Schweizer Laufhund vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison

Schweizer Laufhund vs Braque Francais - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais is originated from France but Schweizer Laufhund is originated from Switzerland. Braque Francais may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than Schweizer Laufhund. Braque Francais may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Schweizer Laufhund. Braque Francais may live 3 years more than Schweizer Laufhund. Braque Francais may have more litter size than Schweizer Laufhund. Both Braque Francais and Schweizer Laufhund requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
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France
Switzerland
Height Male:
47 - 69 cm
18 - 28 inches
47 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Height Female:
45 - 65 cm
17 - 26 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
20 - 55 kg
44 - 122 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
19 - 52 kg
41 - 115 pounds
15 - 20 kg
33 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
3 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog -; Braque Francais, de Grande Taille
Bruno Laufhund, Bruno Jura Laufhund, the Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound French Type, Bruno Hound, Lucerne Hound, the Jura Type French Saint Hubert Hound, and the Schwyz Laufhund., Lucerner Laufhund, Chien Courant Suisse Berner Laufhund, the French Jura Type Saint Hubert Hound, The Saint Hubert Hound Jura Type, Jura Hound, Jura Laufhund, Bern Hound
Colors Available:
brown, Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan marking
different for each line black with tan markings; tan with black mantle or saddle; white with black or tan or orange.
Coat:
thick
coat type short, smooth, and somewhat harsh
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

braque francaisBraque Francais was at first one general breed of hounds in the Gascognes and Pyrenees Mountains areas of France. The one breed became two. Known as the Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees - two separate breeds of very alike dogs. The Gascognes is a lot less common than his smaller brother. Not very much is known about the beginnings of these two strains of Braque Francais as the breed has been around since at least the 15th century. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of the origins of the breeds were lost. A major bloodline search was The conducted in the 19th century and found that these were two very distinct breeds of dog.

It is known that France was the birthplace of this breed and it was developed because of a need for a tracker that could point, flush and retrieve. The Braque Francais Gascogne probably came from the south of France. It is related to the German Shorthair Pointer and the English Pointer as well. Having existed since the 15th century, he was the father of all pointing dogs in France. By the 17th century the breed had grown enough to be called the “old style Braque Francais”,

Though the origin of the breed is not known there are of course several theories about it. The most prevalent belief is that the Braque Francais Gascogne is a descendent of the Chien d’Oysel, a spaniel breed of medium size and white or brown with brown markings. The Chien d’Oysel is an ancient breed used for hunting prior to the 13th century. Hunters crossed the Chien with local dogs on a routine basis.

Braque Francais came out of these breedings. It was probably French Scent hounds that created the larger size of the Gascogne. This also increased the stamina and strength of the Gascogne as opposed to the Pyrenees. There was also a mixing in of the Grand Bleu De Gasgogne and the Petit Bleu De Gasgogne.

The other prominent theory is that this breed the Gasgogne was actually developed from the Portugese, Spanish and Italian pointers rather than the French dogs. These dogs originated not with the Chien d’Oysel but with the scent hounds. From these dogs came the Spanish and English Pointers. All that is truly known is that all of these types of dogs were present in Europe by the fifteenth century and were moved among countries and cross bred regularly. However in the part of France called the Central Pyrenees region and in a small southern part of France the original, old style Braque Francais was pure bred. This aspect of the breed contributed to the development of all of the French pointers and European shorthaired dogs. By the end of the 1800’s today’s breed was developed.

In 1850 the first Braque Francais breed club was established and in the breed standards for both dogs followed in 1880. They were then registered in the French Kennel Club and the International Kennel Club (FCI). The French Kennel Club does not allow dogs with any common ancestors in Generations 1-3 into the Club in order to keep out the practice of inbreeding. In Canada only the Gascogne is recognized and the United States’ United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes both. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize either.

With most local regions and countries choosing their local dogs over other breeds, the Braque Francais Gascogne has become fairly rare outside of France where the breed was the most popular gun dog throughout the 1700’s. The Gascogne was mostly a dog of the hunting nobility because of its size and food needs. Following the French Revolution, the breed fell off dramatically, while the smaller Pyrenees continued to thrive. This was because in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Southwestern region of Gascony, the English Pointer never supplanted the Braque Francais.

The Second World War was brutal to the Braque Francais Gascognes and as it recovered it became much less common than its sister breed. Today it is found almost exclusively in France.

schweizer laufhundThe Schweizer Laufhund is a breed born in Switzerland and sought after by the French and the Italians for their skill at hunting small mammals, especially hare. Mercenaries brought scent hounds from France to Switzerland and cross bred them with the Schweizer Laufhund, thereby influencing and changing the native breed.

In 1882 it was established that within the breed of “Swiss Hound” (Schweizer Laufhund) there were five different varieties. At this time a standard was written for each of these five different types. By 1909 the standards were revisited and revised, eliminating the hound of Thurgovie. Then in 1933 it was decided that one standard would cover all the varieties of the Schweizer Laufhund.

The Schweizer Laufhund was a line used to develop many different scent hounds. They are used almost exclusively as hunting dogs and not as family companion dogs. St. Hubert Jura Hound, the rare ancient variety, is still in the hunting parties of Canada and France. The breed existed before any dog breeding written records were kept. In Switzerland from the middle ages on, the Schweizer Laufhund was the only hunting dog in the country until recent times.

Even though they didn’t have any popularity until the European nobility became enamored of them in the middle ages, it is thought by some that they date back to the Roman Empire. In actuality most of their pre- Swiss history has been lost. We do know that through the years the breed has been influenced by cross breeding with Austrian, German and French scent hounds.

He is not recognized by the larger kennel clubs such as AKC or UKC, but by some rare breed associations. The dogs that remain today in the United States, Canada and Europe are still mainly owned by either active or retired hunters. Despite their great personalities, they are still not numerous among family pets.

Description

braque francais puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais Gascogne is a larger dog than the Pyrenees breed and is a very handsome dog. Both have a deep chest, a solid bodies, strong and slender legs and are well-proportioned. They have padded, round paws and a large brown head with floppy ears. The muzzle is a pointed block and he has a scissors bite, with a black nose and dark or amber eyes. The eyes are very expressive and round. The tail can be straight and long, or it can be docked. They are tall and athletic.

schweizer laufhund puppy - descriptionA medium sized dog with good endurance and strength. Its head is lean, and its muzzle is long making this a very noble looking breed. Each of the 5 varieties has some of its own characteristics. They all have short, fine hairs on their ears and heads and longer hairs on their legs and back.

Each variety can be identified by its colors as they are unique.

• Bernese – White with a black saddle or black patches and tan on the ears and face.

  • Schwyz – A white dog with marking of orange.
  • Bruno Jura – Black with tan markings and Tan with black saddle marks.

• Lucernese – Because they have white and black hair mixed across their bodies, they appear to be “blue”.

  • St. Hubert Jura – Tan with a black saddle.

The Schweizer Laufhund come in miniature and standard sizes fitting into the same standard. Weight has a lot to do with the gender and height of the individual dog, they are longer than they are tall. As a scent hound, the breed is muscular and sturdy. They carry their long tails in a slight curve with a taper at the end.

Despite the different colors in the different varieties all of the breed have black noses, long droopy ears, and oval, brown eyes. They have a soft, calm and gentle facial expression.

Characteristics

braque francais dog - characteristicsThis is a working breed, but they are nevertheless friendly and loyal to their families. They want to please their people and are usually docile. They love kids and are good as a first ever dog. They are friendly and even-tempered. They tolerate people they do not know but can be shy and are not guard dogs. instead they are loving, affectionate and people oriented. They need to be with their families and never left outside alone. They can develop separation anxiety.

schweizer laufhund dog - characteristics1Children friendliness - they can be very gentle and loving with children. Toddlers might remind them of prey, however.

2.Special talents – they have great stamina.

3.Adaptability – adapts well if he gets enough exercise.

4.Learning ability -their learning ability is high, but they can be very stubborn.

Health Problems

braque francais puppies - health problemsThe Braque Francais is a fairly healthy breed. They are susceptible to certain health conditions that most dogs of their size and working history are susceptible to. These include Patellar luxation which seems to be one of the most common problems for them. They also can have hip and/or elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis which is a narrowing of the aorta, and some eye issues such as ectropion, entropion, and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy as well as cataracts.

schweizer laufhund puppies - health problemsThere are a few health issues that the Schweizer Laufhund is prone to. As an ancient breed there is not a lot of genetic evidence of breed health issues but there is more recent reporting.

  • Hip Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.
  • Cataracts – can result in blindness.
  • Elbow Dysplasia – can result in lameness, arthritis and inability to hunt.

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – hereditary – can result in blindness.

  • Ear Infections – due to long droopy ears. Keep them clean.

• Ectropion and Entropion – eyelid misalignments either inward or outward. Can be corrected with surgery.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque francais dogs - caringThis is a high energy, working dog with a need for a high-quality energy food or raw food that you make up yourself. Be sure to include chicken, beef and fish. Feed him about 3 cups once a day or 1.5 cups twice a day.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above, his long floppy ears can lead to ear infections if not cared for. Wash them out daily. He is also susceptible to bloat so don’t feed him large meals and don’t let him exercise or work right before or right after exercise.

Exercise and games

These dogs have a variety of hunting skills. They are not only pointers but can flush, trail and retrieve. The Gascogne is not as quick as the Pyrenees. They need a lot of exercise daily or they need a hunting job. They would do well with barn hunt, lure coursing and free play in an off leash fenced in area. If they don’t get rid of their energy, they can be destructive. They were bred to hunt and cannot resist the chase,

schweizer laufhund dogs - caring. Feeding the puppy – as an active working breed they should be fed a high quality active or working breed kibble formula.

2.Feeding the adult - the adult should be fed the same active or working breed formula, only in an adult formulation.

3.Points for Good Health – stamina

4. Games and Exercises – this active breed does require a lot of daily exercise. Take them on at least one good, quick walk per day and give them a fenced yard to play in. They love hunting training and field trials along with activities like barn hunt. They love to run alongside as you bike or jog.

Comparison with other breeds

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