St. Bernard vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

St. Bernard vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonBraque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France but St. Bernard is originated from Switzerland. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than St. Bernard. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may weigh 35 kg / 77 pounds lesser than St. Bernard. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) may live 5 years more than St. Bernard. Both Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) and St. Bernard has almost same litter size. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low Maintenance. But St. Bernard requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
undefined
France
Switzerland
Height Male:
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
63 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
60 - 69 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
Weight Female:
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
52 - 85 kg
114 - 188 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
8 - 10 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
4 - 9
Size:
Medium
Giant
Other Names:
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
St. Bernhardshund Bernhardiner Alpine Mastiff (archaic)
Colors Available:
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
redish- Brown and white with a black mask to blond and white with black mask
Coat:
fine and short
rough or smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Constant
Temperament:
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Affectionate, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

braque francais pyrenean typeThe Braque Francais Gascognes and the Braque Francais Pyrenees are two alike dogs that are in reality separate breeds. The Pyrenees is not as rare as his larger brother, Gascognes. Around since the 15th century at least, not mush is really known about their origins. Because the Braque Francais was exported or taken to so many different countries in the 15th-18th centuries, a lot of information regarding the origins of the breeds were lost. There was a major study done in the 19th century that showed the two dogs came from very different blood lines. It is known that in this timeframe there was an acute need for a dog that was better than the current hunting breeds. This dog needed to be able to point, track, retrieve and flush.

With no authenticated story of origin, many myths have grown up in the vacuum. The most common belief is that the Chien d’Oysel, an ancient spaniel breed that was medium sized with brown or white fur and brown markings, is an ancestor of the Braque Francais and local hunting dogs. To make the Gascognes larger and stronger than the Pyrenees, local scent hounds were also crossed with these dogs. The Pyrenees does not have these scent hounds in their background.

Until the late 1800’s, there was only one type and one breed of Braque Francais. But when the breed was no longer the dogs of a nobility, the average hunter needed a smaller dog. Urbanization following the French Revolution added to this trend and the Pyrenees Mountain hunters crossed the Gascognes with smaller scent hounds and pointers. Thus, they created the Braque Francais Pyrenees and each dog became its own breed in 1920.

The Braque Francais breed club, including standards for both breeds was established in 1850 with the standards established in 1880. This acceptance was then followed by registration of both breeds in the International Kennel Club (FCI) and the French Kennel Club. Canada recognizes only the Gascoigne and the United Kennel Club (UKC) of the United States, recognized both. Neither breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

The Second World War was brutal to both types of the Braque Francais, but the Pyrenees have surpassed their sister breed and are the only one that has found its way to North America. The importers have started a breeding program in Canada. Later a few were imported to the States. There are currently at least four breeders in North America – 2 in the U.S. and 2 in Canada. It is thought that there are less than 200 Braque Francais Pyrenees living in North America.

st bernardThe St Bernard breed was once called the Alpine Cattle Dogs or the Alpine Mountain Dogs. They have always been farm dogs and mountain dogs in the French and Swiss Alps. They come from the border land of Switzerland and France. They were herding dogs, hunting, search and rescue, watchdogs and draft dogs.

Their ancestors are considered to include the Sennenhunds and molosser breeds that came to the Alps with the ancient Romans. There are four Sennenhund breeds that are believed to have contributed to the original St. Bernard. These included the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund), the Appenzeller (Appenzeller Sennenhund), the Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund) and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog (Entlebucher Sennenhund) Today the St. Bernard is considered a Molossoid breed.

The first we know of the St. Bernard in any written records was in 1707 at the Great St. Bernard Pass and Great St. Bernard Hospice run by monks. There were found paintings of the dogs dating back into the late 1600’s. It is told that Barry saved upward of 100 people in the St. Bernard pass, and it is from these stories that the dogs gained their snow rescue reputation.

The St. Bernard of that time did not look like the St. Bernard does today as there was much crossbreeding. Many dogs dies during rescues in the avalanches of the mid 1800’s and so they Saint was crossed with the Newfoundland to preserve the breed. You can today see the resemblance in the build and looks of the two breeds. This cross brought about the long haired St. Bernard whose fur was too heavy for rescues.

The St. Bernards of mountain rescue fame were only about the size of a German Shepherd dog and were short haired. After crossing with the Newfoundland and moving into clubs and dogs shows, they have been bred to be much larger. Before the stud book was closed, it is thought that many larger breeds such as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the English Mastiff, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Rottweiler, the Great Pyrenees, the English Bulldog, the Great Dane, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Boxer and the Caucasian Oycharka all contributed to today’s St. Bernard.

In 1884 The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded and the breed entered the Swiss Stud book as its first entry in 1884. It was 1888 when the standard was approved and the breed became the national dog of Switzerland. Before the name St. Bernard came to be common, these dogs might be called, Barry Dogs, Alepnmastiff, Noble Steeds or Saint Dogs.

The dogs came to England in the early 1800s and to the United States soon after. They were recognized by the European kennel clubs first and by the early 1900’s they were the most popular breed in the AKC.

Description

braque francais pyrenean type puppy - descriptionThe Braque Francais breeds are medium sized dogs with the Pyrenean standing 10 centimeters shorter than the Gascogne. They have a, white or chestnut brown coat with brown spots and a brown head. The Pyrenees has a head that is broader and ears that are not as long as the Gascogne. Their muzzle is narrower. He is strong, tall with hanging lips and square muzzles.

st bernard puppy - descriptionToday’s St. Bernard is not a large dog, he is a giant dog. Weighing in at 140-200 pounds and standing 28 to 35 inches tall, he is a lot of dog. Bred with mastiffs and large mountain dogs, they have proportional and powerful build. They are strong, sturdy and well muscled. They have either a smooth or rough (short or long) coat. Their eyes are brown or occasionally blue. They have tight lids, and square heads and muzzles.

There are two coat types called smooth and rough, or short and long. The smooth shorter coat is tough, flat and close against the body and the long, rough coat is dense, wavy and heavy around the legs, neck and ruff. Both types have long tails that hang low and are heavy. Saints are known to slobber, drool and snore.

Characteristics

braque francais pyrenean type dog - characteristicsThis is a sociable, lovable, friendly breed. They are gentle and docile dogs that want only to please you. They like children as well as adults and will never be a guard dog as they are friendly to strangers as well. The Braque Francais Pyrenees is affectionate while being highly skilled hunters. They are prone to severe separation anxiety if left alone for long. They might even have a tendency toward shyness.

1Children friendliness excellent

2.Special talents tracking

st bernard dog - characteristics3.Adaptability no - these are giant dogs that need a lot of room. A large fenced yard or farm is best. They won’t do well in an apartment. They need exercise every day and loping around a yard is very good for them. They love to play in the snow, carry a backpack or pull a cart. They love to have a “job”

4.Learning ability – They are smart and highly trainable if motivated. They may appear lazy but they are just laid back and need a motivation.

Health Problems

braque francais pyrenean type puppies - health problemsThe breed of Braque Francais in both its incarnations is generally a pretty healthy dog. They are prone to several issues including dysplasia of the elbow and hip, aortic stenosis, some eye issues and patellar luxation. The eye issues are around the lids and include ectropion and entropion along with cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These issues are not avoidable, but the risk can be reduced even more by breeder testing of parents of any litter and then test the litter. Both the OFA and CERF should conduct tests for the dysplasia (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and eyes (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

st bernard puppies - health problemsThe first problem this breed faces is how fast they grow and gain weight. This can lead to serious health issues if not controlled. Their bones can be damaged by this excessively fast rate of growth. Other issues facing the breed include:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Bloat – can be fatal if not treated immediately.
  • Bone Cancer or Osteosarcoma – tends to be fatal.
  • Entropion and Ectropion – eyelids turn in or out and can be corrected.
  • Epilepsy – controlled by medication
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy – can be fatal.
  • Eczema – skin disease can be treated.
  • Be careful of extreme heat.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

braque francais pyrenean type dogs - caringThis breed need a high energy food including raw meat such as chicken, fish, and beef. If feeding kibble, they need about 2.5 cups per day.

Health issues

Prone to inflammation and infections of the ears as they are long and floppy. Clean them regularly. As previously mention eye disorders, joint dysplasia and bloat.

Exercise and games

The Braque Francais Pyrenees is a fairly versatile hunting dog. They can hunt on all types of terrain by trailing, flushing and retrieving. They are quick and move quickly without actually sprinting. This dog needs serious exercise every day. They will walk or jog with you. They will run along side your bike. Whatever you choose to do, do it for an hour a day. Don’t make couch potatoes out of this breed. It will not turn out well if you do. They need a place where they can play off leash as well, such as a large yard or a dog park.

st bernard dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – You want to control their growth. Do not overfeed, and make sure they exercise but not too much. Feed a high quality large breed puppy food 3-4 X a day in small amounts.

2.Feeding the adult – The problem you face with he adult St. Bernard is the potential for Bloat. Don’t over feed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise. Feed 2-3 X a day in smaller amounts to prevent Bloat. Feed a high quality breed specific food if possible or an extra large breed formula.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and strength in cooler weather.

4. Games and Exercises They need exercise but not as much as you might think. The St. Bernard is a laid back lumbering character so don’t over exercise her. They enjoy weight and cart pulling but they are not athletes who enjoy frisbee or agility. Search and rescue trials and tracking trials are perfect athletic endeavors for them.

Comparison with other breeds

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