Fila Brasileiro vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison

Fila Brasileiro vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed ComparisonBraque du Bourbonnais is originated from France but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Braque du Bourbonnais may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Braque du Bourbonnais may weigh 55 kg / 121 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Both Braque du Bourbonnais and Fila Brasileiro has same life span. Braque du Bourbonnais may have less litter size than Fila Brasileiro. Braque du Bourbonnais requires Low Maintenance. But Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
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France
Brazil
Height Male:
51 - 57 cm
20 - 23 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
49 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 25 kg
39 - 56 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 22 kg
35 - 49 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Bourbonnais Pointer • Bourbonnais Pointing Dog • French Pointing Dog • French Pointer • Braques Francaises • Braque Bourbonnais
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
White, with fine brown or fawn ticking
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
fine, short, dense
Short and dense
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Gentle, Intelligent, Quiet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

braque du bourbonnaisThe Braque du Bourbonnais is an ancient breed, seen in the 15th century in France in the province of Bourbonnais. He became extremely popular with hunters by the 1800’s as a good pointer. He has become very popular in the United States and all of North America. There are often more puppies born in the U.S. than in France. The British call this breed the Bourbonnais Pointing Dog.

As with so many European hunting and working dogs, the Braque du Bourbonnais almost disappeared following World War I but was saved by the first breed club, established in 1925. Then following World War II, they were again in danger as the club dissolved and birth rates among the breed decreased drastically.

Actually, there were no dogs at all in the French registry between 1963 and 1973. This was attributed to the fact that the registry put more emphasis on the secondary characteristics such as color, length of tail) instead of the hunting characteristics. Because of this some hunter-breeders vowed to bring the real Braque du Bourbonnais back.

Michel Comte took on this task in 1970 but could not find any dogs with pure Bourbonnais blood. So, he took missed breed with characteristics like the Bourbonnais and inbred several litters until he had a dog he was satisfied with. He registered this dog with the LOF in 1973-75. Seeing this several other breeders got into the act and they successfully brought the breed back.

Michel became president of the new Club du Braque du Bourbonnais in 1981 and remained so until 2001. During this time the breed excelled at field trials and was first sent to the U.S. in 1988. The breed is now thriving in both Europe and North America.

fila brasileiroHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

Description

braque du bourbonnais puppy - descriptionThis is an elegant breed with a medium sized, muscular bod and a round head. The nose will be the color of the coat and the muzzle is cone shaped with a wide base. He has large dark or hazel eyes, again depending on the color of the coat. The ears can drop below the throat and the neck is very muscular. He has a deep, wide chest and straight, muscular legs. The coat can come in two colors – liver and fawn – and ticked or spotted. They have a typical short pointer type tail.

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

Characteristics

braque du bourbonnais dog - characteristicsThe Braque du Bourbonnais is a gentle, calm dog. He is affectionate and kind when off the job but intelligent, adaptable and serious when hunting. They are intense when learning or hunting and they will learn quickly. They are good with other dogs.

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.

Health Problems

This medium sized pointer can suffer from:

Hip Dysplasia – can be tested

braque du bourbonnais puppies - health problemsEntropion - both of these are issues with eyelashes turning inward or outward and both can

Ectropion - injure the eye

Pulmonic Stenosis of the heart – valve doesn’t open

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque du bourbonnais dogs - caringThis breed is prone to weight gain and obesity. Be careful not to overfeed them. Don’t free feed them but give them 2-3 smaller meals per day.

Health issues

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Entropion - both of these are issues with eyelashes turning inward or outward and both can

Ectropion - injure the eye

Pulmonic Stenosis of the heart- minor will have no symptoms but eventually the heart will not be able to function efficiently and could lead to congestive heart failure.

Exercise and games

The Braque du Bourbonnais needs at least a minimum amount of exercise daily , especially if he is not used for hunting. A fenced backyard for playtime would be perfect but long walks will work. He likes to learn tricks, play ball or hide and seek. Outside activities could include hiking, swimming, agility, retrieving, rally and obedience trials, along with the usual field trials.

Exercise and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Comparison with other breeds

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  25. Fila Brasileiro vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Braque du Bourbonnais vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Braque du Bourbonnais vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Braque du Bourbonnais vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Braque du Bourbonnais vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Braque du Bourbonnais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison