French Spaniel vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison

French Spaniel vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed ComparisonFrench Spaniel is originated from France but Cao da Serra de Aires is originated from Portugal. French Spaniel may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Cao da Serra de Aires. Both French Spaniel and Cao da Serra de Aires are having almost same weight. Both French Spaniel and Cao da Serra de Aires has almost same life span. French Spaniel may have more litter size than Cao da Serra de Aires. Both French Spaniel and Cao da Serra de Aires requires Moderate maintenance.

History

french spaniel - historyDeveloped in France and then in Canada, the French Spaniel is a descendent of 14th century hunting dogs. Originally the breed was very popular with the French royalty and nobility at the Court of Versailles, in the Middle Ages. A French Spaniel named Babe was owned by Catherine I of Russia.

Spaniels were mentioned in Gaston III of Foix-Beams’ The Master of the Game, or Livre de Chasse, in 14th Century France. Most believed that Spaniels had been developed during the 11th century Crusades. By 1650 the French Spaniel was differentiated from the King Charles Spaniel and determined to be its own type of spaniel.

In 1805, they were featured in the Sporting Magazine, hunting mallards. The French Spaniel was crossed with English Setters in the !850’s to develop the French Brittany (Spaniel). But by the end of the 19th century, hunting dogs from other countries were outpacing the French Spaniel so much that it was driven to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, a priest named Father Fournier saved the breed by taking all remaining Spaniels to his kennels at St. Hillarie and developing the lines we see in the breed today. This was followed by the founding of the French Spaniel Club in 1921. The various lines of the Spaniels included the French Spaniel of today, the Brittany of today, the Blue Picardy and the Picardy.

The French Spaniel however has been rare outside of its native country and Canada, where it was imported in the 1970’s to French speaking Quebec. Quebec Canadians fell in love with the breed for hunting grouse and woodcock. In order to ensure that the breed would be continued in line with its French standards, the Club de l’Epagneul Francais du Canada began in 1978. By 1985 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the French Spaniel. Soon after they were recognized by the United Kennel Club, the Federation Cynoloqique Internationale, the UK Kennel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, but not the AKC (American Kennel Club). They are also registered with organizations such as the American Canine Association, the Dog Registry of America and the America’s Pet Registry. They have been included in the AKC Foundation Stock Service as the first step toward AKC recognition.

cao da serra de aires - historyAncestors of the Cao da Sera de Aires were used for herding livestock in the Serra de Aires and Alentejo, Portugal. This herding dog is native to Portugal and throughout the 20th Century he was kept as a working dog.

Known also as the Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog or Serra de Aires Mountain Dog, there are some questions surrounding the breed's ancestry as there are few records of dogs before 1900. The dog is thought to be related to the Pyrenean and Catalan Sheepdogs and that it has descended from Briards which were imported into Portugal and crossed with the Pyrenean Sheepdog.

The Cão da Serra de Aires breed standard was accepted by the Portuguese Kennel Club, and the breed was recognized internationally in 1996. The dog was also recognized by the United Kennel Club in the Herding Group in 2006.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
France
Portugal
Height Male:
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
42 - 53 cm
16 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
15 - 27 kg
33 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 10
3 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Portuguese Sheepdog, Portuguese Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
White with brown markings
Fawn, gray, yellow and black
Coat:
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Long, shaggy, single-layer coat,
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

french spaniel puppy - descriptionThe French Spaniel is a very tall dog and as such is one of the spaniel breeds two tallest. They are taller than the English Springer Spaniel, have a deep chest and a muscular build. Their legs are very strong, and they have a thick tail that is never docked. It is long, slightly curved and hangs low. He is an elegant dog with dark amber eyes, long feathery ears, and a nose the color of the coat. If the coat is brown the nose is brown. If the coat is black and white the nose is black. Most French Spaniels are white with brown or dark liver or white with black.

cao da serra de aires puppy - descriptionThe beautiful Cão da Serra de Aires is a medium-sized dog. He stands at 45 to 55 cm at the withers and weighs about 17 to 27 kg. He is recognizable by the long, shaggy, single-layer coat, of straight or slightly wavy hair. Don’t be deceived by the coat as below, the dog has a muscular, athletic body.

The coat comes in different shades such as fawn, gray, yellow and black. The dog has a long tail which is held straight out or down and he has medium-length, floppy ears. You’ve got to look hard, as the facial features of the dog are hidden by its shaggy coat. He has a lot of facial hair that sometimes you have to wonder if he can see out of his eyes.

Temperament:

The Cao da Serra de Aires is a wonderful canine companion and is devoted and loyal, forming strong bonds with their human family. He is a playful, amicable dog and gets on well with children in the home as well as with other pets.

He is intelligent and trainable, and when properly trained and socialized,he becomes an even nicer pet to have around and is obedient to his master’s voice. He is territorial, strong willed and dominant and makes a good watchdog too.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

french spaniel dog - characteristicsYes, they are very good with children.

Special talents

They are great in filed trials as they can flush, point and retrieve.

Adaptability

The breed is very adaptable and can live in the city or in the country.

Learning ability

The breed is very intelligent and trainable.

cao da serra de aires dog - characteristicsThe Cão da Serra de Aires is such a loyal dog to his human family that he makes a splendid pet. He is active, having worked historically at herding and guarding.

Socialization and obedience training ensure that he becomes an exceptional pet and he has a host of positive attributes to his name – he is intelligent, energetic, loyal and loving. He may have been used long ago to guard livestock, but today he is selected as a pet specifically for his excellent companionship and for his protective nature.

Health Problems

french spaniel puppies - health problemsThe French Spaniel is a healthy breed that adapts well to all types of conditions, especially wet ones. There are some potentially serious health issues that the breed may be susceptible to:

Acral Mutilation and Analgesia

This is a very serious inherited disorder. It is one of many Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathies (HSN) disorders. This is an agonizing infliction that causes the dogs to have no pain in certain extremities and therefore the ability to self-mutilate their feet, pads, claws and digits. They lick and bite their feet often amputating footpads, claws, and digits without feeling any pain. This leads to infection and most dogs end up being euthanized. The disorder shows up by 3-4 months of age.

Ear Infections

Make sure the dog’s ears are cleaned regularly to remove wax and prevent infections.

Epilepsy

This disease causes seizures but can be treated with medication.

Hip dysplasia

Can cause lameness and arthritis.

cao da serra de aires puppies - health problemsAs with most dogs that are looked after well, their health can be good. The Cao da Serra de Aires isn’t likely to keep you at the vet often. Just like with any good dog, there are some health disorders that can benefit you to know about.

Being forewarned , you can get your pet to the vet quickly before the illness gets out of hand.

There are some pet owners who want to have their pets tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as well as the Canine Eye Registration Foundation to rule out health defects such as hip dysplasia and cataracts before they manifest themselves in their pets. This is of particular importance to breeders so as to prevent the parent dogs passing bad genetic conditions to the puppies.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a common skeletal disease where the dog’s hip joints don’t develop properly. It can be terribly painful for your pet to get around. It’s a genetic condition and while it is more prevalent in big dogs, any breeds are susceptible.

Your dog will battle along with painful joints and sometimes his hind-end will be lame. You’ll notice that once lying down, he battles to get up again. Fortunately vets are well acquainted with this ailment and they have different options to treat and manage it.

Cataracts:

Cataracts in your dog come about from a disease process which affects the lens of the eye. The eye loses its transparency and impairs vision. There are some instances where cataracts can cause blindness. You’ll see a whitish gray area in your pets eye. The most common cause of cataracts is genetics. Get your pet to the vet who will do certain tests to evaluate the eyes and make a recommendation.

Caring The Pet

Feed the puppy

french spaniel dogs - caringA high quality dry food made for puppies and if possible for Spaniels. Feed two to three times a day about one fourth of a cup each time

Feed the adult

A high quality adult dry food made for Spaniels if possible. Feed twice a day about one half to three fourths of a cup at each meal.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision, stamina and speed.

Games and Exercises

These dog love to run and play. They are smart and learn easily. They like to chase balls, swim, play hide and seek, Find It, and go hiking. They can excel at learning tricks, agility, rally and obedience trials.

cao da serra de aires dogs - caringAs a working dog used to long hours of action, the Cao da Serra de Aires will need lots of activity. He’ll need you taking him for long walks and playing ball games with him. He can become frustrated and destructive when left without any physical stimulation.

Grooming

The Cao da Serra de Aires may have long hair but he isn’t high maintenance. He won’t require professional grooming, but will require a good brush a least twice a week. This is because the long coat can tangle.

To keep him looking his best, you’ll want to be trimming the hair around his paws. Another important grooming task is checking his ears and cleaning them. You have to be careful about cleaning your pet ears if you don’t know how, as it could damage the ears. Your vet can always advise you on how this is done.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  2. Collie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  3. Dutch Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  5. Catahoula Cur vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  6. Catalan Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  7. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  8. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  9. Queensland Heeler vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  10. German Coolie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  11. Croatian Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  12. Red Heeler vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  13. New Zealand Huntaway vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  14. Norwegian Buhund vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  15. Polish Lowland Sheepdog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudi vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  17. Schapendoes vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  18. Nenets Herding Laika vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  19. Scotch Collie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  20. Smithfield vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  21. Smooth Collie vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  23. Swedish Lapphund vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  24. Swedish Vallhund vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  25. Thai Bangkaew vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  30. French Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. French Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. French Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. French Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. French Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. French Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. French Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. French Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Lagotto Romagnolo vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds