Dogo Cubano vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison

Dogo Cubano is originated from Cuba but Braque d'Auvergne is originated from France. Dogo Cubano may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Braque d'Auvergne. Dogo Cubano may weigh 16 kg / 35 pounds lesser than Braque d'Auvergne. Dogo Cubano may live 5 years less than Braque d'Auvergne. Both Dogo Cubano and Braque d'Auvergne has almost same litter size. Both Dogo Cubano and Braque d'Auvergne requires Low maintenance.

History

The Cuban Mastiff which came from Cuba, was developed from breeds of Mastiffs, Bulldogs and cattle dogs, with the breed being thought to be extinct since the end of the 19th century.

The Dogo Cubano had a number of roles to fulfill in its day and they were used for guarding stock, for dog fighting and for chasing runaway slaves. After the abolishment of slavery, the large dog had no real role and it died out.

Known also as the Cuban Mastiff or Mastin de Cuba, there isn’t much accuracy as to its origins, with the most common story for their origin being that they are descendants of the Molossus.

The dogs were later introduced into Western Europe, becoming fairly common in England and Spain. The dog was also was also mentioned in the works of canine authors Stonehenge and George Wood.

braque d auvergne - historySometime over 5 centuries ago, in the Cantal Region of France, was born a hunting breed, that might be the real ancestor of today’s pointing hunter dogs. Perhaps the oldest of all pointing gun dog is the Braque d’Auvergne. This breed comes from Central France in the region of Auvergne. This breed was developed prior to written dog breeding records in order to hunt in this region and find, point, flush out and retrieve fowl. This breed is clearly one of if not the oldest breeds in the French Braque. There is no agreement among historians on what breed is the oldest of the European pointing dogs and where they were developed – was it Spain or was it France? It is thought that the Braque Francais Gascogne is the original one of these in the early 1600’s while the Braque d’Auvergne came soon after. Due to the different hunting needs in the different parts of France, the Braque Francais Gascogne was crossed with a lot of other local scent hounds. The Braque d’Auvergne is one of the very oldest of all of these. There are records of the breeds existence in the 1700’s. It is probable that the Braque d’Auvergne was developed by crossing local dogs with Gascogne as well as with the Petit Bleu de Gascogne and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne.

In all of Western Europe, the region of Auvergne is not very populated and has unique geography in that is hilly and has many extinct and eroded volcanoes. A lot of the region is still unpopulated. In this environment, wildlife has flourished, and hunting is successful in providing food for the regions people. This circumstance with an abundance of birds, led to the breeding of the Braque Auvergne to specialize in hunting in this area. The breed is not very popular outside of Auvergne and probably never was. That fact allowed them to be devastated by the Second World War. The Reunion des Amateurs de Braque d’Auvergne (RABA) was started to promote the pure breeding and the protection of the d’Auvergnes. But when Auvergnes was occupied during the war, the slowed breeding of the Braque d ‘ Auvergne almost eliminated the breed. There might have only been about 25 dogs left following the end of the war. These remaining dogs were used to revive the breed, but it is still uncommon, but not rare. Individuals have been imported by other countries including North America. The United Kennel Club (UKC) accepted the breed in 2006 but is not accepted by the AKC (American Kennel Club). The breed is still a working breed and outside of France, very rare.

Description

The Dogo Cubano was generally similar to other Mastiffs and stood at rough 48 – 55cm in height and weighing in the region of 45kg.

He was a large dog, powerfully built, muscular and strong. Images of the dog show that it had strong, straight legs with a long tapering tail and medium-sized floppy ears that were sometimes cropped upwards and close to the head.

The dog breed came in a variety of colors such as brown, tan, fawn and brindle. The muzzle was broad and short and black. The dog had pronounced jowls with its face being fairly wrinkly.

Temperament:

This large dog was known for being a courageous, independent and aggressive dog. He became attached to his owner, showing protective characteristics .In those days the dog would have received simple training and certainly if such a large dog still existed today, it would have to receive training and socialization as well.

The Dogo Cubano was an intelligent dog and easily trainable, requiring an owner with a firm hand. Being an aggressive breed, the dog possibly wouldn’t have been the best companion for children. He also wouldn’t have got on too well with pets in the home as he was trained to be a fighter in his day. Independent and strong-willed, the dog would not have suited a novice dog owner.

braque d auvergne puppy - descriptionThe Braque d’Auvergne is a well built, strong hunting dog with long ears, a large head and a docked tail. His coat is white with black markings and black ears and head. The breed looks a lot like all the other pointing dogs from France. They are medium in stature and has the appearance of a working gundog. He is athletic, muscular and fit. Docking the tail is outlawed in many countries and all of the United Kingdom. In that case the tail is high on the rump and always straight. Their face and head are big for the size of the body and shaped like an oval. With a long muzzle, deep set eyes and a gentle expression, they are kindly and handsome dogs. Their skin is loose but not droopy or wrinkled like hound dogs.

Characteristics

The Dogo Cubano was bred to be a guard dog as well as for dog fighting, but this large dog, with training and socialization, no doubt became a loyal and devoted family pet.

It was actually a social dog, being aggressive towards other dogs. He would be described as a dog better suited to a home with older children.

He was protective with his human family but not very active, being too big to be leaping around like other dog breeds. It is a pity that this large dog has disappeared as he had some good qualities.

braque d auvergne dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, adaptable and obedient breed. With their intelligence and affectionate nature, they make great family dogs and are eager to please their people. Living with other dogs is fine but not with small, prey size animals. The Braque d’Auvergne should never be left alone pets like gerbils and hamsters. They must be socialized to cats as pets and not prey before living with them successfully. They need to work closely with one human partner. They are first and foremost a hunting dog and need some sort of hunting simulation. They are devoted to their families and want to be constantly in their presence. This can lead to separation anxiety if they are left alone too much. They are great with children and need a family.

Health Problems

The Dogo Cubano was a generally healthy breed, but just like with most other dog breeds, they were also prone to some of the more common dog problems. The chances of him getting sick were slim though.

When the dog first originated, there were unlikely to have been health clearance certificates, but today, you’d want health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.

The reason for this is that hip dysplasia is a heritable condition, seen more often in large dogs, where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly. The dog suffers with pain and discomfort and the condition can lead to lameness with the dog.

Gastric Torsion or Bloat is a life threatening condition that affects large dogs like the Dogo Cubano and those with deep chests. The stomach is distended with gas and it can twist.

The gas can’t escape and blood flow is hindered. The dog vomits, is lethargic and weak, and immediate veterinary help will be required.

braque d auvergne puppies - health problemsThe Braque d’Auvergne is a healthy breed but can face some of the same health concerns as other pointers and hunting dogs. The long, droopy ears can get infected easily if wet and need to be cleaned regularly so that food or dirt are not trapped their either. Because of the small gene pool however they may be at risk for several issues. The breeders in France express concerns about possible hip dysplasia and testing is highly recommended. Because they are at risk for other conditions that might not show up until later in life, it is also recommended that they be tested by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) as well as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Dogo Cubano was a large dog, so if he did become used to living in the city, he would have adapted better to life in the country.

He wasn’t a dog requiring too much exercise but he would have needed to go for walks. They were used as guard dogs long ago, and if he had been in existence today, you wouldn’t have been able to include him in your jogging and cycling as he was a dog that could easily overheat.

Diet:

Not all dogs require the same amount of food. Long ago the Dogo Cubano wouldn’t have had the same variety of dog foods available today. Maybe the dog in those days was fed the same kind of food that his owner ate.

Today, if these dogs were still around, they would require the best quality ‘large dog breed’ kibble.

The better the dog food, the more nourishing it is and the healthier the dog is. The Dog Cubano would likely have been a dog that drooled, leaving quite a bit of backwash in the water bowl, so it would have been important to wash out the drinking bowl and to regularly replace it with cool, fresh water.

Feeding

braque d auvergne dogs - caringThe Braque d’Auvergne needs a high-quality diet fit for a working dog but not too much to make him obese. They are an active breed to choose a formula that is designed for working dogs.

Health issues

Although no studies have been conducted on the Braque d’Auvergne’s health issues there are many conditions that similar breeds are susceptible to and the d’Auvergne might be as well. This includes any of the following:

  • Dysplasia – elbow and hip
  • Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip.
  • Aortic Stenosis (Narrowing of the aorta)
  • Luxating Patella or moving kneecaps
  • PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Demodex/Demodicosis/Demodectic Mange

Exercise and games

This is an active, working dog who needs a lot of stimulation and exercise. The only real appropriate exercise for these dogs is hunting or outings in the woods. He not only needs the exercise, but he also needs to stimulate his sense of smell and his gundog intelligence. He might excel in lure chase or even a form or barn hunt. They certainly could excel at obedience trials and perhaps rally. If you are a weekend hunter then this is the ideal dog for you. They are so easy to train that they surpass other pointers for success with casual hunters. They hunt at a slower pace than many other gundogs. Their intelligence and athleticism lend itself well to agility and flyball also. They need a large (+acres)fenced in area to run and play.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Cuba
France
Height Male:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
55 - 65 cm
21 - 26 inches
Height Female:
48 - 55 cm
18 - 22 inches
51 - 61 cm
20 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
48 - 62 kg
105 - 137 pounds
Weight Female:
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
43 - 57 kg
94 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Cuban Mastiff, Mastin de Cuba
Bleu d'Auvergne Braque d’Auvergne Pointer, Auvergne Pointer, Braque du Auvergne, Auvergnese Pointer, Auvergne Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointer, Auvergnese Pointing Dog, Auvergnian Pointing Dog French Pointer (Auvergne), Bleu d’Auvergne, Bleu de Auvergne
Colors Available:
brindle, Brown, fawn, tan
balck with white markings or mottled
Coat:
Short and smooth
short
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate, Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Outgoing, Social
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

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

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds