Tweed Water Spaniel vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison

Tweed Water Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Griffon Nivernais is originated from France. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais are having almost same height. Tweed Water Spaniel may weigh 7 kg / 16 pounds more than Griffon Nivernais. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais has almost same life span. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais has same litter size. Both Tweed Water Spaniel and Griffon Nivernais requires Moderate maintenance.

History

The Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct. Fortunately, we have some beautiful dogs that come from this dog. It is involved in bringing about the Golden Retriever. They were athletic dogs from Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It was in 1816 that Richard Lawrence wrote of the origins of the Tweed Water Spaniel which is thought to have come from the Newfoundland dog. It is believed that huntsmen used these dogs to retrieve the ducks and geese they shot. This purebred dog wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI.

griffon nivernais - historyThe Griffon Nivernais is a working breed dog originating in France and used as a hunting dog because of his exceptional scent skills and his alertness with hunting.

The idea was to develop a dog that looked much like the hunting dogs of the Middle Ages. French noblemen kept these dogs but the breed disappeared somewhat after the French Revolution, being restored again in 1925.

The restoration of the breed was done based on the Grand Griffon Vendeen but other breeds were also used such as the Otter- and Foxhounds. The breed has yet to receive official recognition by the AKC but it is recognized by both the FCI and the UKC.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
55 - 62 cm
21 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
22 - 25 kg
48 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 6
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ladykirk Spaniel
Chien Gris de St. Louis, Grey Dogs of St. Louis
Colors Available:
Liver
Grey and fawn, black and fawn
Coat:
Medium length, wavy to curly
Long, shaggy, coarse
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
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

The Tweed Water Spaniel had a curly liver-colored coat with a long feathery tail and medium-sized floppy ears. It is thought that he was a large dog standing at between 50 to 60cm in height and weighing between 25 and 32kg.

The Tweed Water Spaniel, regarded as a moderate shedder, would have required being brushed from time to time.

Temperament:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had so many wonderful characteristics that made him a splendid family pet. He was smart and able to learn basic commands. He was also very playful and would have made a robust, playful friend for children.

They made gentle, loyal companions for their human family and wee able to get on well with other pets in the home. They would have got on well with other pets in the home too and it is believed that they were amicable enough to have been suited as a therapy dog.

They made good watchdogs too, being active and alert, just loving the outdoors. They’re well suited to life in the country or a home with a big garden and wouldn’t like to be cooped up on a small property in the city.

griffon nivernais puppy - descriptionAs a medium sized dog, the Griffon Nivernais stands at 55 to 62cm in height and weighs between about 22 and 25kg.

He is recognized easily by his distinctive rough or shaggy coat which is a grey with fawn around the muzzle and legs. Other colors can be black and fawn. Sometimes this blend of colors gives him a grizzled look in appearance.

He is also noted for the hairy eyebrows, a beard and mustache. He has dark brown eyes, black nose, long floppy ears and a tail that is held upright and with a slight curve. He is a muscular dog with a deep chest and a slight arch in the back.

Temperament:

Stubborn, courageous and independent, the Griffon Nivernais is a hunting dog with amazing scenting abilities. He is a dog used to working in a pack with other dogs so he tolerates other dogs well. He is a friendly dog, getting on well with children as well.

Characteristics

Intelligent, courageous and friendly, it seems such a pity that the Tweed Water Spaniel is extinct because he seemed to have been a super dog.

Luckily we have dogs such as the Golden Retriever that remind us of what a good family pet he was.

griffon nivernais dog - characteristicsYour Griffon Nivernais is a sociable, stubborn, independent dog who loves to be around his human family members.

Socialization and training will do him good and round him off, making him obedient and responsive to your commands. He isn't an aggressive dog, but is even tempered and confident.

Exercise him well, feed him quality food, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep, just like any other family member of yours, and you'll be rewarded with the companionship of a faithful, loving friend.

Health Problems

Because this dog is extinct and because no health records were kept, it is assumed that he would have had the same health issues as a Golden Retriever. Typical health issues of this dog would include hip dysplasia, obesity, cardiomyopathy.

Obesity:

This is a preventable disease in dogs, and if dog owners only knew what damage they do by allowing their dogs to become obese. Certainly, obesity shortens a dog’s life.

It is mind-boggling to realize that scientific evidence tells us that fat tissue is biologically active, secreting inflammatory hormones and also putting stress on the dog’s joints. Obese dogs develop an increased risk for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy:

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle characterized by an enlarged heart. The heart doesn’t function properly with the ventricles becoming enlarged. The muscle wall of the heart becomes thinner and this causes the heart to lose the ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Fluid can accumulate in the lungs. This can all lead to congestive heart failure. Your dog will battle to breathe, be panting and coughing, have an extended abdomen and may even collapse.

griffon nivernais puppies - health problemsThe typical lifespan for your Griffon Nivernais is 10 to 14 years. Even though you're highly unlikely to spend much time with him at the vet, there are one or two common dog illnesses worth knowing about -

Ear Infections:

It is the fate of many dogs with floppy ears that they are prone to developing ear infections. You may notice him shaking his head canine, his ears may be red and there could even be a discharge.Get him to the vet as ear infections can be promptly treated with a course of medication.

Immunizations:

Remember to have your Griffon Nivernais puppy vaccinated at 6 weeks of age. Puppies are vulnerable to horrible diseases which can sap the very life from them. These diseases are distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus as well as rabies. The puppy’s first vaccinations should be at 6 weeks of age followed by a second vaccination 2 to 4 weeks later.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

The Tweed Water Spaniel had floppy ears and as a water dog, he may well have had ear infections in his day. One wonders if dog owners of that time were aware of the need to have the inside of the dog's ears clean and dry.

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have needed to have his eyes checked too. Pus in the eyes could indicate the dog wasn’t well.

Exercise:

The Tweed Water Spaniel would have required a lot of exercise and would have loved long walks and hikes. He wouldn’t need an invitation to go swimming and if you threw a stick or ball into the water, he’d be right there, jumping right in.

If you were a person that thrived on an active life this dog would have been for you.

Diet:

Nobody really knows what the Tweed Water Spaniel would have eaten in the 19th century when he was around. He’s the kind of dog you’d have to be careful with as he could put on weight easily.

If he were around today, you’d give him a high quality commercially manufactured food that was designed for large, active dogs. No doubt in those days, the owners gave the dog scraps off the table.

Today if you wanted to give your dog home-made food, you’d stick to healthy foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some healthy vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Puppies would have required 4 bowls of food a day while the adult dog would require 2 meals a day.

Exercise:

griffon nivernais dogs - caringThis breed needs to be walked daily, and he needs a large space to run and play. Take him on walks, to the park, or give him a good game with ropes and balls.

Grooming:

In spite of his long, shaggy coat, the Griffon Nevernais doesn't need any special grooming and his shaggy coat will require brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. When you brush him, you can also check for fleas and ticks.You get special flea combs for this. You can speak to your vet about recommendations too.

Because his coat is of a harsh texture it doesn't tangle or matt. Bathing will only be necessary when he becomes super dirty as too much bathing removes natural oils. He will need to have his nails trimmed if they don't wear down naturally, and he will also need to have his ears cleaned to keep them free of wax and dirt and to prevent ear infections.

Brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week will also help towards preventing dental disease.

Diet:

He is a high energy dog so he will need to get top quality food. You can feed him the best commercially manufactured food but its to his advantage to include some home-made food too such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. He'll also need some raw meat from time to time and a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Breed Comparison
  3. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Wirehaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison
  5. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Gordon Setter - Breed Comparison
  6. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Magyar Agar - Breed Comparison
  7. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Eurohound - Breed Comparison
  8. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  9. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Blanc et Orange - Breed Comparison
  10. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore - Breed Comparison
  11. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Tweed Water Spaniel vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  14. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  15. Tweed Water Spaniel vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  17. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  18. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  19. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  20. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  21. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  22. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  23. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Mixed - Breed Comparison
  24. Tweed Water Spaniel vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  25. Sakhalin Husky vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Water Dog vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  27. Puli vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  28. McNab vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  29. Porcelaine vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  30. Griffon Nivernais vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  31. Griffon Nivernais vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Griffon Nivernais vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Griffon Nivernais vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  34. Griffon Nivernais vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  35. Griffon Nivernais vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  36. Griffon Nivernais vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  37. Griffon Nivernais vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  38. Griffon Nivernais vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Griffon Nivernais vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Griffon Nivernais vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  41. Griffon Nivernais vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  42. Griffon Nivernais vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  43. Griffon Nivernais vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  44. Griffon Nivernais vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Nivernais vs Canaan Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Griffon Nivernais vs Greek Harehound - Breed Comparison
  47. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  48. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  49. Pumi vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds