Tea Cup Chihuahua vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonFrench Brittany is originated from France but Tea Cup Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. French Brittany may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Tea Cup Chihuahua. French Brittany may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Tea Cup Chihuahua. Both French Brittany and Tea Cup Chihuahua has almost same life span. French Brittany may have more litter size than Tea Cup Chihuahua. French Brittany requires Low Maintenance. But Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Toy dog
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France
Mexico
Height Male:
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
Height Female:
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 13 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 4
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Toy Chihuahuas
Colors Available:
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
Coat:
flowing , medium length
long haired and short dense coarse hair
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

french brittanyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

tea cup chihuahuaChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

Description

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

Characteristics

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

Health Problems

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Comparison with other breeds

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