Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed ComparisonBriquet Griffon Vendeen is originated from France but Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland. Briquet Griffon Vendeen may grow 17 cm / 6 inches shorter than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Briquet Griffon Vendeen may weigh 46 kg / 101 pounds lesser than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Both Briquet Griffon Vendeen and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has almost same life span. Briquet Griffon Vendeen may have less litter size than Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires High Maintenance. But Greater Swiss Mountain Dog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
undefined
France
Switzerland
Height Male:
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
65 - 72 cm
25 - 29 inches
Height Female:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
60 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 24 kg
48 - 53 pounds
60 - 70 kg
132 - 155 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
55 - 70 kg
121 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Medium Vendéen Griffon
GSMD, Swissy, Sennenhund
Colors Available:
white and orange, tricolor, White and black, black and tan
Black, white and rust
Coat:
double
Short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

briquet griffon vendeenThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen, a product of France is a hunting down bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The two dogs are descendants of the Gaul’s Canis sequsius and the Gris de St. Louis hounds. They are one of four dogs with rough coats from the Vendeen area along France’s west coast. Many of these lines were decimated by the Second World War and are still not found in France today.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen survived the war due to a French dog show judge named Hubert Dezamy, who restored the breed and it is mainly a show dog today. Many of Frances royalty prior to the French Revolution favored the breed as show dogs as well. The Briquet was originally developed for hunting of smaller game and is a scent hound. The larger Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in the hunt for large game, namely wolves and boar.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is recognized by the UKC and the FCI but not by the AKC and the breed is hardly known outside of France

greater swiss mountain dogHailing from Switzerland, and one of its oldest dog breeds, the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a dubious history in that there are a number of theories as to its origin. He is closely related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and Rottweiler.

Of all the theories, the one that says he is descended from large, mastiff-like dogs is a popular one. He used to be a herding- and guard dog, but also was used to pull carts of farm produce.

It was in the 1900s that the dog’s numbers started dwindling. In 1908, canine researcher, Albert Heim recognized the dogs as being large members of the Sennenhund type, a family of four breeds that includes the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

He wanted to see the dogs recognized as a separate breed and the Swiss Kennel Club listed the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog in 1909.

In 1968 they were brought to the United States and a club for them was formed. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 with the dog being recognized as a member of the Working group.

Description

briquet griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionThis medium sized dog is stocky and well proportioned. He looks very much like the Grand Griffon Vendeen only smaller. It is less muscular than other hound dogs and it holds its tail up when working. The head is short with a medium/long muzzle. It has low set ears and a flat skull with large, dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows. It also has a mustache.

greater swiss mountain dog puppy - descriptionSwissies, as they are often referred to as, are large, robust dogs, standing at 65–72cm and weighing anything between 50 – 70kg, with the females being slightly smaller and weighing a little less.

He has big, rounded paws, medium length floppy ears, a broad chest and a long tail. This is a heavy-boned dog, strong while still being agile.

His dense, double coat is black, white and tan or rust, with black on top of the dog's back, ears, tail and legs. There are two rust dots above each eye. The coat can be short and straight to medium length, coarse and wavy. The dog sheds throughout the year with a major shedding a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a sociable canine, thriving on being part of a loving human family. While he used to be a working farm dog, today he is essentially a family pet, though he loves to still be busy.

He is generally friendly with strangers, but just like with all other dog breeds, he will need to be trained and socialized to turn him into an even-tempered, obedient dog, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the the home.

Characteristics

briquet griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a smart, attentive and sensitive dog. It is easy to train. They are loyal and bond quickly with their owner/trainer. These are enthusiastic dogs with a lot of stamina and get along with dogs and children. They don’t like to be told what to do. They respond well if you bribe them with treats or play with them. They are patient, extroverted and happy dogs.

greater swiss mountain dog dog - characteristicsThe Swissy is an easy going dog and adapts easily into his human family’s lifestyle. He is big, but agile dog known for his gentle temperament.

While he loves the outdoors, he is a social dog and loves nothing more than coming indoors and being close to his human family.

He loves his family and won’t do well if left outside for days without human companionship. Treat him well and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving 4-legged family member.

Health Problems

briquet griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThey are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:

Aseptic Meningitis

This is a frightening disease if you find your dog has it. It is characterized by a high fever and an intense hypersensitivity to touch. Aseptic Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection and the most common ones include:

Ear infections

Sinus infection

Bite wounds – infected

Severe Allergic Reaction to something – may take medication

Ear Infections – long droopy ears can get infected

Deafness – white dog can be born deaf

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – bone doesn’t fit well into joint

Patellar luxation – dislocated knee cap

Glaucoma- Increased pressure in the eyes

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy - Seizures

greater swiss mountain dog puppies - health problemsThe GSMD or Sennenhund, as his name is shortened to, is a fairly healthy dog breed, with very few health issues.

He has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, and although not likely, he can suffer from minor problems such as gastric torsion as well as female urinary incontinence. If your female dog is dribbling urine in her sleep, there are a number of reasons that can be causing it - bladder infections, a medical condition or a weakened bladder with spayed female dogs.

It is certainly time to get your pet to the vet who will recommend a urinalysis.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

briquet griffon vendeen dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Give her at least 2 meals of high quality dry food – two and one half to three cups daily.

Health issues

Aseptic Meningitis can result in death.

Ear Infections can cause meningitis

Deafness – born with this

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – lameness, arthritis

Patellar luxation - lameness

Glaucoma - blindness

Eye Issues -blindness

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy – could be fatal

Exercise and games

Every type of Griffon is a strong hunter and has strong instincts. The Briquet is no different. They need to be able to hunt as this is one of the strongest of scent hounds. They need a fenced in yard at the very least to explore and smell. They also enjoy long walks with new smells. Stay in shape because your Briquet Griffon Vendeen has stamina to share.

They love to play in leu of hunting. The games they love include frisbee, retrieving balls, and learning new tricks. They need mental stimulation as well as physical.

Diet:

greater swiss mountain dog dogs - caringThe Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a robust dog and thrives on a diet of kibble to raw meat to some cooked home-made food such as chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

A serious issue with the GSMD is overfeeding, resulting in uncomfortable digestive problems and of course, obesity.

Exercise:

Your GSMD isn’t a dog that is going to require a lot of exercise like some of the other dog breeds there are, but still his working career of the past requires that he still be taken on daily walks, enjoys ball- and rope games and to go swimming.

Grooming:

Brush your dogs coat at least twice a week to remove loose hears. Other grooming aspects include cleaning the ears to avoid infection, clipping his nails and brushing his teeth at least twice a week.

If you’re not sure how to do all these things, there are useful accessories for dogs that allow you to do all this grooming on your own. Your vet can also show you how as these are all things that will require ongoing attention.

Comparison with other breeds

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