard. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may weigh 23 kg / 51 pounds more than Berger Picard. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Berger Picard has almost same life span. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Berger Picard has same litter size. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and Berger Picard requires Low maintenance.

History

braque francais pyrenean type - historyThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

berger picard - historyIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
France
Height Male:
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Colors Available:
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Coat:
fine and short
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

braque francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

Characteristics

braque francais pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

Health Problems

braque francais pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  4. Blue Healer vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  6. Catahoula Cur vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  7. Catalan Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  8. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  9. Bergamasco vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  10. Berger Picard vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  12. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Berger Picard vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  14. Berger Picard vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  15. Berger Picard vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  16. Berger Picard vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  17. Berger Picard vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  19. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  20. Queensland Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  21. German Coolie vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  22. Bohemian Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  23. Croatian Sheepdog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  24. Red Heeler vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  25. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  26. East Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  28. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  31. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  32. Field Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  33. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  34. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque Francais vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  36. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  37. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  40. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  43. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  44. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque Saint-Germain vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds