Blue Picardy Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Blue Picardy Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed ComparisonBlue Picardy Spaniel is originated from France but Basque Shepherd is originated from Spain. Both Blue Picardy Spaniel and Basque Shepherd are of same height. Blue Picardy Spaniel may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Basque Shepherd. Both Blue Picardy Spaniel and Basque Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Blue Picardy Spaniel and Basque Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Blue Picardy Spaniel and Basque Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.

History

blue picardy spaniel - historyThe Blue Picardy Spaniel is a direct descendent of the French spaniel. It was in the 14th century that recorded descriptions of the French ‘setting dogs’ emerged but it is believed that the spaniel originated before that.

The spaniels separated into different regional types where size and colour varied according to the region they were in. It was developed in the northern part of France and bred with Gordon- and English Setters, resulting in a Belton blue color, which is a type of blue ticking coloration. The dog was recognized as a separate breed in France in 1938.

basque shepherd - historyThe Basque Shepherd is one of the oldest dog breeds. With this Spanish dog, you’ll find paintings dating back 12,000 years ago. The Basque Shepherd is known as a landrace breed, which means the dog hasn’t gone through the same selective breeding programs as what other breeds have. Landrace breeds have more variations in appearance and temperament than regular breeds.

The Basque Shepherd has 2 distinct varieties, the Gorbeiakoa and the Iletsua. The smooth-haired Gorbeiakoa has a softer coat that is fairly short while the rougher-haired Iletsua has a lighter coloured coat, and unlike the Gorbeiakoa, the ears are not typically erect.

Even though this is an ancient breed of dog, only the Royal Canine Society of Spain recognizes the breed with the two varieties, and in January 1996, the two breeds - Iletsua and Gorbeikoa – were recognized.

Description

His Looks

blue picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe medium-sized, well muscled Blue Picardy Spaniel has such an amicable expression on his face with such gentle brown eyes that it is difficult to think of him as a gun dog. He is often described as a quiet dog, but lots of fun. He has long legs and stands about 56–61 cm high at the withers, weighing about 19–20 kg. His speckled grey-blue coat with black patches is medium length and wavy and you’ll find typical Setter feathering on the legs, the tail and underside. The medium-length, drooping ears are also covered in silky, feathery hair, a blue/grey coat with black patches and has long feathering on the belly, legs, ears and tail. When the puppies are born they’re white with black patches, but this changes as they mature.

Temperament

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a loyal and devoted companion, who just loves to spend time with his human family. He loves to work hard and play hard and he makes a splendid family pet. He’ll also get along well with other pets. Treat him with love and care and you’ll find that the Blue Picardy Spaniel is an even-tempered pet who wants to please. Being alert, he will bark to warn you of strangers.

Two Varieties

basque shepherd puppy - descriptionThe Basque Shepherd is a strong, well proportioned dog with brown eyes and medium sized ears, which sometimes have folds. This medium-to-large dog has a beautiful fawn coat of medium-length hair that can be straight or slightly wavy. He has a long feathery tail that will wag readily when he sees his owner. You’ll find other colors for the Basque Shepherd shared between the two varieties - a yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black. His hair is shorter on the head and he doesn’t battle with hair over the eyes.

An Intelligent Breed

The Basque Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog and also very energetic. Of the two different kinds of Basque Shepherd, it is the Gorbeiakoa which is the more outgoing. The dogs will require a firm owner and they thrive on the discipline when it is combined with lots of with lots of exercise and activities.

The Basque Shepherd is generally friendly with people, if not a little reserved with strangers. He gets on well with children and other pets in the home, although socialization and training will be necessary to bring out their best.

Characteristics

blue picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Blue Picardy Spaniel is a gentle, intelligent breed and he responds well to training. He is such an easy going dog who wants to please his owners. They also do well with children and other pets, making him a wonderful family pet.

This excellent sporting dog bred in the Picardy region of France is sociable and amicable, a sought after companion animal in France. He is highly trainable breed and his wonderful nature makes him a wonderful choice for first-time dog owners. He is a gentle all-rounder who loves to be with family, making him an exceptional friend.

basque shepherd dog - characteristicsThe dog is well suited to being a family pet, loving to spend time with family, being a people-oriented breed. He gets on well with children as well as other pets in the home, but can be reserved with strangers.

He doesn’t have an aggressive nature, and yet he does what it takes to protect his beloved human family.

He is full of energy, hardy and tough. He loves his human family and wants to be included in all their activities. He is energetic though and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure that your Basque Shepherd has enough space to run.

Health Problems

No Genetic Health Problems

blue picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Blue Picardy Spaniel is considered a healthy breed and there are no known genetic health issues. He is a rare dog breed and not excessively bred, meaning they aren’t prone to genetic health problems. When he is loved and well looked after, he can reach 14 years of age and beyond.

You won’t find more health issues with this breed than with other gun dogs. Always be looking out for hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint. The socket of the hip is too shallow, resulting in damage to the joints of the dog, more so as it ages. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include stiffness and trouble with getting up after lying down.

basque shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause this is an ancient breed, the Basque Shepherd doesn’t have to contend with genetic health problems such as more modern breeds. Just like other dogs though, he could be prone to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, ear infections and cancer. As a larger breed, he may also be prone to bloat.

Chronic Ear Infections

Breeds with floppy ears, such as the Basque Shepherd will be more prone to developing ear infections. To prevent infection, keep his ears clean and dry. If you’re unsure, the vet can guide you how- and what to do.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a disease which is common to other dog breeds too and not just the Basque Shepherd. This condition affects the hip joints and can result in chronic pain for the dog and also lameness. Checking your dog’s weight is important and the pain can be managed with medication.

Caring The Pet

Food for an Active Breed

blue picardy spaniel dogs - caringThe Blue Picardy is an energetic gun dog and he will certainly require a good deal of exercise. If he isn’t running around on a farm you will need to take him for walks regularly or let him off the leash in the park. He is always ready for ball games and just loves to play. It’s why he gets on well with children too- he loves the fun and games he gets.

He’ll need a high quality dog food that has been specially formulated for high energy dogs. Always follow the directions on the packaging. Home made food with meat, rice and vegetables is always a welcome change and remember to ensure he gets some raw meat into his diet too. Never deprive him of fresh, cool water. This should be readily available to him 24/7.

Grooming

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a moderate shedder with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year. His grooming requirements are pretty moderate too and he will require a good brush twice a week to get rid of those loose hairs.

Other basic care for your beautiful pet includes clipping his nails, brushing his teeth 2 or 3 times a week, making use of a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste. His ears should certainly be checked for infection.

basque shepherd dogs - caringThis is a medium to large breed dog and he should therefore be fed a high quality food which has been formulated for medium to large breeds. Because he is a herding dog, you might want to also look at an active-dog or working-breed formula to supply him with that much needed energy.

Grooming

The Basque Shepherd’s coat is lush and long with either straight or wavy hair. Regular brush at least twice a week will maintain the coat, get rid of loose hair and prevent fleas.

Training

The Basque Shepherd is an intelligent breed that will respond well to socialization and training. He is a breed that loves sports too because of this very high energy levels. You need to be careful with the Basquae Shepherd around small children, not because he is aggressive in any way, but because he is highly active, and his exuberance and boisterous antics could see him unintentionally knocking over small children.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
Origin:
France
Spain
Height Male:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
47 - 61 cm
18 - 25 inches
Height Female:
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
46 - 59 cm
18 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
19 - 20 kg
41 - 45 pounds
17 - 29 kg
37 - 64 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
17 - 36 kg
37 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 13 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 9
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, Bleu Picard, Blue Picardy
Basque Herder, Basque Sheepdog
Colors Available:
Blue/grey coat with black patches
fawn, yellow orange or copper coat with other shades being red, blue and black
Coat:
medium length and wavy
smooth and soft to rough and coarse
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Pudelpointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. Picardy Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Braque d'Auvergne vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Ariege Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Border Collie vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. Sakhalin Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Husky vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  29. Catahoula Leopard vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  30. German Pinscher vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  31. Portuguese Water Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  32. Puli vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  33. Griffon Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Borador vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. German Spaniel vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Canadian Eskimo Dog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  37. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  38. Porcelaine vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  39. Finnish Lapphund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Berger Blanc Suisse vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Griffon Nivernais vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  42. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  44. Pumi vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  45. Griffon Fauve de Bretagne vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  46. Basque Shepherd vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  47. Basque Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  48. Basque Shepherd vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  49. Istrian Sheepdog vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. Jamthund vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds