Boerboel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Boerboel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed ComparisonBoerboel is originated from South Africa but Blue Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Boerboel may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Boerboel may weigh 70 kg / 155 pounds more than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Both Boerboel and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Boerboel and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same litter size. Boerboel requires Low maintenance. But Blue Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

boerboel - historyThe name ‘Boerboel’ is derived from an Afrikaans/Dutch word, and the large Boerboel dog from South Africa has been specifically bred to be a farmer’s dog. Bred also to be a strong guard dog, the Boerboel is a mix of different African and European breeds, which in all likelihood, will include the Bullmastiff, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Bulldog. These dogs were used to hunt baboon and leopard.

There is some information that suggests that the Boerboel was brought to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. Other information suggest that the dog is a descendant of the old Boer Hund, a powerful animal which was invaluable to the farmer.

In was in January 2010, that the American Boerboel Club was elected as the AKC’s Parent Club. The Boerboel was accepted into the Miscellaneous Class in the Working dog group.

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.

Description

Looks

boerboel puppy - descriptionThe Boerboel is a big, strong dog with powerful muscles. His height is between 61 – 66cm. He is similar looking to the Boxer dog, just heavier and bigger. The head of the dog is broad and big and the short, smooth coat can be of various shades, with breeders trying to achieve a single color of light tan and with no white. Their coats can also be red, different shades of brown and brindle.

The dog has a black facial mask and the eyes are brown with the ears being of medium length and floppy. The Boerboel’s tail has always been docked, but today breeders are keeping the tail long. Many Boerboel lovers object to this, saying it detracts from the distinctive look of the Boerboel.

Temperament

The Boerboel can be a wonderfully loyal and loving pet to their owners. They are territorial dogs and suspicious of strangers. This is a dog where it is imperative that they receive training and socialization as a puppy. They have leanings towards being aggressive so they wouldn’t be recommended to first time dog owners, unless of course the first time owners are firm and strong.

Boerboels raised the right way can be gentle giants. They often get bad publicity as regards to aggression, but this is because of they way they have been raised. Boerboels have been bred to be tough and fearless and they make excellent watchdogs. When raised and trained correctly, they make awesome, devoted companions, even around children and other pets.

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.

Characteristics

boerboel dog - characteristicsA well trained, socialized Boerboel makes a splendid pet. This is one breed known to have excellent guard- and watch dog characteristics. Boerboels are known for being protective when necessary. When not on guard, they make wonderful pets. He’ll need plenty of exercise, but he loves to also spend time indoors with his human family.

This a a bold, fearless dog who becomes devoted to his family. With the right training he is obedient and affectionate and knows how to behave appropriately indoors- and outdoors. For such a big dog, the African Boeboel’s temperament can be surprisingly gentle and affectionate around the family that he loves.

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.

Health Problems

boerboel puppies - health problemsMany health problems experienced with any dog are found in the way dogs are fed, the way they are exercised and the way they are attended to when they are ill. Boerboels are healthy dogs and suffer fewer health defects than most similar breeds. The average life expectancy of a Boerboel is about 10 to 12 years. There are one or two health issues you’ll want to watch out for with your Boerboel.

Hip dysplasia

This aliment is typically found in large breed dogs. It’s a problem caused by a malformation of the hip joint. Over time hip dysplasia causes discomfort, pain and even arthritis and lameness. It is genetically inherited, with its severity being influenced by environmental factors. There are treatments available to alleviate the symptoms and make the dog more comfortable.

Obesity

The Boerboel has plenty of muscle mass, and because he is such a large dog with a big appetite, he can lean towards obesity. Plenty of activities will be imperative to maintain muscle mass and ward off obesity. Over-eating suppresses the immune system, so over-feeding your dog simply contributes to ill health.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming

boerboel dogs - caringBoerboels are a robust breed and their short hair doesn’t shed heavily. Your Boerbul will require a thorough brushing twice a week to remove loose hair and to keep the coat shiny and healthy.

Boerboels, just like any other dog, should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Left unattended, your pet can battle with tooth decay and gum disease.

Feeding

Your Boerboel puppy will need ‘large breed puppy’ dog food. Speak to your veterinarian about wet- or dry kibble choices. An adult Boerboel will certainly need raw meat in his diet. When you do research, you find that the best Boerboel breeders are advocates for raw feeding. Home made food with rice, vegetables and meat as well as the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods for large breeds are excellent choices but raw meat is imperative as part of every dog’s diet.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
South Africa
France
Height Male:
64 - 70 cm
25 - 28 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
59 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
70 - 90 kg
154 - 199 pounds
19 - 20 kg
41 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
68 - 90 kg
149 - 199 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
South African Boerboel, African Boerboel, South African Mastiff, African Mastiff
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, Bleu Picard, Blue Picardy
Colors Available:
Fawn, Red, Brown, Brindle
Blue/grey coat with black patches
Coat:
Short and dense
medium length and wavy
Shedding:
Minimal, Constant
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  2. Bullmastiff vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  3. Great Pyrenees vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  4. Boerboel vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  5. Boerboel vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  6. Boerboel vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  7. Boerboel vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  8. Boerboel vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  9. Boerboel vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  10. Boerboel vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  11. Boerboel vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  12. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  13. Boerboel vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  14. Boerboel vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  15. Boerboel vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  16. Boerboel vs Alano Espanol - Breed Comparison
  17. Boerboel vs Antebellum Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  18. Presa Canario vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  19. Labrador Husky vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Argentine Dogo vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  21. Giant Schnauzer vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  22. Goldador vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  23. Dogo Cubano vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  24. Dogo Sardesco vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  25. Central Asian Shepherd vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Boykin Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. Pudelpointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Picardy Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque d'Auvergne vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Ariege Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Irish Water Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds