English Mastiff vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison

English Mastiff vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed ComparisonEnglish Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom but Blue Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. English Mastiff may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Blue Picardy Spaniel. English Mastiff may weigh 93 kg / 206 pounds more than Blue Picardy Spaniel. Both English Mastiff and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Both English Mastiff and Blue Picardy Spaniel has almost same litter size. English Mastiff requires Low maintenance. But Blue Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate maintenance

History

english mastiff - historyThroughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.

There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.

There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.

During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.

There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North

Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.

The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.

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

english mastiff puppy - descriptionThe English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.

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

Children friendliness

english mastiff dog - characteristicsThe English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.

Special talents

This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.

Adaptability

This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.

Learning ability

The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.

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

english mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.

Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:

  1. Calluses –
  2. On their paws. Must be taken care of before infection sets in.
  3. Arthritis

A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.

Hygroma

A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.

Hip Dysplasia

Can result in lameness and arthritis.

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

english mastiff dogs - caringThis is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.

Feeding the puppy

The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.

From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.

From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.

As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.

Points for Good Health

The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.

Games and Exercises

This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.

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:
Molosser dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
54 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
19 - 20 kg
41 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
17 - 20 kg
37 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 12 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Epagneul Bleu de Picardie, Bleu Picard, Blue Picardy
Colors Available:
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Blue/grey coat with black patches
Coat:
fine, smooth
medium length and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal, Seasonal
Temperament:
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
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:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
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. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  28. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  29. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  37. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  38. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  40. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  41. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  42. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  43. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds