Finnish Spitz vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison

Finnish Spitz vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed ComparisonFinnish Spitz is originated from Finland but Briquet Griffon Vendeen is originated from France. Both Finnish Spitz and Briquet Griffon Vendeen are having almost same height. Finnish Spitz may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Finnish Spitz may live 3 years less than Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Both Finnish Spitz and Briquet Griffon Vendeen has same litter size. Finnish Spitz requires Moderate maintenance. But Briquet Griffon Vendeen requires High 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.

briquet griffon vendeen - historyThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen, a product of France is a hunting down bred down from the Grand Griffon Vendeen. The two dogs are descendants of the Gaul’s Canis sequsius and the Gris de St. Louis hounds. They are one of four dogs with rough coats from the Vendeen area along France’s west coast. Many of these lines were decimated by the Second World War and are still not found in France today.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen survived the war due to a French dog show judge named Hubert Dezamy, who restored the breed and it is mainly a show dog today. Many of Frances royalty prior to the French Revolution favored the breed as show dogs as well. The Briquet was originally developed for hunting of smaller game and is a scent hound. The larger Grand Griffon Vendeen was used in the hunt for large game, namely wolves and boar.

The Briquet Griffon Vendeen is recognized by the UKC and the FCI but not by the AKC and the breed is hardly known outside of France

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.

briquet griffon vendeen puppy - descriptionThis medium sized dog is stocky and well proportioned. He looks very much like the Grand Griffon Vendeen only smaller. It is less muscular than other hound dogs and it holds its tail up when working. The head is short with a medium/long muzzle. It has low set ears and a flat skull with large, dark eyes and pronounced eyebrows. It also has a mustache.

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.

briquet griffon vendeen dog - characteristicsThe Briquet Griffon Vendeen is a smart, attentive and sensitive dog. It is easy to train. They are loyal and bond quickly with their owner/trainer. These are enthusiastic dogs with a lot of stamina and get along with dogs and children. They don’t like to be told what to do. They respond well if you bribe them with treats or play with them. They are patient, extroverted and happy dogs.

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

briquet griffon vendeen puppies - health problemsThey are bred to be healthy and hardy, but still have some health concerns. These include:

Aseptic Meningitis

This is a frightening disease if you find your dog has it. It is characterized by a high fever and an intense hypersensitivity to touch. Aseptic Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused by an infection and the most common ones include:

Ear infections

Sinus infection

Bite wounds – infected

Severe Allergic Reaction to something – may take medication

Ear Infections – long droopy ears can get infected

Deafness – white dog can be born deaf

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – bone doesn’t fit well into joint

Patellar luxation – dislocated knee cap

Glaucoma- Increased pressure in the eyes

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy - Seizures

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

briquet griffon vendeen dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Briquet Griffon Vendeen. Give her at least 2 meals of high quality dry food – two and one half to three cups daily.

Health issues

Aseptic Meningitis can result in death.

Ear Infections can cause meningitis

Deafness – born with this

Hypothyroidism

Hip dysplasia – lameness, arthritis

Patellar luxation - lameness

Glaucoma - blindness

Eye Issues -blindness

Skin and Food Allergies

Epilepsy – could be fatal

Exercise and games

Every type of Griffon is a strong hunter and has strong instincts. The Briquet is no different. They need to be able to hunt as this is one of the strongest of scent hounds. They need a fenced in yard at the very least to explore and smell. They also enjoy long walks with new smells. Stay in shape because your Briquet Griffon Vendeen has stamina to share.

They love to play in leu of hunting. The games they love include frisbee, retrieving balls, and learning new tricks. They need mental stimulation as well as physical.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Finland
France
Height Male:
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
50 - 55 cm
19 - 22 inches
Height Female:
39 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
12 - 15 kg
26 - 34 pounds
22 - 24 kg
48 - 53 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
20 - 22 kg
44 - 49 pounds
Life Span:
9 - 11 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Finnish Hunting Dog Finnish Spets Finsk Spets Loulou Finois Suomalainen pystykorva Suomenpystykorva
Medium Vendéen Griffon
Colors Available:
golden-red with variations from pale honey to dark chestnut
white and orange, tricolor, White and black, black and tan
Coat:
double
double
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pharaoh Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  2. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  3. Hungarian Vizsla vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  4. Redbone Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  5. Norwegian Elkhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  6. Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  7. Santal Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  8. English Coonhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  9. Podenco Canario vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  10. Dunker vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  11. Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  12. Chippiparai vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  13. Podenco Andaluz vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  14. Podenco Galego vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  15. English Foxhound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  16. Estonian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  17. Grand Griffon Vendeen vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  18. Hamiltonstovare vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  19. Kanni vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  20. Lithuanian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  21. Hungarian Hound vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Hygenhund vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  23. Norrbottenspets vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  24. Chinese Chongqing Dog vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  25. Combai vs Briquet Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  26. French Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  27. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  28. Finnish Spitz vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  29. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Finnish Spitz vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  31. Finnish Spitz vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  32. Finnish Spitz vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Finnish Spitz vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Finnish Spitz vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  35. Finnish Spitz vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  36. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  37. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  38. Finnish Spitz vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  40. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  41. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  43. Slovakian Hound vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  44. Small Munsterlander vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  45. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  46. Kooikerhondje vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds