Russian Hound vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison

Russian Hound vs Berger Picard - Breed ComparisonBerger Picard is originated from France but Russian Hound is originated from Russia. Both Berger Picard and Russian Hound are having almost same height. Berger Picard may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Russian Hound. Both Berger Picard and Russian Hound has almost same life span. Both Berger Picard and Russian Hound has almost same litter size. Both Berger Picard and Russian Hound requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Hound dog
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France
Russia
Height Male:
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
Height Female:
53 - 64 cm
20 - 26 inches
62 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
Weight Male:
23 - 32 kg
50 - 71 pounds
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
Weight Female:
21 - 31 kg
46 - 69 pounds
36 - 45 kg
79 - 100 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 14 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Picardy Shepherd • Berger de Picard • Bacardi Shepherd • Berger de Picardie Picard
Russkaya Gontchaya
Colors Available:
grey, grey-black, blue-grey, red-grey, and light or darker fawn brindle
Fawnish with darker brown, blackish saddle on the back.
Coat:
harsh, waterproof, tough, tusseled
Short
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

berger picardIn the Picardie region of northeastern France saw visiting Celts/Franks enter the region along with a shepherd dog. They arrived in the Pas de Calais in 800 AD and might be the oldest shepherd dog of France. Named for Pacardy, the Berger Picard is certainly one of the most ancient of today’s French breeds. Some believe this shepherd comes from the lines of Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, while other insist he is related to the Beauceron and Briard.

Never popular as a show dog due to its shaggy appearance, even though it was entered in Frances first dog show in 1863, the breed was almost extinct following the second World War. Currently there are a little under 5000 left in the world with most of them, 3000, in France. The Picard is a good herding dog and loved by the shepherds of the Picardy region. The United Kennel Club recognized the rare breed in 1994, but the AKC did not recognize it until 2016.

The Berger Picard is a loyal, people-oriented dog, good with children and families if socialized as a puppy. In 2006 the Berger Picard Club of America was formed as more and more dogs are being imported from France. There was a genetic study done this year that proposes that 7 breeds of shepherd all descended from a European herding dog that was all over Europe before 1859. This dog was the father of the Berger Picard, the German Shepherd, The Bergamaso Shepherd, the Lupino de Gigante, the Cane Paratore, the Cane da pasore della Lessinia e del Lagorai , and the Pastore d”oropa. After recognition, the Picard was shown for the first time at Krufts in March 2016. They followed that with a best of breed win by Gabby, Guess V.D. Benedicks

russian houndThere are sportsmen and hunters who appreciate the versatile Russian Hound. The Russian Hound has been a popular working breed in its homeland for a long time as it is an ancient dog breed.

This is an ancient dog breed, being developed by crossing common hunting dogs with indigenous ovcharkas and Laikas. Later European hunting dogs were also introduced into the mix.

The dogs numbers have declined but were later revived in the late 1800s. The first breed standard for the Russian Hound was created in 1896. Known as the Russkaya Gontchaya, this tough dog is still popular in all parts of Russia.

Description

berger picard puppy - descriptionThe Berger Picard is a muscular, medium sized, faithful companion. He is especially great with an owner who is athletic and energetic. They have a rugged constitution, slightly longer back, and full tail. The coat is thick, strong and harsh. They are never overweight or bulky. This gives the Berger Picard the look of a mixed breed dog. They have erect ears and thick eyebrows. This lanky looking dog is alert and lively. Movement is efficient, free and tireless. They have strong bones with a sturdy build and a take charge personality.

They have a strong rectangular head that is not massive. His eyes are oval and medium sized, never round or protruding. Eye color should be dark and never yellow. Cheek muscles are strong, and muzzle is smooth, ending abruptly at the nose. Scissors bite, deep chest and round feet. There should not be any dewclaws on the back legs.

russian hound puppy - descriptionThe Russian Hound is a medium to large sized dog. He stands at roughly 62 – 67cm in height and weighs roughly 36 to 45kg. The dog however is available in a number of different sizes.

The coat is fairly short and dense, becoming fuller in Winter. The coat color is fawnish with a darker brown, blackish saddle on the back. The paws have some white markings. The eyes are medium length and the tail is long and held down.

Temperament:

The Russian Hound is a peaceful, calm dog, not making a fuss around strangers, but accepting them well. He may be calm, but he is independent and strong willed.

Training and socialization will be good for him, making him obedient and well mannered.

Characteristics

berger picard dog - characteristicsThe Berger Picard needs to be a part of a pack with an owner who is clearly the pack leader. This is an intelligent, friendly, and sensitive to harsh voice scolding. They are not easy to train, and you need to be calm and patient when working with him. The Picard has a tendency to be stubborn with an owner who appears to be weak. If raised with or socialized to children and other animals, they will live fine with them. They are best in a rural environment rather than a close neighborhood. They are very quiet dogs, but they need a job and they excel at work.

russian hound dog - characteristicsEverybody wants a peaceful, loving dog that can be a good pet and companion without causing a lot of trouble. The Russian hound is a peaceful, loving, loyal dog who is going to make any family a wonderful 4-legged fried.

He can adapt to life in the city or the countryside so long as he is given a good loving home and plenty of exercise.

Health Problems

berger picard puppies - health problemsThe Berger Picard is not a heavy or extra-large dog, but they still can have hip dysplasia, though it is not nearly as prevalent as it is in larger breeds. Eye infections can present in puppies more than adults and hereditary eye issues such as PRA and RD are all too common. (Progressive Retina Atrophy and Retinal Dysplasia)

russian hound puppies - health problemsThe Russian Hound is a healthy breed. Nonetheless even the healthiest dog breeds can become ill.

Good food, exercise and lots of love and attention can ensure a long life for him.

However every dog can have one of the many common dog illnesses there are. Toothache can be a serious problem for your pet because if you don’t look in his mouth you won’t be able to tell if he has a bad, painful tooth.

Dogs can also break their teeth, causing sharp, jutting pieces which cut the gums. They can also get gum disease. Plaque can cause a whole lot of bacteria in your pets mouth. With the increase in bacteria, your dog’s health problems increase too. It is imperative to look in your pets mouth and speak to your vet about canine dental maintenance.

Eye Infections:

Eye infection are a common problem with dogs, and an eye infection can be from allergies. Yellow pus can indicate an infection. It is best to speak to your vet because some eye infections can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

berger picard dogs - caringThis is an athletic and active breed with a lot of energy. They need a high-quality food that is full of nutrients and not empty calories. Don’t overfeed him as some will have a tendency to become obese. They should be fed twice a day in equal proportions. Treats are good when training but don’t overdo it.

Health issues

Since the Berger Picard has not been overbred, there are not a lot of genetic disorders in the breed. They do have some

  1. Hip Dysplasia
  2. Eye Infections
  3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  4. Retinal Dysplasia

You should have your puppy certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and then the Canine Eye Research Foundation that they do not have these issues and if they do, resolve them. The results of these tests should be published in the OFA registry. This breed is also a participant in the Canine Health Information Center. This means their eyes and hips have been checked and the results published. Their blood is being stored for DNA purposes and one of the following have been evaluated: heart, elbows or thyroid. There is an OFA Berger Picard health survey whose results are available to anyone who asks. This does not track individual dogs but the breed as a whole.

Exercise and games

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise. She likes to swim, take long walks, take runs with you on your bike. They love to jog with you as well. Agility, obedience and any other type of competition will appeal to your Picard. However, don’t expect them to excel at competition because they are not consistent performers. But if they don’t get enough exercise and fun they will become very destructive. Barn hunt and non-competitive herding activities are perfect for the Picard.

Exercise:

russian hound dogs - caringAs a hunting dog, you will need to ensure your Russian Hound gets enough exercise. He will love his walks with you but will want to be let off his leash when in the park. He loves the opportunity to run free. Games at home in the garden will also be good for this large dog.

General Care:

Provide your pet with a nice, warm, dry sleeping area.

Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up to date.

Have your dog neutered or spayed to prevent unplanned puppies.

Grooming:

Groom your Russian Hound by brushing him twice a week.

Check him over for lumps while brushing him.

Check inside his ears for signs of redness.

Trim his nails.

Look at his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.

Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as this can cause tremendous pain and also cause toxins to get into the bloodstream.

Diet:

The Russian Hound relies on vitamin and mineral enriched food. The best commercially manufactured dog foods can provide this. These foods are wonderfully convenient. Try not to give your dog dry kibble day after day, but vary it twice a week with some home-made food.

Simply add into one big pot chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This food can all be chopped up and added in to the dry kibble twice a week. It is wonderfully tasty for your your canine friend. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals. Ty and add some raw meat to his food occasionally.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Comparison with other breeds

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