French Spaniel vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

French Spaniel vs Boerboel - Breed ComparisonBoerboel is originated from South Africa but French Spaniel is originated from France. Boerboel may grow 7 cm / 3 inches higher than French Spaniel. Boerboel may weigh 68 kg / 150 pounds more than French Spaniel. Both Boerboel and French Spaniel has same life span. Both Boerboel and French Spaniel has same litter size. Boerboel requires Low Maintenance. But French Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Sporting dog
undefined
South Africa
France
Height Male:
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
56 - 63 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
10 - 22 kg
22 - 49 pounds
Weight Female:
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
8 - 20 kg
17 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 10
Size:
Large
Medium
Other Names:
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Epagneul Français French Setter Canadian Setter
Colors Available:
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
White with brown markings
Coat:
Short and dense
Straight, or slightly wavy and of medium length.
Shedding:
Minimal, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

boerboelThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

french spanielDeveloped 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.

Description

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

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.

Characteristics

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

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.

Health Problems

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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