Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonBrittany is originated from France but Schweizer Niederlaufhund is originated from Switzerland. Brittany may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Brittany and Schweizer Niederlaufhund are having almost same weight. Brittany may live 3 years less than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Brittany may have more litter size than Schweizer Niederlaufhund. Both Brittany and Schweizer Niederlaufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Hound dog
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France
Switzerland
Height Male:
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
35 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Height Female:
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
33 - 40 cm
12 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
6 - 18 kg
13 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 12
5 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
Small Swiss Hound.
Colors Available:
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
mostly white with orange, tri color, mostly white with black, black with tan
Coat:
Flowing Medium length
smooth or coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

brittanyOne 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.

schweizer niederlaufhundOriginating in Switzerland, the Schweizer Niederlaufhund was established around 1900, when hunting became restricted to districts. The Swiss hunter needed a slower dog for the limited territory they could hunt in. Crossing selected Schweizer Laufhunds with Basset Hounds and other selected smaller, short legged hounds developed the Schweizer Niederlaufhund. By 1905 there was already a Schweizer Niederlaufhund Club.

The Niederlaufhund became one of the best hunting dogs in the world, with its powerful body and ability to outhunt the Laufhund in tracking big game. Slower of course than the Laufhund it has a great sense of smell and an ability to easily find wounded animals. There are a few varieties, just like with the Swiss Hound again mostly because of their coloring. The Luzerner Niederlaufhund, the Jura Neiderlaufhund, and the Schwyzerlaufhund. They have musical voices that they use to communicate with the hunters and each other as well as that amazing sense of smell. They can hunt for hours without tiring and without much information from the hunter.

They are a cross breed not recognized by the larger kennel club such as the AKC and the UKC. They are recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the American Canine Association Inc. (ACA) and most importantly by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI). This last one is important because it could lead to recognition as a new breed by the UKC and the AKC.

Description

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund puppy - descriptionThe Schweizer Niederlaufhund is a medium size, short dog. They look like their cousins, the Schweizer Laufhund but smaller. Their body is just slightly longer than it is tall, so you are left with the impression of a mostly square dog. The Niederlaufhund is well put together, with strong legs, a noble head, long droopy ears, broad chest, and a low held tail.

The Small Lucerne Hound has a white cote with smooth speckles of black or gray making them appear to be blue.

The Small Bernese Hound has a tricolor coat of white, tan and black. There are tan marks on the eyebrows. There is a wire haired Small Bernese as well. He has a short beard.

The Small Schwyz Hound is smooth coated in white with orange or yellow-red patches. The wired haired version is extinct.

The Small Jura Hound is a single coated dog with a black coat and tan marking above his eyes as eyebrows as well. He might have some white as well.

Characteristics

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness – yes, they are but use caution around small children and small prey.

2. Special talents – the breed exhibits and amazing sense of smell.

3. Adaptability - needs room to run and explore – is very frustrated when confined.

4. Learning ability – highly intelligent and eager to learn.

Health Problems

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

schweizer niederlaufhund puppies - health problemsThe Niederlaufhund Is prone to a very medical issues to keep an eye on. They include:

• Hip Dysplasia – This comes from hip joints that are not well formed and cause reduced mobility and pain. Parents can be tested before the dogs are bred to make sure their hips are good, and that dysplasia will not be passed to puppies. This dysplasia can cause arthritis and even lameness.

• Ear Infections – With long drooping ears it is easy for the dog to acquire ear infections. This is even more so for a hunting dog like the Niederlafhund. It is important to clean the dog’s ears on a regular basis.

Caring The Pet

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.

schweizer niederlaufhund dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy - give 1 cup per day of high quality dog food divided into 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – give one and one half cups of high quality dog food divided into 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health - Stamina

4. Games and Exercises – needs a lot of daily exercise and loves field trials, running and activities like barn hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Brittany vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Brittany vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Brittany vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Brittany vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Brittany vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Brittany vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Brittany vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Brittany vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Brittany vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Brittany vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Brittany vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Brittany vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Brittany vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Brittany vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Brittany vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Brittany vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Brittany vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Brittany vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Brittany vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Brittany vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Brittany vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Brittany vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Brittany vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Brittany vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Schweizer Niederlaufhund vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison