Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) is originated from France. Finnish Spitz may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Finnish Spitz may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Finnish Spitz may live 4 years less than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Finnish Spitz may have less litter size than Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type). Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) requires Low maintenance

History

finnish spitz - historyThe “barking Bird Dog” or Finnish Spitz was Developed in Finland. The breed is fearless and small with a different style than many other hunting dogs. He style of tracking is unusual and he indicated his quarry by barking. He was bred to hunt all sizes of prey from as large as bears to as small as squirrels. He was called the “Barking Bird Dig” because he pointed at the prey by barking and giving the hunter knowledge of the prey and an easy approach to it. In Finland, the Spitz is still a hunting dog. In 1979 The Finnish Spitz became the national dog of Finland.

Spitz-like dogs have been present in Finland for over 8000 years. It is believed that dogs living in higher latitudes had more in common with the Taymyr Wolf od North Asia than with the gray wolf. Tests indicate that the chance of the Spitz being related to the Taymyr is between 1.4&a and 27.3%. The Taymyr is extinct today. This shows that the present day dog descends from more than one type of wolf and more than one area. The Spitz was a favorite of the Finno-Ugrian tribes as he helped them find food. These tribes were pretty isolated until 1880. Then the Spitz were mated with other dogs and were almost extinct as a breed separate from all the other local dogs.

However, like many other breeds the Finnish Spitz found a savior. A Finnish huntsman, named Hugo Roos, noticed the native Finnish Spitz while he was hunting up North. He decided to breed dogs that were genuine Finnish Spitz without the blood of other breeds mixed in. After thirty years the current day Finnish Spitz was born.The latest breed standard was confirmed by the Love Finnish Kennel Club in 1996.

braque francais pyrenean type - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Finland
France
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
47 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
45 - 55 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
35 - 55 kg
77 - 122 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
32 - 52 kg
70 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
3 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
French Pointing Dog - Pyrenean Type; Braque Francais, de Petite Taille
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
mottled brown Chestnut brown, either solid or mixed with white. With or without ticking or roaning or tan markings
Coat:
double
fine and short
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

finnish spitz puppy - descriptionThe Finnish Spitz is balanced and symmetrical in body and females are longer than males. They have a very distinguishable prick, foxy ears and face. They have a smiling expression and a curved tail. They are a golden-red color with a double coat. The under coat is dense and soft While the top coat is stiff. Puppies often look like little red fox cubs. When born they are black, grey or brown with a lot of black. As an adult the pups grow up to be a mix of fawn and dark black. Lips, nose and rims of the eyes should be black.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

finnish spitz dog - characteristicsVery child friendly – loves to play with children as long as the children pay attention to them. If not, the Spitz will go elsewhere.

Special talents

They are independent thinkers and close to family but not strangers. They often “yodel” instead of howl.

Adaptability

Needs to be with people, bonds deeply with his humans. Most get along well with other dogs but because of their hunting instinct they are not good with small pets or birds.

Learning ability

They are smart and learn easily. They are great athletes and learn games and competition well.

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.

Health Problems

finnish spitz puppies - health problemsTypically, a somewhat healthy breed, the Finnish Spitz does struggle with a few genetic concerns. They have been known to suffer from:

  • Elbow dysplasia – Can cause arthritis
  • Patellar luxation – movement in the knee joints can cause lameness
  • Epilepsy – seizures can be controlled with medication
  • Hip dysplasia – Just like elbow dysplasia can cause arthritis

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).

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

finnish spitz dogs - caringDon’t overfeed the little guy. The Spitz had a good appetite for a dog its size and can gain weight quickly . Feed twice a day about 1/8th of a cup.

Feeding the adult

The same advice hold for the adult dog. Feed 1/4th of a cub of high quality dry food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

When the Spitz is a puppy you should limit strenuous exercise and jumping. Don’t spay neuter at too young an age. Wait until they are mature at 3-5 years of age.

Games and Exercises

Again do not exercise vigorously at too young an age. When older the Finnish Spitz will need a yard to run in and exercise to satisfy his hunting instincts. A long walk every day is a must.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  27. French Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  28. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  30. English Water Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  31. Field Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  32. Curly Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  33. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  34. Braque Francais vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  35. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  36. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  37. Slovakian Hound vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Small Munsterlander vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  39. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  40. Kooikerhondje vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  41. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. West Siberian Laika vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  43. Wetterhoun vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  46. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  47. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
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